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Published: January 11th 2008
Helen & Cenker - Engaged
We pose to remember the moment!White flakes drifting silently provided the only witnesses at the edge of the Swan Fountain at Dolmabahçe Palace to Cenker stopping me mid-step to ask me to walk beside him for a lifetime. He started with a topic we discussed many times before, "What would you say, if I asked you to marry me?" Before I could say anything, a red velvet box emerged from his coat, as he opened it, asking, "Would you marry me?" I immediately wrapped my arms around him. I held him tightly, as insuppressible tears warmed my chilled, rosy cheeks.
That morning we woke up late enjoying the freedom from work of a Satruday morning. Cenker's mom prepared a yummy breakfast, we roused ourselves to get out of the house at a decent time, leaving the lazing weekend attitude behind - there was a palace to see. Catching a bus just a few blocks from the apartment, we had a seat for the hour ride over the Bosphorus Bridge to the European side of the city. After deciphering the maps on the bus stands and asking a few natives of that part of the city, which was the best conveyance to Dolmabahçe Palace, we hopped
Dolmabahçe Palace Clocktower
Dolmabahçe Palace Clocktower contains clocks imported from France. The tower was ordered by Ottoman sultan Abdul Hamid II (1842-1918) and constructed by the court architect Sarkis Balyan between 1890 and 1895. on the second bus delivering us to our destination. A couple snapped our photo at the Clock Tower, just before we entered the metal detectors. Cenker kindly urged me to go through the machine first. He tagged behind slightly, later he explained how he showed the engagement ring to the guard! The snow coated the palace grounds with a lovely white blanket, as the Bosphorus blended with the gray sky on the horizon to our right. Dolmabahçe Palace does not look Turkish, but reflects the style of European architecture. To snap photos in the building a fee must be paid - my batteries were running low, so we didn't bother. A guided tour in English brought us through the maze of rooms of the Sultan's working area - only one of the rooms in the family area was included on the tour. The family rooms were included in another tour. Dolmabahçe houses the largest collection of Bohemian and Baccarat crystal chandeliers in the world. Intricate candle holders sprinkle the palace rooms. A pair which stood in my mind was made of black material built around an elephant's tusk, about 5 or 6 feet tall - the base of the piece
Cenker at the Palace Gate
My princely man stands before the Palace entrance. So handsome!!! showed a parade of safari animals in the black material. In the Center Hall, the last room on the tour, the ceilings soar to a height of 12 stories and display what was at that time the world's largest Bohemian crystal chandelier weighing 4.5 tons, a gift from Queen Victoria. It's 750 lamps are only lit when dignitaries come to visit; otherwise, the crystals natural color seems to be a dull gray. After completing the tour, Cenker convinced me to take a walk around the grounds. Once at the front of the Palace again, we snapped a few photos and then Cenker asked the question. We immediately embraced, enjoying the moment. I placed the ring on my finger. Beaming, I walked with Cenker to a coffe shop, Chocolate World, where we each drank a heavenly hot chocolate accompanied by a defective spoon which melted as soon as you stirred the hot chocolate - the spoon was made of yummy dark chocolate. The Kabatas-Taksim Funicular - a pulley system to move tram-like vehicles counterbalancing each other up and down a steep slope - (Cenker and I were both unfamiliar with the term funicular, which comes from the Latin funiculus, a diminutive
Gate to Bosphorus
Helen at the end of the Dolmabahçe Palace tour. Sutlans could jump onto thier ships through the gate. of funis, "rope") delivered us to Taksim Square, from where we walked down Istiklal Street to church, for my weekly obligation. After mass, we took the ferry, to the the mini-bus, to the apartment - all the while the new, shiny ring was getting comfortable in its new home on my finger!
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Gala
non-member comment
Helen and Cenker, CONGRATULATIONS! Really happy for you guys! You're such a beautiful couple and i wish you tons of happiness!