Fred's zoom lens hard at work as we sailed up the European coast of Istanbul and back down the Asian coast. A vast, sprawling city heaving with people. Loved the perspective of the city from the sea.
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| Istanbul from the Bosphorus Strait |
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| Majesty of the Hagia Sophia |
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| Galata Tower |
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| Detail of the vast Dolmabahce Palace |
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| Maiden Tower off the Asian coast of the Strait |
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| The Blue Mosque from the Bosphorus Strait |
The At Meydani Park reveals the fascinating blend of the history of Istanbul reflected in the Egyptian Obelisk, the Delphi Serpent Column and the minarets of the mosques. A history that spans many centuries, from Roman Emperors to Ottoman Sultans to modern day Turkey. A history of religions that have shaped this city.
As I sit Fred talks about the history in detail, I sort of listen but mostly I am just observing the ebb and flow around me.
What a surprising tourist attraction. This huge, palace-like underground hall, supported by 336 columns in 12 rows is a marvel! The cistern stored 100 000 tonnes of water for the Byzantine emperors. Istanbul, surrounded by sea wherever you look, is fresh water poor.
And like all good tourist attractions the intriguing Medusa stones at the base of two columns, one Medusa upside down and the other on her side, made a focal point that is fascinating and rather quirky.
The sculptures that 'float' in the water are quite beautiful. Having seen the jellyfish of the Bosporous, these blown glass and scrap metal sculptures were my favourite.
And I feel like we have landed, the call to prayer ringing out across the Sultanahmet Square, the late afternoon light on the Aya Sofya, carpet sales hustlers, street food vendors with corn on the cob, roasted chestnuts, and of course the ring-shaped Turkish bagels called simits, which are on the menu for tomorrow.
"Winter is not a season, it's a celebration" -Anamika Mishra
"We have made it to the end of the year. The colder weather reminds us that we are in the winter season. You need no better reason to curl up with a book, a blanket, and a warm beverage. This is the season of celebrating holidays, family, friends and sharing gifts."
When I was thinking of a title for our winter trip to the USA, this piece by Anamika Mishra resonated. I find winter quite magical and there is something rather subversive about sneaking away from summer here at home and venturing into the Northern Hemisphere winter for three months.
It's been a year since we spent time with our little family in France, swimming, exploring, finding the best ice-cream, shopping at the French markets and exploring Paris, and of course the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
So how about walking the littley's to school, reading books with James and Kirstie; a ghoulish Halloween evening; an NFL game; an Ice-Hockey game; a ballet for Xmas; a road trip into Utah; Thanksgiving in the Rockies; trendy Bend, Oregon for a week; Shawni turning 40; Xmas lights in Seattle; Christmas morning with our grandchildren; discovering the coffee culture of Seattle; exploring a new city; a revisit to the Pike Place Market; a harbour cruise; bracing walks and hikes; knitting, reading and keeping cosy; searching for owls to add to my bird list; a visit to the majestic Mount Rainier; and just easing into family life...
It is a celebration indeed.
