Today is the first day of the new year according to the Islamic calendar and a national holiday here in Kuwait. All schools were closed today, offering a nice mid-week break, but some lucky teachers (such as Joe) are employed by schools that decided to give them a nice five day weekend. So, while Lindsay worked the past two days, Joe finished off a quick three and a half day trip to Istanbul to catch up with some old students/athletes of his and to spend some quality time with his favorite city on earth! Lindsay is still unable to travel due to an abnormally long residency processing operation, so she would not have been able to travel, anyway, but she is still bummed out that she couldn't make the trip!
If you know Joe at all, you know that Istanbul is his favorite spot on earth. He got to eat his favorite foods, roam around on his favorite streets, and interact with some of his favorite people on earth - Turks! Here are some pictures from the journey and, Joe would have you know, the weekend was a huge blessing to him! Here they are, for all four of you who read this blog!
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| This was one of the first things Joe saw after leaving the airport. Welcome back to Turkiye! |
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| This is a panorama of Taksim Square, where Joe has many memories and also where many of the major protesting by Turkish youth has occurred the past year. |
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| Entrance to Istiklâl Caddesi, one of Joe's favorite places on earth! |
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| Turkish street food - Tavuk Durum - an all-time favorite! |
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| Traditional, and delicious, Turkish brunch! |
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| A rooftop view of two of the world's greatest buildings! |
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| The Blue Mosque |
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| Hagia Sophia |
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| Beautiful hand-painted Turkish plate art. |
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| After six months of weather over 90 degrees, Joe loved the cool Istanbul weather! |
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| Joe's favorite little doner shop! |
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| Turkish police were always out in force, ready to suppress and protestors they felt like. |
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| This cathedral stands tall in a land where minarets dominate the skyline. |
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| How can you travel and not pick up the local Starbucks mugs? |
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| Big problem with the designer of the Istanbul mug - there isn't any inclusion of the iconic Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, or the many other beautiful mosques in Istanbul. The secular view of Starbucks has caused them to ignore rich history and amazing beauty with this very poorly designed mug! |
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| One of the countless old churches found all over Istanbul. |
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| Beautiful work of Turkish art! |
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| The different in the price of a tall and a venti is about 50 cents! |
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| Beyoglu police drive mini coopers, the shop to the left is named ParisTexasOutlet, and there is a Shake Shack in the back right. All kinds of awesome in this shot! |
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| Typical Turkish scene immortalized in street art. |
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| One of the most historical and beautiful buildings on earth! |
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| Tophane - a place where Joe has had countless hours of quality conversation with both Turkish and American friends! |
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| Istiklâl Caddesi | |
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| They should have been awarded the bid! |
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| Bye for now! |
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