Turkey Highlights!
Merhaba from Istanbul, Turkey!; May 20-24, 2013:
The last destination on Sarah and Joe's European Tour brought them to the unexpected and vibrant city of Istanbul. In the mid 1950's Istanbul was home to 1.5 million people and today the numbers are closer to 17 million. Istanbul is the second largest city in Europe and the eighth largest in the entire world. The population is predominately of the Muslim faith; therefore, there are approximately 3,000 mosques in Istanbul. The more modern hoes and low rise buildings are covered with red clay roofs. The sight as one flies over this sprawling city is a bit overwhelming and utterly beautiful.
Sarah and Joe in front of the Blue Sultan Ahmed Mosque (aka Blue Mosque), which opened in 1616
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The Blue Mosque
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During their time in Istanbul, Sarah and Joe enjoyed their stay at the incredible Four Seasons. The accommodations at the Four Seasons were beyond stunning and is also located on the Bosphorus. It is quite interesting to know that as Sarah and Joe were looking across the Bosphorus from their hotel, they were looking into Asia.
Four Seasons, Bosphorus, Istanbul
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Feleksan, (Harvard Business School Classmate), Sarah and Joe at the Four Seasons
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Istanbul proved to be an incredible experience for Sarah and Joe. Mush appreciation goes to dear friends Mehmet, Renk and Feleksan for enhancing their time spent in Istanbul. Please let the pictures below speak for themselves and know that if visiting Istanbul, experiencing a traditional Hamam is a MUST!
Hagia Sophia was built in 537 as a bascilica later became a mosque and today is a museum
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Hagia Sophia
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The mosaic in the entry and throughout the building have depictions that would be found in a Christian Church of Jesus, Mary, and the faithful
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This building was built in five years with 10,000 slaves nearly 1,500 years ago
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The outside of a traditional Hamam
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The inside of a traditional Hamam
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The entrance to the Grand Bazaar
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Inside the Grand Bazaar
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One of the quaint shops within the crowded bazaar
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Watching a Master at her craft of tying a Turkish silk rug
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An amateur tying her very first knot
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Sarah and Joe enjoyed lunch at a local favorite, Otantic Karaca Kardelen Cafe
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One way to move things!
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The gardens at the Four Seasons in Old Town
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The views from the Four Seasons rooftop
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Sarah and trusted tour guide Bulent
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The gracious hostess, Renk, served up a delicious Turkish meal
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The dinner group: L-R: Renk, Joe, Vedat, Shannon, Sarah, and Mehmet
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Sarah and the nanny for the three Sencan boys
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Sarah and Hami
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A lovely view at a sunset looking from Europe across the Bosphorus at Asia
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Mr. and Mrs. International after a hamam experience and most amazing journey through Europe!