Last Days in Istanbul
- Comments: 6
We have been having a great time in Istanbul. We have gone back to the Blue Mosque, visited the mosaics that have been excavated under the mosque, and finally seen the underground water cisterns for the ancient city of Constantinople. Who knew they would be full of fish these days? It still amazes us that the ancients could channel water from over 30 different rivers, build aqueducts and bridges to allow it to flow properly… for thousands of years, yet modern plumbing seems to elude the entire Middle East.
One of the biggest differences between Istanbul today and the city we visited 10 years ago is every road is paved, there are no half finished houses crowding every city block, and Westernization is creeping in at an alarming rate. You see women wearing shorts downtown without any public notice now, and fashion articles in the English Istanbul newspaper speak of more liberal attitudes towards girls in tank tops. I suppose it was to be expected that all sorts of Western franchise stores, from food to fashion have crept in, along with European pricing.
Having said all of that, its still great fun to hear the call to prayer ringing throughout the streets at regular intervals every day. We still love the Grand Bazaar and its myriad of offerings, and the availability of fresh squeezed orange juice and Turkish coffee on every corner. The spice market still offers up a world of flavours and aphrodisiacs we can not obtain at home, and the hammams offer a level of cleanliness tinged with humiliation that you would be want to pay for in North America.
If George went a little crazy buying carpets in Goreme, then I went a little crazy buying lamps in Istanbul. Okay… I bought a lamp with 16 glass globes filigreed with brass hung from a huge brass ring for the new sun room. I can hardly wait to see it there. Furniture will have to wait.
We are off to Innsbruck tomorrow to start hiking in the Alps. It seems like forever since we have been home, and we miss everyone and our doggies terribly. It will be a great relief to have a house to come home to at the end of the month. We are happy but tired. We will just have to wait two and a half weeks longer to see Sandie and Phin.
We are off on our last day of adventure in Istanbul… Noel & George
August 6, 2008
13:40:20
Melva J McQueen
Hi Guys here I am in Sydney, sent you an e-mail to you Noel I am enjoying my stay here, I finally got near a computer and it is so good to catch up on all the news and here you are having such a good time. It is hard to believe you are off to Innsbruck.. Should be great to see all your old friends/Love Mom
August 12, 2008
07:12:48
Robin Cooper
Hello guys… sounds like you are having a great time… i can’t wait to catch up with you in a few weeks.i have some news… i took a job at the TB Health Unit ! it’s a great job and I look forward to telling you about it over a coffee in my new pad! take care..enjoy your favourite place!! love rob
August 19, 2008
11:06:16
melva mcqueen
Hi and hope you are enjoying the mountain climbing bit. Thanks very much for the Happy Birthday greetings on my cell phone. The cell only works in certain parts of Cape Breton, but able to pick up messages. Sun is shining – having a great time. Talk soon. take care Love to you both Mom
August 22, 2008
23:01:51
Kelly Berube
Hello friends….have fun in Innsbruck hiking in the Alps. I look forward to a marathon phone call when you get home. I always enjoyed your animated descriptions of everything you saw on your travels. A true story teller. Hope the rest of your trip goes well.
kelly and tessie
xoxo
January 3, 2009
10:30:35
Sue Robertson
Now I have more time to browse, it’s great to “travel” with you in my own home. Wishing you well and continued happy travels.
Sue.
March 29, 2009
17:22:03
http://geotravel.ca
Geo Kearley
Thanks for all the comments. We enjoy hearing from home as we travel.
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