Istanbul-
Literally, where East meets West, Istanbul is straddled over both the European and Asian continents.
Istanbul, formerly Constantinoupolis, and even formerly, Byzantium became Rome's second and last capital. From Pagan to Christian to Muslim, all of the city's influences are apparent; that is what makes Istanbul magical.
Today I went to the Blue Mosque, Aya Sofia, the Grand Bazaar, a few other mosques, a beautiful park, the port, the archaeology museum, and just meandered. The pictures of Aya Sofia are in the last section--gorgeous. Please check them out. All these photos are from just today. Oh, and videos to come. I am starving!!
Oh, once again, I am Latina and my name is Maria. And, apparently, Turkish men haven't been exposed to too many women, because not only do they yell things at you, the follow you around and do things like brush hair away from your face.....hahaha. Personal space? Non-existant!
And, the ones that don't know English seem to only know one word; crazy. People keep looking at me and saying that.....
And for the last time, NO I AM NOT LATINA!
Hahahahaha.
Blue Mosque
Around Istanbul
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Aya Sofia-
Probably one of the most amazing Basilica/mosques ever.
Beautiful.
It was originally a Christian place of worship, but got converted to a mosque after Justinian's rule. Some of the crosses are painted over, but you can still see faint outlines. I loved how apparent and ROMAN the second style painting andthe pseudoperiptural columns; the Romans were masters at enlarging space by using these tools and creating a perfect 3D effect. If you are not right next to the paining and staring hard, you could swear that there is another wall, window, or even room there!
Love it. The only way you can tell it is a facade is by the chipping paint.
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