Last week we went to Turkey. We spent 7 days traveling around the whole western part of the country basically following the third mission of Paul as well as a few other important sites. I am definitely wearing the same outfit in every picture. For all you know it could have been on the same day but it was cold and I only have two warm articles of clothing.
ISTANBUL
We flew into the Asian side of Istanbul and started a day of touring. It was raining and freezing the whole time we were in Istanbul but it was still one of my favorite cities. We drove to the Europe side of Istanbul and went to the
Hagia Sophia.
Archeological Museum
We went to a museum to see part of the Ishtar Gate - part of the Assyrian Empire - as well as the Sarcophogus of Alexander the Great.
The next day we visited the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, a cruise, and a Giant Cistern before a stop at the Grand Bazaar for some shopping. They call it Grand for a reason - it is huge. I don't know if you can tell but it rained all day long.
Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is know as one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world and it really was amazing. I have grown to appreciate the beauty of Islamic art and mosques while in this part of the world.
Topkapi Palace - Ottoman Empire
This was a cool Ottoman Palace filled with lots of random treasure - a bowl of emeralds, an 86 carat diamond, the hair from Muhammad's beard, thrones, weapons, jewel encrusted clocks. Everything from the Ottoman treasury was on display and you just wander around looking at it.
Cruise on the Bosphorus - finally a little break from the cold
Giant Cistern
GALIPOLI
Location of an important World War I battle
TROY
This is basically all there is at Troy it was green and beautiful but not super impressive given the epic battle that took place here.
So Much Time on the Bus
ASSOS
Reminded me of the Walk of the Gods. We looked out on the island of Lesbos which belongs to Greece. One of my favorite sites.
PERGAMON
One of my favorite cities. We had to take a gondola up to the top of the hill to see the site and it was amazing.
EPHESUS
City of Ephesus and the Church of St. John
PRIENE
Another favorite site, I loved this area because of the green and mountains.
SARDIS
Loved this site the columns where huge and so pretty in the green hills.
BURSA
Silk market and traditional Turkish market.
IZNIK - (NICEA)
This was the city where the tiles for the Dome of the Rock were made, also the original city of Nicea.
Lots of people jumping in any picture - too much time together.
I loved Turkey. It was a really great time for the two classes to spend time apart and bond as individual classes. It is weird to be back in the center because there is a different dynamic to the group after all our time in Turkey.
