Nineteen travel weary, but nevertheless, happy tripsters have just had dinner on a rooftop terrace in Istanbul.It was a dinner complete with breezes from the Bosporus and a full moon. In 16 travel hours from Denver takeoff to Istanbul landing, we are a world away from home in so many remarkable ways. There is an exotic feel to this city. The moon was the same beautiful orb under which you viewed the sky, but on the opposite sight line we were entranced by the Blue Mosque. It has elegant cascading curves and is best known for its six towering stone minarets. As we atemeatballs, rice and french fries, we heard the evening prayer call from those same towers. It seemed to echo to distant places. As one story has it - the Sultan Ahmed I had originally envisioned the minarets in far too expensive solid gold. The royal architect offered the ones we now see as a substitute (thereby retaining his head). It got its Blue Mosque name because of the intricate tiling in the interior. We will see that tomorrow.
We know this will be a fascinating and enriching adventure.
Blessings
Mary
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Monday, September 10, 2012
The World of Saint Paul and the Early Church
On September 29, nineteen Traveling Turkey Tripsters will embark on an adventure to study to World of the Apostle Paul and the Early Christian Church. We begin in Istanbul, the fabled capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. I have read that it is a "glittering glorious muddle of influences and impulses." Sounds intriguing.
For almost three millennia, Istanbul's position on the Bosporus, the narrow strait that connects the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, has made it a trading hub for gold, silk, oil and spices, as well as a stomping ground for generations of merchants, hustlers and romantics. Location also made Istanbul the desired destination of conquerors the world over, many of whom decided that this place, and only this place would suffice as the seat of an empire. Because it is hard not to be overwhelmed in such a place, it is fortunate that Turks are among the friendliest people on earth. We will enjoy their hospitality for three nights as we get adjusted to a new time zone and culture, before heading to Cappadoccia, where so many early churches were started. Check in with us on our travels. I will try to update daily with a picture and a few sentences, but all of that depends on internet connection. If I miss a day here and there. Do not worry about us, just know that we are not connected. Blessings, Mary
For almost three millennia, Istanbul's position on the Bosporus, the narrow strait that connects the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, has made it a trading hub for gold, silk, oil and spices, as well as a stomping ground for generations of merchants, hustlers and romantics. Location also made Istanbul the desired destination of conquerors the world over, many of whom decided that this place, and only this place would suffice as the seat of an empire. Because it is hard not to be overwhelmed in such a place, it is fortunate that Turks are among the friendliest people on earth. We will enjoy their hospitality for three nights as we get adjusted to a new time zone and culture, before heading to Cappadoccia, where so many early churches were started. Check in with us on our travels. I will try to update daily with a picture and a few sentences, but all of that depends on internet connection. If I miss a day here and there. Do not worry about us, just know that we are not connected. Blessings, Mary
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