Turkey: Day #5

Look at the picture on the board, second from the top. That one is me. They put it up to help advertise their pictures they were taking. We got a kick out of it.

Here we are as harem women.

The underground cistern.

The Archeological Museum.

Some cool stones in the museum.

One night we were at a shop we like to frequent. The store owner invited us to stay and eat dinner with him. I was kind of scared because I didn't want to get sick, but it had to be one of my favorite meals we had. It was like a lamb stew and we also had bread and yogurt (their yogurt is good there- it's just plain, not a bunch of sugar). We sat around a cedar chest with newspaper on top.

Me with the store owners cat. I hate cats and especially ones in Istanbul. I didn't want to get bit and have my trip end early to get rabies shots.

He pulled out a bunch of rugs to look at.

Turkey: Day #4

Turkish breakfast at our hotel.

Dolmabache Palace.

The Chora Church. Those are all mosaics. It was one of my favorite places in Turkey.

More of The Chora Church.

Taking a ferry to the Asian side of Iatanbul.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes!

Because of a merger at work Trent is being laid off at his work. His last day will be August 20. Please pray for us that things will work out for the best. Thanks :)!

Turkey: Day #3

The Arasta Bazaar.

Hand embroirdered shoes. Each boot took a few days to make.

Shopping for scarves.

Hand dyed suzanni.

Shop owners playing backgammon. It is a big thing over there.

Looking at beautiful ikat fabric.

I got Connor a backgammon set while I was in Turkey. This is not the one I bought him. This one was hundreds of dollars. It had a lot of intricate details.

The Grand Bazaar (this man was selling juice).

One of the many shops we went to.

Wonder Woman :).

This man took us up to his han (workshop) in the grand bazaar. There were men up there making jewelry. A couple of them took off my ring and polished it for me.

I guess even the Turks like Twilight :).

They have really cool lanterns over there.

The Mosaic Museum. Do you like the mullet?

A lovely squat toilet.

We went to a yummy restaurant that was outdoors just below the Blue Mosque. It was really cool to hear their call to prayer so close.

Turkey: Day #2

Rustem Pasa Mosque

Beautiful Iznik tiles. There are more than 2,300 tiles.

Tree of life design.

The New Mosque on the left and the Spice Bazaar (Egytian Market) on the right.

The New Mosque with men washing before they enter to pray.

Inside The New Mosque.

My sister's friend lives in Istanbul and through her we were able to have a tour up the bosphorus on the American cosulate's boat. It was such a cool experience. We were just a tad bit nervous at first because the boat had been firebombed back in the 80's. :) But we made it out ok even with an American flag flying on the boat half of the boat ride.

A view from the boat.

The Captain and First Mate.

This man saw the American flag on the boat and waved and put his hand over his heart when he saw it from the shore.

My Aunt Gayla peeking out the bathroom window on the boat.

The ladies.

Enjoying some pistachio baklava on board. Yummy- and I don't normally like baklava.

Hamdi Restaurant with Alissa's friend Cinda.

The view out of the restaurant.

Dessert.

Turkey: Day #1

I got back from Istanbul a few weeks ago and have been meaning to blog a little about my trip. I am going to break it down by day. Between all of us we took 2,000 photos, so it is taking me awhile to organize them and pick a few out for my blog. We had a great trip. My favorite thing to do is to travel, especially out of the country. We live in such a big incredible world and it is so fun to learn about other cultures.

Alissa and Susan on our flight to Istanbul. We were lucky to get business class seats. It was amazing. I wish I could fly that way every time! :)
Happy to be in Istanbul.

My sister Alissa and I in The Blue Mosque.

Outside The Blue Mosque.

This little boy was on his way to be circumcised. They dress the boys up in these circumcision outfits.

Alissa in front of The Hagia Sophia.

The entrance of The Hagia Sophia.

Even the ceiling was beautiful.

Alissa, my mom's friend Susan, my mom and I.

Making a wish. (you are suppose to turn your thumb around in this hole).

The Blue Mosque from a window of The Hagia Sophia.

Finishing up at a Turkish bath. What an experience :)!

We ate sooo much good food.

Here we are at our favorite place to eat with one of our favorite waiters.