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Showing posts from April, 2012

Turkey 2012 -- Day 10: Hierapolis and Pamukkale

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Turkey 2012 - Day 8: Touring Samos

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Turkey 2012 - Day 7: From Turkey to Greece

We leave Turkey for a few days in Samos. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net

Turkey 2012 - Day 6: Ephesus and Around

The Church of Saint John You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net

Turkey 2012 - Day 5: Along the Coast (Around Assos & Pergamon)

Early morning in Assos You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net

Turkey 2012 - Day 3: Istanbul and Around

Chora church museum You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net

Kapalı Çarşı (The Grand Bazaar)

Shopping is always a good way to spend a rainy day and the Grand Bazaar has been the place for shopping in Istanbul since 1461. Originally a place where merchants from throughout the Ottoman Empire and the world beyond gathered to sell their merchandise, today it is more a gathering place for tourists. It gets a bad rap in most guidebooks for being touristy and tacky, but, while that is true, it is a fascinating place to visit. And, if you do want to shop, I think you could find just about anything you might want if you just look around long enough. (And the building is interesting too.) You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net

Istanbul’s Archaeological Museums

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The Harem

The Harem at Topkapı Palace is on my must-see list, not because of the romance and mystery associated with it, but because it is supposed to have stunning tiles. We all have our priorities. I find myself in tile heaven the moment we step into the first room. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net

Topkapı Palace

Topkapı Palace served as the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for about 400 years (between 1465 and 1856) until Domabahçe Palace became the official residence. Established as the seat of government for the Ottoman empire, at its peak, Topkapı was home to up to 4,000 people. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net

Turkey 2012 - Day 1: Istanbul

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Night in the City

This is a gorgeous evening – not hot, but warm and humid enough to feel a bit sultry. It is a night that begs to be enjoyed. The Blue Mosque draws us in, moths to a flame. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net

Sultan Ahmet Camii (the Blue Mosque)

The Blue Mosque was built early in the 17th century to rival the Hagia Sophia. Today it remains among the most splendid buildings in a city rich in magnificent architecture. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net

Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia)

We approach the ancient church of Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia) – now a museum – from the grassy plaza that links it to the Blue Mosque. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net

Photo Thursday: A DIY Playground in Johannesburg

my favorite spot was the playground behind the clubhouse with this wonderful do-it-yourself swing set. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net