Monday, June 17, 2013
Reflections on Turkish Cabbies
Gravity defyin',
F1 racin',
wild tailgatin',
seatbelt shunnin',
no signal snap lane-changin',
wrong way on a 1-way speedin',
cell phone screamin',
blind corner blind faithin'
kkkrazy mofo's.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Last Day in Turkey
(Click images to enlarge)
Two of the columns feature the face of Medusa, who was said to turn to stone those who met her gaze. It is widely thought that the base sculptures are upside down and sideways to offset the power of the Gorgon Medusa's gaze.
Oya's new Istanbul summer home! ;)
Now THIS is real street food! Galata bridge and tower in the background.
Eminönü Camii - New Mosque
Yummmm, gevrek!
And quite the balancing act. I'd call this the nibbles tour of Istanbul.
A play on Radiohead's "I'm a loser", this Banksy style stencil graffiti speaks to the protests happening in Taksim Square. While strolling a few blocks from the Taksim area, we began to feel the effects of pepper spray and tear gas in the air, even in such light concentrations. Can't imagine getting hit with it full on. We figured we were safe today as Taksim and Gezi park were cleared out last night by riot police to make way for a pro-government ralleigh. Clearly, we figured wrong. There must've been clashes between protesters and gov't supporters.
Wrapped up the day's stroll at the Sultan's Pub with a kickass view over Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
Mezes: our last meal in Istanbul. Yummmm...
On our last full day in Turkey, we decided mostly to stroll around Istanbul.
Yerebatan (Basilica) Cistern - The cool and serene cistern was built in the 3rd Century Byzantine period below the city just 500 metres from Hagia Sophia. Its purpose? To transport fresh water from some 20 km out of the city. It is gorgeous inside with its 336 marble columns.
Two of the columns feature the face of Medusa, who was said to turn to stone those who met her gaze. It is widely thought that the base sculptures are upside down and sideways to offset the power of the Gorgon Medusa's gaze.
Oya's new Istanbul summer home! ;)
Now THIS is real street food! Galata bridge and tower in the background.
Eminönü Camii - New Mosque
Yummmm, gevrek!
And quite the balancing act. I'd call this the nibbles tour of Istanbul.
A play on Radiohead's "I'm a loser", this Banksy style stencil graffiti speaks to the protests happening in Taksim Square. While strolling a few blocks from the Taksim area, we began to feel the effects of pepper spray and tear gas in the air, even in such light concentrations. Can't imagine getting hit with it full on. We figured we were safe today as Taksim and Gezi park were cleared out last night by riot police to make way for a pro-government ralleigh. Clearly, we figured wrong. There must've been clashes between protesters and gov't supporters.
Wrapped up the day's stroll at the Sultan's Pub with a kickass view over Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
Mezes: our last meal in Istanbul. Yummmm...
Istanbul Sights
(Click images to enlarge)
One of many sightings of feral cats hanging in mosque cemeteries
Oh my goodness, oh my damn...
Hagia Sophia - Ayasofya
Blue Mosque - Sultan Ahmet Camii
Hagia Sophia - Ayasofya at dusk
Gorgeous inner courtyard of Blue Mosque
View of Blue Mosque and prayer service from top of dome - pic of a pic as women are only allowed at the back of the mosque. In addition, our shorts and t-shirts were not allowed as a show of respect.
View over the Bosphorous from our breakfast at Hotel Sayeban in Sultan Ahmet
One of many sightings of feral cats hanging in mosque cemeteries
Oh my goodness, oh my damn...
Hagia Sophia - Ayasofya
Blue Mosque - Sultan Ahmet Camii
Hagia Sophia - Ayasofya at dusk
Gorgeous inner courtyard of Blue Mosque
View of Blue Mosque and prayer service from top of dome - pic of a pic as women are only allowed at the back of the mosque. In addition, our shorts and t-shirts were not allowed as a show of respect.
View over the Bosphorous from our breakfast at Hotel Sayeban in Sultan Ahmet
Last Call, Didim
Recorded one last call to prayer in Didim from Oya's terrace overlooking the mosque. Cooool...
Friday, June 14, 2013
Last Turkish Market Day for 2013
(Click to enlarge)
Turkish market staples: eggs, cheese and grape leaves for making sarma!
Turkish market staples: eggs, cheese and grape leaves for making sarma!
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Güle Güle Didim
(Click images to enlarge)
Last day in Didim. It's been a fantastic experience these past 3 weeks immersed in Turkish culture. True, the protests and PM Erdogan's tactics have been a concern but then again so have our Mayor's back home. Must admit the fine cooking frequently provided by Oya's mum hasn't hurt. I'll miss the imam's call to prayer 5 times a day, there's something comforting in its regularity. I will absolutely miss my daily swims in the warm seas and the gorgeous view from the terrace over the city. Tomorrow, back to Istanbul for a few days. Let's hope cooler heads prevail until we get on a plane homebound.
Last day in Didim. It's been a fantastic experience these past 3 weeks immersed in Turkish culture. True, the protests and PM Erdogan's tactics have been a concern but then again so have our Mayor's back home. Must admit the fine cooking frequently provided by Oya's mum hasn't hurt. I'll miss the imam's call to prayer 5 times a day, there's something comforting in its regularity. I will absolutely miss my daily swims in the warm seas and the gorgeous view from the terrace over the city. Tomorrow, back to Istanbul for a few days. Let's hope cooler heads prevail until we get on a plane homebound.
The Quaint Vineyards of Şirince
(Click images to enlarge)
Following Ephesus, we headed to the beautiful village of Sirince, known for its mountains, olives groves and vineyards.
The village was apparently settled by freed Greek slaves who named the village Çirkince (meaning "Ugly" in Turkish) to deter others from following suit. The name was changed to Şirince (meaning "Pleasant") in 1926 by the governor of Izmir Province.
Following Ephesus, we headed to the beautiful village of Sirince, known for its mountains, olives groves and vineyards.
The village was apparently settled by freed Greek slaves who named the village Çirkince (meaning "Ugly" in Turkish) to deter others from following suit. The name was changed to Şirince (meaning "Pleasant") in 1926 by the governor of Izmir Province.
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