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Published: October 4th 2010
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breakfast bar
anyone for an olive? Oct 4th, 2010
I read online that the state department has a travelers advisory for those American’s in Europe & to stay away from public places. Currently, I am in Europe should I be worried now? But earlier today I was in Asia, but it’s really considered the Middle East. Confused? Istanbul is the only city in the world in two continents. The old city is in Europe; cross the river Asia. Although that part of Asia is considered the Middle East.
Many things about Istanbul, Turkey is a juxtaposition between two; old & new; traditional & modern. Yes, 90 percent of the population is Muslim, however the country and government is secular. And just as you see European-like styles of dress, the black hijib is also worn by many.
Yesterday we saw very modern mode of transportation for the police (a three wheeled segway) in front of Sopia Hagia (church, now a mosque) which is over 1,400 years old.
And this morning I was awaken by the call to prayer before my alarm sounded.
Okay, enough comparisons. Although, I am fairly certain I could make them until you fall asleep.
Istanbul has a long
breakfast
Yum. Need I say more. history for as the city was the capital of the Roman Empire (330-395) and then the Byzantine Empire (which wall still surrounds this city) before moving onto the Latin Empire and Ottoman Empire. What’s great is many examples all these civilizations exists & some traditions as well.
What I found most intriguing today was dress. No, not that kind of dress but how people dress overaall. First, it goes without saying most women wear scarf’s on their heads (no surprise) what I didn’t expect to see was young women in long coats. No trench coats, but long stylish coats. I only observed the older women, if you will wearing hijibs. So, I am drawing a conclusion here that the stylish coat is replacing the hijib? Also, men wear jackets, dress pants. And everyone wears black. And trust me, I had plenty of time to observe people as Dan and I wondered the streets for five hours. Darn I say we were lost? Oh yea. We were totally turned around. A couple of locals noticed we were lost and gave us directions. Not all of them were correct. We really didn’t think we’d get lost since our hotel in near
spice market
dried fruit of every kind the blue mosque which is by Sopia mosque. We though, mistakenly that we could just look up and find the columns and know which way to go. What we now know there is a mosque on every-other street and all are big and all basically look like. So much for that landmark. Another oddity was wedding dress shops. Tons of those. Why so many wedding dresses? I don’t know. Looks as if most dresses are custom made. So, if you need a dress you know where to come but I’d highly recommend you bring a map.
And to my readers; I blogged hastily yesterday. I just typed quickly and then ran out to dinner. I didn’t spell check and heck, I didn’t even proof read. I promise to try and be better and a bit more focused.
Good, you are still there. Let’s move on. And thanks for your continued reading and support. J
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