 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pretty Istanbul |
|
|
 |
|
|
These are more pictures in Istanbul in various locations. To the right is one of the many restaurants alongside the Bosphorus. I had a university teacher tell me once that you have not lived until you have had some raki and fish while watching the sun set on the Bosphorous. There is some truth to that! I believe that is the Fathi Sultan Mehmet bridge in the background. I highly recommend doing this at least once! |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| A picture of the Blue Mosque at night from the fountainc. This picture looks like it was taken in early summer. There are some beautiful gardens between the Blue Mosque and the wonder that is Aya Sophia, and they are definately worth a stroll. A good time to go is early morning (not too early, say, 8:30-ish), really, before the tourists are out in full force. It's good to almost have the place to yourself. Fewer touts, too! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Again, another view of a restaurant off of one of the many sidestreets . Outdoor cafes are, no doubt, very popular. Many of these places offer similar food, but some are known for a particular dish. You can get a sample of appetizers, called Meze, and that in and of itself is usually quite filling. I will do a section on food later, and you will be able to click HERE for more information. |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
A view of the Blue Mosque from the Bosphorus, marking Istanbul's unique skyline for centuries. It was said that teh construction of this mosque prompted criticism from Mecca and the Muslic clerics. There is not supposed to be anything rivalling Mecca, and this one came close. |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Again, Istanbul's unmistakable skyline. There's nothing like sitting on a ferry, with a hot glass of cay in your hand, watching this view. I often brought a book but I don't ever recall a time where I pulled it out and read it while on a ferry crossing the Bosphorus. Phil Keoghan of the Amazing race once swam across it. The currents nearly killed him. Take my word - and his - take the ferry. |
|
|
|
|
All pictures taken here are not mine. They are from a website called www.maxionline.net |
|