HAPPY WEEKEND!
These abstract collages graced a wall on the way to the Topkapi Palace. They were a bold surprise in a land of meticulous pattern. Be sure to come back Monday for a detailed view into the gorgeous Topkapi palace and its famed Iznik tiles. I think I spent an hour in the first room of the Harem photographing the tiles. They were quite impressive!
Sometimes my favorite moments are the ones that I happen to find. Here's to a weekend of colorful discoveries!
October 4, 2013 WELCOME TO ISTANBUL
Our first day (actually first hours) were spent wandering around the tourist centered Sultanahmet neighborhood,right below the Hagia Sophia. I loved the contrast of modern and historic. We came across windows displaying delicious turkish delights as well as antique, dusty lanterns, old trolleyas and new metro trains. We took the trolley and the metro (though not the same day) and enjoyed our kebabs with the view of the bustling street.
October 4, 2013 SULTAN'S WELCOME
Our first hotel in Istanbul, the Sultan Tughra, had quite the interior. The gold and brocades seemed a bit over the top, until I found out this was a former Pashas' mansion. I guess those Pashas liked their gold decadence! It's a historic mansion in the heart of the old city, welcoming us with Turkish delights and wine. Luckily we had the room without the mirror on the ceiling! The breakfast was delicious and the staff was inseanely gracious and helpful.
October 4, 2013 PAMUKKALE: WATER WONDERS
Although I'm typically drawn to crafted forms rather than natural formations, the calcium cliffs at Pamukkale truly are among the wonders of the world. According to Wikapedia, "Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish, is a natural site in southwestern Turkey. The city contains hot springs and travertine, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water.
We got the chance to walk through the terraces and enjoy the surreal landscape. Somehow I missed the memo that this is THE place to pose in a fancy (and skimpy) bikini against the white cliffs. The terraces were overflowing with sultry models striking candid poses for fancy DSLR cameras. Carrying my own fancy camera through the waters, I still had a blast dipping my feet in the mineral pools and hoping not to fall down the cliff when making my way past the throngs of people. It's definitely a must see! Next time I would love to go at dawn or dusk to take some photos with more magical lighting, potentially sans bikinis.
All photos bu BigBrightBold except dawn photo
October 2, 2013