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Istanbul, Turkey
If I could go back to any country next year, it would be Turkey. Oh...there are so many wonderul things about Turkey that just makes me smile. I love their bizaars, food, ornate mosques, cheap eats/merchandise, people, landscape(very similar to Seattle), and their people are so kind and nice. I really enjoyed my time there. I spent most of my time walking around and just smelling the sweat bread, the cabobs, the fruits, spices, and water. It's definitely a walking city! The scenery is just gorgeous!!!
Anyhow...I spent most of my time in Istanbul seeing the city and trying to absorb in the cultre. Being once Constantinople, a Catholic capitol I can see the dramatic changes within Istanbul alone. There are so many mosques in that city and they do call to prayer like every other hour or so. Call to prayer is a call to Mecca once a day to pay respects to Allah but Istanbul seems to do it very so often, or am I just exaggerating? It sure seemed like a lot to me. Galen and I went to Aiya Sophia(I just butcher that spelling), where it used to be a Catholic Catheral and you can see that due to its paintings of Mary and Jesus on it. It's now a Museum. We also went to the Blue Mosque, it's blue inside. Oh, it's beautiful!!! The artwork is so elaborate and carefully painted. I wished that they would let us stay there a little longer but they had to pray so they kicked us out. How rude! Just joking!
On another occasion, Galleta gave me his daughter's ticket and I went to the University Turkish Student dinner. Oh, I had the best time with them. They are so friendly and so curious. I ate wonderful food that night. I love Turkish food....it was yummy to my tummy. After the dinner, they took us to eat again with music and dancing involve. They sure know how to party. I enjoyed myself so much with their company. Thanks Galleta!
If you ever get the chance, drop by Istanbul and check out their bizaars, they are one of the best in the world. Oh...while I was there, I met Madelyn Albright and we were in the Turkish newspaper the next day. Anyhow...I hope you enjoy reading about Turkey. I'll see you in Dubrovnik, Croatia