Sunday, June 20, 2010

TURKEY: ISTANBUL, NOT CONSTANTINOPLE

We having one of those experiences we never thought possible. We we were growing up and even during the first dozen years or so of our marriage, a trip to this part of the world seemed impossible. It's just amazing to be here.

The Spice Market of Istanbul. Rachael, eat your heart out.

Bob taking possibly his 493rd picture (after 3 days).

Old and new (mosque and modern art)


Ablution fountain outside the "New Mosque" (built in the 1500s)
where the faithful wash before going inside for prayer.


New Mosque ceiling

READING:
The second in a series, Amazing Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman is a light, fun vacation read. The titular character is a grandmother-cum-CIA operative who, in this book, is sent to Istanbul to rescue a defecting Soviet agent. I don't want to give away too much of the plot, but many of the sights and sounds of Istanbul are cleverly woven into this charming novel full of interesting and likable characters.




8 comments:

  1. Those pictures are incredible. Sounds like you are having a wonderful time.

    ReplyDelete
  2. That ceiling. Wow.
    Eileen
    Even the spices . . .

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm with Bob on the photo thing. Just buy more digital storage cards for the camera and keep snapping away. You need a camera too (more cards!).

    This is amazing. I love that we're seeing it through your eyes. Thanks for the post.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh my goodness, I am so jealous! I have heard about those spice markets and am dying to go!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Looks like you guys are having a lot of fun! It looks like an amazing place!

    ReplyDelete
  6. the contemporary art is by Matthew Ritchie! Great photo!

    ReplyDelete
  7. It was an awesome sculpture. There were speakers hidden in it that broadcast various noises at different times--pings, clashes, etc. You could walk through it--an iron forest.

    ReplyDelete