Turkish Delight

---

Goodbye Europe, hello Asia! We currently reside in Istanbul, Turkey: a country that is uniquely situated between three bodies of water and straddles two continents. Why visit Turkey? My interest in this area has been piqued since talking to the Greeks about the relationship with their neighbors, and the news of Turkey's desire to be included as part of the European Union. Turkey has applied for EU standing and their acceptance is still an issue, as there has been no definite decision made to date. Istanbul also claims very important sectors in history. It is a city that attracted the likes of Constantine the Great, which produced the name Constantinople, and later was the capital of the Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire and eventually the Ottoman Empire.
It is the first Muslim country I have been to, and I am still getting used to the towering mosques, loud speakers blaring prayer calls five times a day, and the prevalance of veiled women. Today we wandered into a mosque in the non-tourist area of Harem, took off our shoes at the entrance, and wandered inside. A man came up to me inside and motioned to my head. It was uncovered. My first big faux pas in Turkey, a country that claims to be 99 percent Muslim, was to forget my headscarf.
Yesterday we visited the Grand Bazaar: a tumult of carpet sellers, apple tea, and hawkers selling everything from Indian saffron to porcelin chess sets. Imagine an indoor tent packed with 4000 stalls and each stall has a man competing for your attention. Hello missus! You need a leather jacket! Where you from? Come inside for some tea! The sounds and sights are overwhelming.
We completed the evening back in our hostel to watch a belly dancing show. It performed by an 18 year old who finished her show by inviting the boys on stage to belly dance with her. It was certainly one of the highlights of the trip.

---

Photos

My ride in Thessoloniki!
Yee haw! I have always wanted to ride a bike...and got my chance!

Comments

[Ashley]

I hope that adam and elliot enjoyed the belly dancing!!!! congrats on the publishedness....you are amazing!!!!

[Amy Snyder]

You look good as a biker chick! :)