Tag Archives: Turkey

Photo of my Day: A Long Walk Home

24 Thursday Jan 2013

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Heading uphill.

The other day we strayed from our routine of walking only on the waterfront and crossed the street (HUGE, I know!).

 I was actually really surprised at how different the perspective was, by making such a slight change.

We saw things we had never seen but had always passed because we were looking the other way: stained glass we hadn’t noticed, a beautiful graffito that I liked. I also caught a glimpse of this elderly woman on her way somewhere. Maybe home, maybe not. But wherever she was going, I hope she enjoyed the journey.

Topkapı Palace: Stomping Grounds of the Ottoman Sultans

23 Wednesday Jan 2013

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When I think of a palace, I think of Disney. And lush gardens, and over-the-top architecture, and lots of bling. Although my trip to Topkapı didn’t include a Cinderella sighting (I suppose that’d be more of a castle, wouldn’t it? Is there a difference? Someone help me out with this…), I was certainly impressed by its grandeur.But wait…Topkapwha? 
 Here are the basics:

  • Topkapı Palace began being built in 1459 by Sultan Mehmed II, who was responsible for conquering Constantinople.
  • It was home to the sultans and their courts until 1856, when the sultan moved to Dolmabahçe Palace.
  • It has been a museum since 1924.
  • A treasury, kitchens, mosques, stables, baths and even a circumcision room are all part of the palace complex
  • There are 4 main courtyards

Obviously there is a lot more history and information about the palace, but you get the idea. The people who lived on the palace grounds essentially never had to leave–they had everything they needed there!

Topkapı Palace: Stomping Grounds of the Ottoman Sultans
Entrance to Topkapı-The Imperial Gate
The Street of the Council was used for imperial processions. It leads to the next courtyard.

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Photo of My Day: Harbor Hounds

21 Monday Jan 2013

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Doggies appreciating the beautiful January day in Sariyer, Istanbul.

Our neighborhood has dozens of stray dogs who wander the streets. Boris has named many of them and since arriving, a couple newbies have showed up whose monikers I’ve helped coin: Prince Graceful, Mange, Spotty, Beyaz Peynir to name a few.

We spotted the two above during our walk along the waterfront. The golden looking out along the water looked so wistful and wise, so we named him Odysseus. The dog hanging out with him doesn’t have a name as appropriate to share, as one time she chased Boris down the street and he doesn’t like her temperament very much… 🙂

Bumbling Chats: Meet Mehmet

18 Friday Jan 2013

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Over the past months I have been privileged to meet many people–other travelers, locals who have opened up their cultures and homes to us, and more. Mehmet is one such person. He drove us through the crazy streets of Ankara, taught us about Şalgam, and we now call him a friend.

Mehmet and I sat down today during his visit to Istanbul and talked a bit about why he loves this city, how he’d like to travel through Europe and more.

Bumbling Chats: Meet Mehmet
Mehmet pours raki, the national drink of Turkey.

What is your name? Mehmet.

How old are you? I am 22. 

Where are you from? I was born in Ankara but my family came from Kars, in eastern Turkey. I live in Ankara.

What do you like to do in your city? Now I am just a student in Ankara. I live with  my family. I am waiting to finish my university, and for now I am not sure when I will finish university or where I will go after. Probably I will come to Istanbul because my work is public relations and advertising. Advertising is best in Istanbul. 

Without school, I go to the bar with my friends and drink raki, a Turkish drink like ouzo. It’s famous. I also go to the cinema with my friends, I am interested in movies.

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Istanbul in the Snow: A Photo Essay

11 Friday Jan 2013

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They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and sometimes, they’re right.

Instead of going on and on about how I’ve never experienced a real winter in my life, I’ll spare you all my thoughts on how magical everything looks in the snow and instead give you a glimpse of the images I captured the other day on our walk around our neighborhood in Istanbul, Sariyer, which has a fishing village feel along the Bosphorus.
The view from the end of an alleyway.
Just look how snow transforms everyday objects like scaffolding into something pretty and poetic! Zounds!
Roses in the snow.
The mosque near our apartment.
Looks like a few folks still wanted to play on the playground in the bad weather.
The fishermen are there selling their fresh wares come rain or come shine.
These boats aren’t goin’ anywhere today.
Neither are these, I reckon…
All the stray doggies like looking pensive in the snow.
Ataturk looking stately in front of the Turkish flag.
Yes, that is our neighborhood Burger King in the background…
Side-by-side footprints in the snow.

 

4 Ways To Save Money in Istanbul

05 Saturday Jan 2013

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Istanbul is one of those cities that is surrounded by some sort of mystery. Enchantment, some might call it. And enchanting it is. Just walk along the pier and watch the fishermen, meander through the bazaar, or soak in the minaret-studded skyline at dusk and you’ll know it is somewhere special.

The view from our (super cheap) ferry ride.


Like any other big tourist hub, though, Istanbul is certainly a place where–if you’re not careful–your money will slip through your fingers. So how to avoid it? Here are 5 tips to keep your pocketbook balanced and your wanderlust sated!
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A White (Istanbul) Christmas

26 Wednesday Dec 2012

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2012 marked my first year away from family for Christmas. Thanksgivings I’ve done, 4th of Julys, New Year’s Eve, but Christmas and, now that I think about it, my birthday, have always been spent in the raucous company of my beloved family.
Admittedly, I was apprehensive about this. I am very close with my family, and I”m a sucker for tradition, so I wasn’t sure how well I’d adjust to being away from Tucson for this holiday. I expected to cry a lot over Skype.
I’m glad that’s not what happened. 
Belgrad Forest
 

Kitties of Ayvalik: A Photo Essay

31 Friday Aug 2012

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Boris & I recently spent some time in Ayvalik, Turkey, which is in northwestern Turkey on the coast. From there, we hopped a ferry to Lesvos, but not before seeing some kitties ham-ing it up.
I thought this kitty was dead, but he was just sleeping.

Book kitty! 

Much more excited book kitty.

I love how the little guy is eavesdropping their conversation.

Dinner time: pasta from the dumpster.

THIS is what I should have put for my green entry on Capture the Colour. Oh, well. I love how colorful Turkish buildings are.

Sleepy kitty.

This cat had the most piercing eyes, and it approached, sat, and posed 100% for the camera.