As Mitch and Tyler are still here, I'll only take a few minutes to post this, with more to follow after they leave.
Peggy, Sam, and I flew to Istanbul last Friday morning, and met Tyler and Mitch at the Ataturk Airport. We already had rooms reserved and had hired a van to pick us up. (When we arrived we were told that our rooms were given to others and we were put up in a neighboring hotel a few blocks away. Peggy's persistence got the airport transports for free for our troubles)
So, from Friday at about 1:30 until dark on Saturday we did a lot. So, we toured the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, The Hippodrome (chariot races) and its Obelisks (think Washington Monument), The Grand Bazaar (twice), Spice Bazaar, Galata Tower, and walked by/visited the Haghia Sophia, Galata Bridge, Istikial Caddesi (modern shopping district), St. Anthony and St. Mary's Catholic Churches (and heard the Ava Maria sung and witnessed the last 5 minutes of a wedding!), and a Greek Orthodox Church (plus consulate/embassy from countries and lots and lots and lots of merchant shops.
Peggy, Sam, and I flew to Istanbul last Friday morning, and met Tyler and Mitch at the Ataturk Airport. We already had rooms reserved and had hired a van to pick us up. (When we arrived we were told that our rooms were given to others and we were put up in a neighboring hotel a few blocks away. Peggy's persistence got the airport transports for free for our troubles)
So, from Friday at about 1:30 until dark on Saturday we did a lot. So, we toured the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, The Hippodrome (chariot races) and its Obelisks (think Washington Monument), The Grand Bazaar (twice), Spice Bazaar, Galata Tower, and walked by/visited the Haghia Sophia, Galata Bridge, Istikial Caddesi (modern shopping district), St. Anthony and St. Mary's Catholic Churches (and heard the Ava Maria sung and witnessed the last 5 minutes of a wedding!), and a Greek Orthodox Church (plus consulate/embassy from countries and lots and lots and lots of merchant shops.
Yes it rained Friday afternoon. Outside one of the entrances to the Grand bazaar
Enjoying a "happy hour" in the shadow of the Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque Friday night
Dinner on cushions "Turkish" style
In front of the Haghia Sophia
The Blue Mosque
Entrance to the Topkapi Palace. Most amazing: Moses' staff, David's sword, Joseph's turban, Mohammad's hair from his beard
From top of the Galata Tower
St. Mary's Catholic Church
St. Anthony's with a banner of the new pope
We estimate we walked at least 8 miles over the 2 days. Plus we took the tram whenever we could! We all left Istanbul at 6:00 am Sunday, with Sam starting his return trip, and the rest of us off to Ankara for the week.
No comments:
Post a Comment