Istanbul, december 26, 2014

welcome to Istanbul, Turkey.  One of my new favorite cities.  I can't put my finger on the exact reason I like it so much.  I just do.
Istanbul has been the seat of government for several empires, Islamic, as well as Christian.  it is hard to walk more than a block without running into a mosque or Christian church, and it is not always easy to tell them apart because as new empires moved in, they changed the faith practiced in the structure, not the structure to the faith.

The Blue Mosque

Hague Sophia.  originally a Mosque,  changed to a Christian church,  now a museum

another view of the Blue Mosque

Hague Sophia at night

turkey is currently dealing with some political fallout.  I do not know the small details but apparently a percentage of the population feel that the current government is stealing money and abusing its power.  lately student have been holding demonstrations against the current president and his team.  on our second night there was a very large demonstration that became uncomfortable close to rioting.  we were in a restaurant not far from a large square that was a main gathering point for students.  we saw a lot of people running back and forth down the street. lots of yelling.  lots of chanting.   the restaurant proprietor insisted all was safe as they moved all their plants and advertisements from sidewalk into the restaurant.  other patrons where curious, but not concerned.  At that point I was not that concerned either.  I did get up and check the restaurant for a back exit for an escape plan if needed.  we continued with our dinner as things got more hectic.  I was facing the front window, so watched as people started dragging wooden desks and other stuff up the street.  a few minutes later there was a large bonfire blazing.  we finished dinner asap, paid, and left the scene.  outside was crowded but calm.  no one threatening anyone.  just a bunch of slogan chanting  down with the establishment kind of stuff.  a lot of people on the sidelines just watching.  we returned to our hotel on a side street a few blocks from the main road.  the noise and crowd continued late into the night, and eventually reached the area of our hotel.  at one point a tear-gas bomb was thrown down our street, and all the students took off running.  we were on the second floor just watching the drama.  interesting evening.  next day all was back to normal.  life as usual for the locals.

students getting some angst out

don't worry, I'm getting her out of there.  jeez, can't even enjoy a good bon-fire any more.

 Istanbul is where the the asian continent meets the european continent.  Not sure if that is a literal or traditional description,  but the west side of the Bosporus waterway (large river) is called "the european side," and a ferry ride across the Bosporus to the east you stand on "the asian side." we spent the majority of time on the european side, but enjoyed  a few ferry rides to asia and back.  the skyline of the city is dotted with large islamic mosques, and other centuries old structures.  it's ancient, and mysterious in the morning mist. I kept expecting james bond to go speeding by chased by the bad guys.

on the way back from Asia

 Istanbul is also home to the "grand bazaar,"  the largest market I have ever visited.  this market was a very cool,  but no longer authentic.  it was clean and well organized, and busy, but catered more to tourists and what they might want to bring home vs.  the locals and their everyday needs.

Corrinne had a sign made for her room

The Whirling Dervishes are a sect of Muslims that believe their dance ( and I am sure other practices that I am unaware of) helps them  become closer to God.  we watched a version of their practice, which consisted of about 45 minutes of whirling around in a circle.  I am uneducated on this spiritual practice. I assume it works for them,  they keep doing it,  and non of them threw-up.

Istanbul is foodie heaven. lots of great restaurants with prices comparable the the US.  A nice change from the frustrating lack of value found in Spain.   We stayed in Istanbul for a week, over the new year and returned to Spain on Jan 3.

Corrinne with her new-years eve shake

News years dinner

Happy 2014,  Corrinne after a few new years eve shakes.  party girl.