Hello from Turkey! To the friends, parents, and loved ones of Ariel, Alex, Becca, Nilmini, Amanda, Sterling, Brandon, Nolan, and myself (David). We're alive. I can't speak for everyone else because they aren't in the immediate vicinity. But I'm sure they’re doing just fine. The seven of us are upstairs in our hotel, journaling and hanging out after a busy day exploring in Istanbul.
Today started just like the day before. Many of us were tired from the previous night’s escapades, but we all made our way to the lobby at 9:30…ish. We walked to Josh’s art center for lemonade, tea, and cookies. There we discussed the tasks for the day. We were split up into 4 groups. Nikki, Sterling, and I were assigned to visit the Ayasofya and the Grand Bazaar. When they weren’t throwing money at small children or getting their shoes shined the other groups were visiting various neighborhoods around Istanbul talking to Turks about their neighborhoods, lives, and anything and everything else. I’m sure someone will talk about those adventures tomorrow.
Following Dr. Mallery’s explicit instructions, Nikki, Sterling, and I slowly walked in to the Ayasofya. As we passed through the Sultan’s door we were all blown away. It was built as a church in the 6th century AD, but it has gone through so much over the years. It’s been destroyed and renovated time and again. Now it’s a state museum, and although there is much to be repaired, it is nothing short of the Eighth Wonder of the World. It’s designed so beautifully both architecturally and interiorly. The fusion of both Christian and Islamic art makes it truly unique.
We took a lunch break, and then hopped on the metro to a high-end shopping district searching for an interested, English speaking Turk. We encountered a hotel cook who had just finished work for the day. He was fluent in Turkish, German, and spoke some English. He told us his story (he aspires to be a chef in a Ritz Carlton in the US) and showed us the area as he walked us to the Bazaar.
The best way to describe the Bazaar is an overcrowded mall; it’s pretty over whelming. There are the normal clothing, jewelry, and shoe stores, but also shops with products unique to Turkey. After some bargaining, the three of us managed to snag a small prayer rug for just 30 TLR!
At the end of the day, we all met for at a restaurant knew to eat dinner and share stories about the day’s experiences. So here we are, in the hotel breakfast room falling asleep as we journal, looking forward to tomorrow.
(sorry there are no pics. my camera died right when we got to the Ayasofya)
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