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Magnetic Istanbul!

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Europe and the Mediterranean beckon again!

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Middle East » Turkey » Mediterranean
June 30th 2014
Published: July 2nd 2014
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From the moment you step off the plane in Istanbul, you notice immediately that this vibrant city is all about business and making money. Thanks to the over 30 million of us who now visit Turkey in a year, especially this burgeoning metropolis of Istanbul, coping with such crowds, in my opinion, is a huge challenge that has the potential to derail some of the pleasure, especially when visiting th... Read Full Entry



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Roger Sutherland
Whirl Traveller
Whirl Traveller
My name is Roger and I am originally from the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia but now live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. My wife Jeanette and I have traveled to all the continents with the exception of Antarctica but nevertheless still have many other countries and areas that we wish to experience in the future. So far we have visited nearly 76 countries and territories worldwide, some of which we have visited multiple times and counting. We are particularly attracted to Europe and as an example, have visited Belgium six times and Spain four, making it eight times on the continent as of July 2... full info
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Inside the Hagia Sophia.Inside the Hagia Sophia.
Inside the Hagia Sophia.
Initially converted to a mosque it is now used as a museum. Christian icons were covered up but not destroyed.
Area where the Byzantine Empress worshiped from upstairs. Area where the Byzantine Empress worshiped from upstairs.
Area where the Byzantine Empress worshiped from upstairs.
I walked up the ramp which was used when she was carried upstairs to observe the ceremony.
Uncovered for exhibition only, icon of Jeus surrounded by gold mosaic.Uncovered for exhibition only, icon of Jeus surrounded by gold mosaic.
Uncovered for exhibition only, icon of Jeus surrounded by gold mosaic.
Icons of Jesus sitting on Mary while Emperor and Empress offer money to the church.Icons of Jesus sitting on Mary while Emperor and Empress offer money to the church.
Icons of Jesus sitting on Mary while Emperor and Empress offer money to the church.
Beautiful columns inside the Hagia Sophia.Beautiful columns inside the Hagia Sophia.
Beautiful columns inside the Hagia Sophia.
View which the Empress had from upstairs when attending church.View which the Empress had from upstairs when attending church.
View which the Empress had from upstairs when attending church.
Egypytian obelisk brought by the Romans.Egypytian obelisk brought by the Romans.
Egypytian obelisk brought by the Romans.
Roman Emperor about to start chariot races.Roman Emperor about to start chariot races.
Roman Emperor about to start chariot races.
A hypodrome once surrounded this area.
Underground Roman cistern.Underground Roman cistern.
Underground Roman cistern.
Now a tourist attraction huge Roman columns support the roof. It was never used by the Ottomans as they did not believe in storing water. Fish in the cistern were used as an indication of whether the water was poisoned or not.
Busy Bosphorus Strait separates Asian and European Turkey.Busy Bosphorus Strait separates Asian and European Turkey.
Busy Bosphorus Strait separates Asian and European Turkey.
Bosphorus Strait.Bosphorus Strait.
Bosphorus Strait.
Good street food.Good street food.
Good street food.
Sitting for a traditional dinner with a Turkish family.Sitting for a traditional dinner with a Turkish family.
Sitting for a traditional dinner with a Turkish family.
We had an absolutely wonderful home cooked dinner followed by tea.
Food that is simply not available in your average Turkish restaurant.Food that is simply not available in your average Turkish restaurant.
Food that is simply not available in your average Turkish restaurant.
With our hosts after dinner.With our hosts after dinner.
With our hosts after dinner.
Smoking the traditional Nargile.Smoking the traditional Nargile.
Smoking the traditional Nargile.
Jeanette and I joined new friends at a local bar.
My turn.My turn.
My turn.



2nd July 2014
Grand Bazaar Main Street.

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Grand Bazaar
We hope to get to this market one day soon. Looks fantastic
2nd July 2014
Grand Bazaar Main Street.

Whirl Traveller
Roger Sutherland

Be watchful
It is obviously nice to buy stuff there but for more significant purchases check out other stores outside the bazaar. We were told that vendors there pay up to 15,000 Euro a month in rent so they have to charge their captive market more.
2nd July 2014

sharon
non-member comment

istanbul
I repeat, put it all in a book later. Wonderfully written
8th July 2014

Judy Bissonnette
non-member comment

Istanbul
I'm enjoying my 'armchair' travel. My trip to Istanbul has been a wonderful experience thanks to my blogging host!!
13th July 2014

Kim
non-member comment

Roger, you really are a great writer and a comedian too!
13th July 2014

Kim
non-member comment

I have been whisked away with you to all these destinations. So magical! Istanbul is on my short list. I don't think I can thoroughly enjoy any destination as much as you and Jeanette though
14th July 2014

Naomi Rattray
non-member comment

istanbul and contacting you
Sorry to use your blog for this, but I tried to send a message to your two e-mail addresses, and it does not go through. The O'Shaughnessy's are having the same problem. What happened?

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