istanbul

February 4, 2011
brilliant light
i'd like to name her sofia
chandelier
brilliant walls
a library
a blue mosque and a blue sky
ceilings and stained glass
inside the blue mosque
During the last week of my trip to Greece, we took a cruise around the Aegean Sea with our first port in Istanbul. I hadn't anticipated going to Turkey but everything just worked out.

Istanbul was witness to a lot of "firsts" for me. Cab racing. Dining and dashing (we were willing to pay for the fancy dinner until they wanted €500 for one bottle of vodka and five Red Bulls that we didn't ask for). My first and only hookah (mint, and exquisite). And stepping into another culture's holy place.

The last three photos are of the Blue Mosque. Even when I tip-toed with my bare feet, I still felt like I was intruding as I saw so many people bent in prayer. We all felt so small in such a big mosque, but in the best way possible. Then there was the Hagia Sofia. I know that no one worships in the Hagia Sofia, but with the detailed walls and streaming sunlight, I easily could have. It was breathtaking.
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15 comments:

  1. Mice AlilingFebruary 4, 2011 at 1:56 AM

    Nice, I also have the kitty photo in hagia sophia :)

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/mice_aliling/5415621022/

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  2. Brenna [fabuleuxdestin]February 4, 2011 at 2:02 AM

    I am dying to go to Turkey! It's on the top of my list!

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  3. AnonymousFebruary 4, 2011 at 4:01 AM

    Istanbul looks like such a beautiful country! I'd definitely love to visit one day. x

    [Check out my blog @ http://cagedteaparty.blogspot.com/]

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  4. Courtney at SL's No EnnuiFebruary 4, 2011 at 4:29 AM

    Besutifully said: "...stepping into another culture's Holy place."

    Wow, the photos! Love the last one.

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  5. MackenzieFebruary 4, 2011 at 5:50 AM

    oh my lord. you are living my dream. the blue mosque has been on my list of to-sees since i was probably 14.

    yes, i watched too much samantha brown and "globetrekker" as a 14 year old.

    but oh my, that is amazing! consider your life envied :)

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  6. kELLYFebruary 4, 2011 at 5:54 AM

    we are going to istanbul in april- good to know about the vodka! can't wait to try real hookah. not like a gross bars here. cool pictures!

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  7. Professor Fancy PantsFebruary 4, 2011 at 6:01 AM

    I think I am actually green with envy!! So pretty. So very pretty!!

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  8. AshleyFebruary 4, 2011 at 10:05 AM

    I've always wanted to visit there! One day soon I hope! :) These photos are breathtaking...xox

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  9. SarahFebruary 4, 2011 at 10:08 AM

    so beautiful - i love the lights in the last photo!

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  10. AnonymousFebruary 4, 2011 at 10:37 AM

    wow, it's BEAUTIFUL there!

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  11. Jenni Austria GermanyFebruary 5, 2011 at 3:48 AM

    i've never made it that far east. i want to, though. i'd loooove the food.

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  12. kimbirdyFebruary 5, 2011 at 10:52 AM

    WOW!!! that looks/sounds like the most magical, amazing experience. i would love to go there!

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  13. kFebruary 6, 2011 at 4:40 AM

    your pics turned out so well! i love how you capture the light!

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  14. jenyFebruary 6, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    Your pictures are beautiful, but it's your storytelling that really brings them to life. Thanks for stopping by my blog last week. I am your newest follwer :) PS When I was thinking about changing the name of my blog I thought of love, wanderlust & art. I have serious wanderlust.

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  15. JessicaFebruary 9, 2011 at 5:56 AM

    What gorgeous pictures - this makes me want to visit so very much!

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