MY ARRIVAL

For US$20, I am given a friendly welcome to the former Capital of The Old World, Istanbul.

A man holds a sign ...”DON BRAUN” as I exit the arrival area, I think he is my local undercover contact here so I head in his direction.

Read more with pictures and comment at:

http://dmbtraveler195.blogspot.com/2...-istanbul.html

I like your layout and your approach, and would like to recommend the blog, although the intro above promised somewhat more than you delivered so far.

I think others like me would like a bit more on the clandestine activities in the flea markets and other dens of inequity.

Did you lose the backgammon game? Is that why you're not reporting on its outcome?

otherchelebi,

Appreciate your comments, unfortunately no dens of inequity on this trip. Just an intro to Istanbul with a good Turkish American friend taking a trip down memory lane and sharing some of the highlights of his country with me. I will make more postings that I hope you will find informative and entertaining.

Brilliant deduction on the backgammon game, I think in 6 days of playing I won about three games and I am not sure if this was one of them. I did not stand much of a chance against an opponent that has been playing the game longer than I have been around. Or maybe he was using loaded dice!

ISTANBUL - DAY ONE

After a lengthy unwelcome haggling process at Payless Car Rental although I have reservations, I am relieved when “Moose” and I finally leave the airport.

The afternoon traffic is hectic and the windshield is filled with a sea of red circles and squares as “Moose” takes me to meet our mutual friend, Tony a.k.a “Nur”. As the sun is setting it is a quick welcome at Rose Marine Club, a resort community on The Black Sea. We are then on our way to do business at the local flea market before it closes.

A bit of friendly bargaining and Nur makes some purchases for his grand kids back in Florida.

“Obama, Obama” and “Take my picture” are some of the friendly comments from the smiling faces of the flea market merchants as we walk around. Through the the fruit and vegetable area of the market we are offered generous samplings of hazels nuts, olives, sweet cantaloupes and red ripe watermelons. For this price, I could take lots of pictures.

A huge fresh salad with tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers along with fresh bread starts dinner at a local restaurant, Kimene.

Our main course, a Kabob Combo Platter comes with chicken, lamb and beef that are flavorful along with the grilled tomatoes and peppers. Done just right. Not a regular coffee drinker, I do take the opportunity to sample Turkish coffee after dinner. Strong with a SAE40 motor oil sludge at the end.

Dinner ends with a complimentary fruit platter with chilled melons, cherries and a green tart plum.

Back at Rose Marine Club, tea and a few games of backgammon and we call it a night. Tomorrow, we visit The Hagia Sophia Museum.

Follow my other postings about my trip to Istanbul along with pictures at:

http://dmbtraveler195.blogspot.com/2...-istanbul.html

TURKEY – HAGIA SOPHIA


“Breakfast is ready”, I hear after I am awaken by two or three knocks on my bedroom door. It's about an hour drive to Hagia Sophia and Tony is excited that we get there ahead of the tour bus crowds.

Fresh tomatoes, slices of cucumbers, olives, bread and of course hot tea satisfies our early morning appetites then we hit the road.

Arriving at Hagia Sophia, Tony treats to a traditional Turkish ice cream that is skillfully served with slight of hand magic. A firm frozen yogurt type texture in various flavors. My choice, strawberry with crushed pistachios. Life is good when you can have ice cream before noon.

After a YTL$20 entrance fee and security search we are admitted to the grounds of Hagia Sophia. Dating back to 324AD, Hagia Sophia has been used as a church and a mosque until converted to a museum in 1935. Today, it is Turkey's most visited site. It's history can still be seen in many of the beautiful mosaics, murals and artifacts that remain.

Health and happiness are my wishes as I stick my thumb in a column and rotate my hand 360 degrees without trying to dislocate a joint. We are at “The Wishing Column” located on the second floor of the museum.

Are you going to Europe from Istanbul?

Then I suggest you start at the center of the center. Located just to the west of Hagia Sophia is “The Million Stone” which marked the center of Istanbul the center of the world during the Byzantine era. From here all geographical distances were measured and it was the starting point of the road to Europe.


Follow my other postings about my trip to Istanbul along with pictures at:

http://dmbtraveler195.blogspot.com/2...-istanbul.html

"I suggest you start at the center of the center. Located just to the west of Hagia Sophia is “The Million Stone” which marked the center of Istanbul the center of the world during the Byzantine era. From here all geographical distances were measured and it was the starting point of the road to Europe."

Interesting. I know about ground zero outside Notre Dame in Paris but didn't know about the "million stone." Is it marked?

Luisah,

Unfortunately "The Million Stone" is not mark as well as I think it should be. Of course it is overshadowed by all the other historical site in Istanbul. It is located where Divanyolu curves North near Hagia Sophia. A picture is on my blog at:

http://dmbtraveler195.blogspot.com/2...ion-stone.html

I have been to Notre Dame many times and have never heard about ground zero. I consider these unpopular sites little treasures. Let me know more about ground zero.

I can't believe I wrote "ground zero." It's Kilometre Zero.

From Wikipedia: "Kilometre Zero is located in Paris on the square facing the main entrance of Notre Dame cathedral, and considered the official centre of the city of Paris."

If you stand in the square looking toward the entrance of N.D. use the statue of Charlemagne on the right as a guide. If you drew a line from the statue across the square you should be able to find the disk in the ground. There is a picture on Wikipedia.

I don't know if they still do it, but a few years ago I bought a book at Shakespeare & Company, across from Notre Dame and they stamped it "Shakespeare and Company, Kilometre Zero, Paris.

When I checked Wikipedia I noticed a list of countries with K Zeros. I didn't read it but will go back.

I like your photos, it makes me want to return and see those fabulous mosaics again. The ice cream looked good too, I didn't try it when I was there so maybe next time.

I didn't see the wishing column either so I have to go back.

Lusiah,
A return trip would be nice for me also. I was there as a guest so my itinerary was somewhat limited. There is a lot more of Istanbul and Turkey to be explored. I am trying to go around the globe with a backpack but I do hope I at least get to visit Turkey again.

I have friends in Paris so I'll check out Kilometre Zero next time I am there. Thanks for info.