This excites me about traveling back to Istanbul! I was there in 1994 + much has changed since then! I was that 20-year-old girl in the Navy with eyes wide open for world travel, but like many of us who have lived a little, we know we miss much in our youth! Thank you for sharing this great adventure!
You had me at tarama and again at hammam. Thanks for the virtual tag-along through the Bazaar (the missionary leaves!) and posh (a two-floor suite overlooking the Bosphorus) hotels. I re-read Tom Robbin's Still Life with Woodpecker a few months ago and the waft of Jitterbug Perfume lured me in!
How did it hold up? I started rereading Jitterbug Perfume in Istanbul, and I have to say I don't think it could be published with the same language today! - Pavia
Still Life with Woodpecker---it's trippy, that's for sure. Aliens, redheads, the Camel cig pack--it's kooky. I was re-drawn to it mostly because I live an area populated by pileated woodpeckers (exactly like the one on the cover). They laugh like maniacs, so there's symbolism there too!
Unfortunately Turkey is ruled by an extremely Islamist mafia that supports jihad. When that government changes to an Ataturk like one then I will go back. Until then, Turkey is a no no!
Miguel, I was there before the elections that, while perhaps not explicitly *rigged*, were certainly designed to be favorable to the current regime. And I didn't meet anyone who thought favorably of the ruling party. But I live in the USA, where one look at the dysfunction in DC is a stark reminder that Those in Government don't always represent the will of the smart, sane people. To your larger point, I agree that we are living in very very trying times. - Pavia
Did your guide tell you that a lot of the columns were taken from repurposed ruins? I love the idea that in the 6th century, they were already using ancient Roman construction remains! When I go back, I want to schedule it so I can attend a concert down there. It would be extra magical. - Pavia
Yes, I admire the recycling of buildings. Upcycled for sure. And one can’t help but speculate about which ruins the Romans used. Greek for sure, beyond that, hmm.
When I first went to Turkey, I originally planned to road trip around the country. I ended up staying in Istanbul for three months I loved it so much!
Istanbul is one of my favorite places that I have visited and reading this has me looking at flights to go back!
This excites me about traveling back to Istanbul! I was there in 1994 + much has changed since then! I was that 20-year-old girl in the Navy with eyes wide open for world travel, but like many of us who have lived a little, we know we miss much in our youth! Thank you for sharing this great adventure!
This has reaffirmed Istanbul on my travel list... one day! The history is incredible.
You had me at tarama and again at hammam. Thanks for the virtual tag-along through the Bazaar (the missionary leaves!) and posh (a two-floor suite overlooking the Bosphorus) hotels. I re-read Tom Robbin's Still Life with Woodpecker a few months ago and the waft of Jitterbug Perfume lured me in!
How did it hold up? I started rereading Jitterbug Perfume in Istanbul, and I have to say I don't think it could be published with the same language today! - Pavia
Still Life with Woodpecker---it's trippy, that's for sure. Aliens, redheads, the Camel cig pack--it's kooky. I was re-drawn to it mostly because I live an area populated by pileated woodpeckers (exactly like the one on the cover). They laugh like maniacs, so there's symbolism there too!
Unfortunately Turkey is ruled by an extremely Islamist mafia that supports jihad. When that government changes to an Ataturk like one then I will go back. Until then, Turkey is a no no!
Miguel, I was there before the elections that, while perhaps not explicitly *rigged*, were certainly designed to be favorable to the current regime. And I didn't meet anyone who thought favorably of the ruling party. But I live in the USA, where one look at the dysfunction in DC is a stark reminder that Those in Government don't always represent the will of the smart, sane people. To your larger point, I agree that we are living in very very trying times. - Pavia
Haha. It’s all Greek to me anyway :-)
We spent 10 days in Istanbul last November. A magic trip, wonderful food, and yes--the Cistern was a knockout.
Did your guide tell you that a lot of the columns were taken from repurposed ruins? I love the idea that in the 6th century, they were already using ancient Roman construction remains! When I go back, I want to schedule it so I can attend a concert down there. It would be extra magical. - Pavia
Yes, I admire the recycling of buildings. Upcycled for sure. And one can’t help but speculate about which ruins the Romans used. Greek for sure, beyond that, hmm.
Wait, did I type Roman when I meant Greek? So much for my degree in history....