Last week was so unbelievably busy that I didn't even have a chance to blog about our travel plans. Yes...we are on the road again. This time landing in Istanbul, Turkey. Now...before you start thinking that perhaps I am really an international spy, let me explain. Much of the travel that we do is for my husband's work, but in order to keep his work confidential, I rarely mention it. But...that should help clear up the fishy issue of our bulging passports!
Anyway, Friday night we flew out of Boston to Munich, and from there to Istanbul, arriving late in the afternoon on Saturday. We spent Sunday in the company of friends, and made sure to get to bed nice and early (jet lag is a killer). This morning I headed off to the Grand Bazaar, an indoor marketplace full of touristy kitsch and the occasional treasure.
The only thing that really caught my eye were these gorgeous Turkish ceramics, of which I bought a set of ice cream bowls. Aren't the colors just so rich and lovely?
After that touristy scene, I headed out into the streets, wandering around until I found the perfect kebab place to stop for lunch. While strolling, the Muslim call for prayer rang out and surprised me with its volume. It was only when I looked up that I realized I was surrounded on all sides by beautiful mosques...all with their speakers blaring.
Just take a look...the skyline is covered with the speaker towers of mosques...simply amazing.
The architectural details on each mosque are just incredible. I especially loved this jade green window...what beautiful, intricate carvings.
So tonight, the plan is to have a leisurely dinner on the bank of the Bosphorus River. I am just loving the Mediterranean cuisine, which is (besides kebabs) heavily vegetarian. Think delicious stuffed grape leaves, rice, grilled vegetables, stuffed eggplant and heavenly salads, dressed with pomegranate molasses.
So there you have...
that is where I disappeared to! I promise many more posts from Istanbul, including a tour of a to-die-for textile shop tomorrow. Stay tuned!
Posts
Oooooh! I love Turkey! Was there for study abroad awhile back! 'Took a ton of photos, it's such a beautiful place!
wow you're so lucky! but i must admit feeling pretty lucky myself, getting to look at all your beautiful photos and hear about the wonderful places you visit!
Wow! How lucky that you get to travel around the world. I'm jealous!
man oh man! so dreamy-- I could almost SMELL those kebabs . . yum -- what a life your are living Miss Lavender . . . smooch, E
Oh, my goodness!! I LOVE those bowls!! I would have bought all that I could possibly carry and/or mail back home. They're beautiful!!
I also studied abroad in Turkey. I love Istanbul. If you get the chance you should check out Bursa, but if you're really feeling adventurous you should head to Kangal and go to one of the spas with "doctor fish." One of the most memorable travel experiences I've ever had. http://thermalspring.blogspot.com/2006/09/kangal-thermal-fish-spring.html
As always, so beautiful.
Istanbul is high on my list of places I want to see - have fun!
what a lucky gal!! your images are amazing!! i feel like i'm there with you!! :) enjoy every moment!
*
beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
Brilliant travel photos! You captured the essence of the market and the people.