In 1998 I came to Türkiye with two friends. After spending a few days in Istanbul, we rented a car and drove around the coastline. One of the most memorable places was Ephesus. While I’ve been to many ruins, few give the same feeling of entering into a living, breathing city where you can easily imagine the lives of the … Read More
Istanbul
Today I decided to hang out on the ship (the Oceanic Vista). We didn’t dock in Istanbul until 1 pm. Then, with most people off on excursions, I had the perfect opportunity to enjoy all the ship has to offer. I’ll be spending five days in Istanbul, so will have plenty of time to sightsee, and I’ve been here before. … Read More
Istanbul – Day 2
Disembarkation from the ship was swift and easy, especially since I had a wheelchair assist. That was a good thing, since it was about half a mile from the gangway to the taxi stand (including clearing immigration and claiming luggage). The taxi driver, Ali, introduced himself and then immediately started suggesting he could be my driver. He would take me … Read More
Istanbul – Day 4
Yesterday was about food, today was about shopping. My original plan was to go to the Mosaic Museum. Then I’d walk to the nearby hop-on-hop-off bus stop and enjoy a scenic trip around the city. I’d get off at the spice market, have lunch and walk around for a bit. Making plans is inviting trouble. The museum’s website indicated they … Read More
Istanbul – Day 5
I’ve had a food day and a shopping day in Istanbul. Today was a culture day. My first stop was Taksim Square, a bustling hub of activity and a symbol of modern Türkiye. Located in the heart of Istanbul, it’s known for its lively atmosphere, hotels, shops, and restaurants. In the center of the square is the Republic Monument, commemorating … Read More
Istanbul – Day 6
Today was my final full day in Istanbul before returning home. I spent the morning wandering around my neighborhood. In the afternoon I visited with an American friend who has been living in Istanbul for the past fourteen years. To get to her neighborhood I took a now familiar tram to the ferry terminal on the Bosphorus. I was early, … Read More
Olafur Eliasson
While traveling I visited the Istanbul Modern Art Museum specifically to see an exhibit of Olafur Eliasson’s work. Eliasson is an Icelandic artist whose light installations have been shown around the globe. My first encounter was almost twenty years ago at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. His hypnotic light tunnel shimmered and changed with every step through it. … Read More
Stained Glass
When I think of fine crafts and the arts, stained glass isn’t top of mind. Perhaps that’s because it is usually associated with religious themes and houses of worship. Still, the best examples are exquisite. Sainte Chapelle cathedral in Paris took my breath away. Being there was like standing in a kaleidoscope surrounded by swirling colors. With blue tiles … Read More