Istanbul weekend

Last weekend, David, Mandy, Jackson and I spent 4 days in Istanbul, seeing the sights and walking, lots of walking... and then more walking! But, it was worth every step. Mandy and I (Weight Watcher girls) wished that we'd had a pedometer to more easily calculate points used in food which was wonderful, and the advantage of all those steps in the calculating process. Point to be made: we're outta shape!

Jackson was the usual hit for all other people. He received 2 'evil eyes', a larger one to place on his bookshelf and a small one pinned onto his clothing. That one he received at the Grand Bazaar in the spice section. We bought dried figs which we all love, some spices, and he was 'pinned' by one of the salesmen, not an unusual happening for him. We received the larger one from the MidTown Hotel in which we stayed, while we were checking in.

Conveniently located near Taksim Square, the hotel had a wonderful breakfast buffet included in the room fee. Taksim Square is a center area where the public transportation is located along with a stage for shows, pigeons galore, and a statue. One of the streets off this square is the main one with many shoppes, cafes and beautiful architecture available to see. There are churches, mosques and the Galata Tower in this area.

Sights seen farther away in the Sultanahmet area: Blue Mosque, Aya Sophya (Hagia Sophia), Topkapi Palace and park (178 acres of grandeur!), an experience with a carpet sales company which was very educational for me, food interspersed along with water and ice cream, the Cisterns (underground water system that is quite remarkable and has 1001 columns to hold up the street!); and we went to an impressively designed modern mall in Levent, a section of Istanbul, where Mandy was able to get an equally impressive hamburger, something she had been craving since last September! The place was called Gourmet Burger Kitchen and it was delicious, actually quite western both in presentation and taste. Mandy was in a very happy state upon finishing the whole thing.

We walked to the waterfront on the Bosphorus and watched people fishing off the bridge. This fishing thing constitutes a business for many who rent out the poles and people purchase the bait and tackle. Very interesting, actually a business that my son Mark and his friend Scott could think about! The place had many, many men and women fishing for their dinner! It is a beautiful area with lots of activity, ferries going back and forth, and food.... lots of food.

I would encourage you to begin saving for a trip to this city. The history is phenomenal. Example: the Aya Sophya was built in the 6th century and is still in very good condition. It was ordered built by Justinian, and was built as a church for worship; was taken over and converted to a mosque, and now is a museum, but has been carefully preserved through the centuries. Quite wonderful!

Jackson was, however, so excited when we reached our home in Ankara. He was nearly giddy: his own bed, own living room, bedroom with all his comfort stuff! Very cute to watch.