Turkey Trip Pictures

[northern_goddess]

Istanbul

[northern_goddess]

Cappadocia

[northern_goddess]

It was a quick trip. I had just over a week so I only spent time in Istanbul and Cappadocia (stayed there in Goreme). Beautiful country and there is a lot more to explore. Istanbul is a vibrant city that felt very safe. I was on my own and never felt concerned about my safety at all. The food was 'ok'. The scenery was amazing and the service was way better than service in Canada is. Prices in Istanbul are not cheap but more reasonable than most other major cities that I think of (Vancouver, London, NYC, etc). Prices in Cappadocia were pretty cheap. Considering that Goreme is really almost a tourist resort town and yet still the prices were good, I'm guessing other areas are also very reasonable.

I would like to go back when I have more time and can explore a lot more of the country.

That head on its side is Medusa, btw.

[Moethebartender]

The pics look fantastic; that's a country that I really want to visit. Glad you enjoyed it, but surprised and bummed out to hear the food described as "OK". Thanks for posting this.

[Bill Barilko]

The baloons look fabulous.

[mad hatter]

Cool pics nogs, brings back memories!

[DCComic]

Looks fun.
Turkish food is hit and miss. Meze are great and so are some of the pastries but big plates of overgrilled meat do the do much for me.

[NorthAmerican]

Beautiful photos! The photos of mosques reminded me that I once knew if some of them began as Christian churches and then became mosques later or if they were mosques first, then consecrated as churches, and finally went full circle back to being mosques. The photos of pastries didn't tax my brain as much. In fact, they only made my mouth water!

Thanks for posting them!

[northern_goddess]

Glad you like them. Istanbul is really a beautiful city and the Cappadocia region was incredibly interesting. The history of the area was fascinating.

[Lost Soul]

Beautiful photos! The photos of mosques reminded me that I once knew if some of them began as Christian churches and then became mosques later or if they were mosques first, then consecrated as churches, and finally went full circle back to being mosques. The photos of pastries didn't tax my brain as much. In fact, they only made my mouth water!

Thanks for posting them!

Justinian built the big one as a church, for 900 years. Then it was a mosque for 600 years. Now it is a museum- Hagia Sofia.

Thanks. nogs.

[Total Reject]

Most of the photos are really cool. Then I noticed an image of the infamous Cappodocia Rock Penises. This sick and perverted poster probably went out of her way to visit that. MODS!

[northern_goddess]

Hey, I was playing to the audience here. I personally had absolutely zero interest in them, obvballs.

[twodogs]

Thanks NG. If the weather turns bad in southern France next month, Turkey might be an option.

[Scrubb]

Now these pics made me envious all over again. I love Istanbul, and I MUST get to Cappedocia one of these years!

[veronica_inheels]

i love turkey. one of my favourite places on earth.

food is ok?!?!!? burn in hell NG.

[veronica_inheels]

my daughter and nephew in turkey . we went together few years ago. this picture always makes me smile. my daughter is photographing hagia sophia.

[Bastet]

Fantastic pics! Loved It there and hope to go back.

[5waldos]

Lovely pictures! Glad you had a great time- would love to go back again and just get a car and wander.

[northern_goddess]

Glad you like the pictures. It was a great trip.

Vron = So Emotional!

[harry_flashman]

Is that you standing in front of the step ladder?

[Moethebartender]

Hairy's curious because he barfined something that resembled that when he was last in Pattaya and he's still trying to find her number.

[northern_goddess]

For the record, I am not in any of those pictures.

[coffeeguy]

I loved Istanbul, one of my favourite places. The Hagia Sophia was on my top 10 list of of things to see in the world. Great photos!

[Steve_in_Exile]

Definitely brings back memories from over 30 years ago! And I may have the chance to spend a few days in Istanbul later this year!

[Steve_in_Exile]

I will have 3 days in Istanbul later this month on my way to Africa, and one day on the way back. Already done all the major sites 30 years ago, but would be interested in recommendations for anything unusual or off the beaten tourist track. And I remember the food as being exceptional and affordable, even as a 23 year old backpacker looser.

[northern_goddess]

I just did the touristy stuff/major sites, so hopefully someone else has some ideas for you, Steve.

[Scrubb]

I stayed in the whichamacallit area, not Sultanamet, which was a mistake. The area on the other side of the strait, something or other square... Taksim. THat's it. Now, I wouldn't recommend staying there, but the walk over to Sultanamet the first morning was wonderful. I started in Taksim Sq. and wandered down Iskawhatever street with all the restaurants and shops, to the Galeta tower. Great photos from there, lot's of good people watching in the little square. Then walking down and across the big bridge, getting to the big mosque on the other side and looking around there - it had a small market in the yard that day. It was a great intro to the city, before I plunged into the big tourist stuff.

Also, I enjoyed seeing the 3 things that I had seen back in 1986 all over again - Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi.

Lots of people recommend the cistern, accessible from near Hagia Sophia if I remember - I wished I'd checked it out. And it didn't seem to be on the tourist map when I was there 30 years ago, so you might not have seen it either.

[Steve_in_Exile]

Lots of people recommend the cistern, accessible from near Hagia Sophia if I remember - I wished I'd checked it out. And it didn't seem to be on the tourist map when I was there 30 years ago, so you might not have seen it either

We were there two years after you, in 1988, and yes we did see the cistern, but it wasn't really a big thing on the tourist circuit and I don't think it was really written up in the guidebooks much. It was hot in Istanbul when we were there, but nice and cool down in the cistern, and they had a nice light show on the columns. And I don't think we went to Iskawhatever St, but I could be wrong. It was a long time ago.

[Steve_in_Exile]

I was in the cistern this morning—what an awesome place. It’s bigger than I remember it so I think more has been restored since I saw it 30 years ago. And restoration is still ongoing





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[northern_goddess]

Those pictures are better than mine. My camera didn't like all the darkness and condensation.