Yesterday started with a fantastic Mediterranean breakfast. I had my first and possibly last Turkish Coffee (was very sweet and very strong), and Bryan and I played the game of "What do you think this food contains?"All items had a unique taste. One thing that we have noticed about Istanbul, everyone always has a good breakfast, from little street cafes to all hotels offering a hearty breakfast to their guests.
Istanbul is very hilly, more so than we first expected. We have covered many kilometres up and down various inclines. However, you find gems along the way. Like yesterday, following the tramline (trams speed along and don't have obligations to stop at intersections or for people!) we came across the Hagia Sophia Museum. The Hagia Sophia translated means "Holy Wisdom". This is the third building of the Hagia Sophia. This one encompasses the two designs previously and builds upon them all. The history within the building is amazing. You can see the East Roman Christian Influence clearly. Paintings of Jesus adorn the walls, as well as portraits of John the Baptist and The Virgin Mary.
What was truly amazing was even in the 10th Century there were "Selfies". There were mosaics that consisted of Jesus being held by the Virgin Mary however they were also conveniently alongside others like the Emperor and Empress Komnenos and their son Alexios. What made it really interesting was the sign that stated the Emperor and family donated money to the Hagia Sophia. How much do you think it would cost now to be included in a selfie with Jesus?
The Hagia Sophia had amazing artworks and architecture. The mix between the Christian roots of its creation and the Islamic ties that now adorn it after the area was taken over following Fatih Sultan Mehmed’s (1451-1481) conquer in 1453 make it such an interesting place to visit. This mix eans the visitors who come to see it are from various cultures and religions as after the conquer Hagia Sophia was renovated into a mosque as it now stands today.
Following the experience of the Hagia Sophia, Bryan and I were treated to the truly cultural and traditional experience of Turkey. We were invited into a shop to buy a Turkish Rug.
The nice man who led us into his store, paid us both compliments and led us to the showroom. We were treated with apple tea and stories. After hearing that I was married, he turned his attention to Bryan. He offered him a carpet as well as a Turkish girl to marry. He even got the choice of what colour hair she had! However no deal was struck, all in good humour, Stav keeps her boyfriend Bryan; while all arranged marriage proceedings have been called off. To get out of the store, someone had to bite a bullet. It happened to be my wallet as I purchased a nice table runner, to go with our new table (Sara I really hope you like your gift!). This was probably the cheapest way out of a potentially stick situation.
The Grand Bazaar was the full on, not unlike the markets in Singapore or Thailand, there were lots of traders, selling various items. There was a lot of people and a lot of sales pitches. Most of the items repeated, however there were some interesting items for sale; like the traditional turkish instruments as well as various types of clothing. Bryan purchased a jacket, however to find one his size we had to venture into the showroom, this consisted of going behind the counter and climbing down to an underground area where you felt somewhat obliged to purchase. They were very helpful and friendly, as we both found out. When a particular style of jacket did not fit Bryan, one of the employees was off to a different location to get one. I too had an experience similar, where a pair of jeans I purchased were too long. The shop assistant ordered tea which arrived in a couple of minutes bustled in by some market orderly. While drinking the owner of the store took my pants to the tailors and had them all sewn up. Service with a smile!
The Spice market was amazing. All different smells and tastes. We purchased yummy Turkish Delight while sampling different teas and spices used in traditional cooking.
We feel we have walked most of the "Old Istanbul" by now. Even today we found ourselves in a long walk by the sea side in a truly local community. Even the taxis were touting to pick us up, on we walked though. Eventually making it to the Blue Mosque. This was the first time I had been into an Islamic Temple. We followed all of the correct customs and politely and respectfully made our way through and marvelled at the architecture of such an old place of Worship.
We have seen so many great sites over the past two days, however I think I have seen one of the worst. It came to me as we were looking for somewhere to eat dinner, after 10.30pm. Walking along the main road we passed a young mother sitting on the footpath with her young (around 1 year old) child. This really got to me as they looked me straight in the eyes with their cold expression, they shouldn't be there. Money couldn't just fix this scenario though, as it was all around. It made me think of all of the wonderful things that we have in our society of Australia and New Zealand. We take for granted the social structures we have in place to assist us. In reality though, not everyone has access to this around the world. Seeing this young lady with her child made me think instantly of Sara in Bendigo with our two children Lachlan and Brodie. I would hate to see them in this situation. We have a lot of wealth in this world, but there is still desolation and poverty. Will this ever be fixed? Can it be fixed? Or in some people's view in relation to the spiralling population of this Earth, should it be fixed?
As a Catholic I believe Jesus lived and died for us to show us the way that we can be an ideal citizen of this world, He showed compassion and understanding for all around him. Much the same as in recent history our fore-bearers took up arms to protect what we hold most dear in our country, our freedom, our freedom to choose a life of our own, a freedom to help others and make something of ourselves. Those soldiers we commemorate in two days time (as well as others post WW1) paid the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that we had a right to freedom. My question is: how are we now repaying that favour?
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