The theme for today's blog is safe and sound in Turkey and already having great success finding leads to my project! There have been many changes and setbacks, but I am intent on remaining positive and continuing forward with my plans.
My German partner is currently with me in Turkey and will remain here until Monday. Our first evening here, she experienced Turkish wraps and loved them. The food here is completely different from that of the Turkish restaurants in Germany. Spices are much more flavorful and intense.
All of the University students are having finals this week and we find ourselves staying at home during the day working on our German project and waiting till finals for that day are finished to then go out and eat something. The Turkish people have a very strong mindset that should you go out and sightsee, you must also eat something good and authetic around that area. Experiencing Turkey must be done with all the senses!
Saturday we went to the seaside to eat a special fish meal, palamut. The fishermen catch the fish, bring their boats to the shore and cook the fish on their boats. The fish are then put in bread and served with onions and cabbage, fresh lemon and salt.
Sunday we spent out and about the European side of Istanbul. We went to the Spice Bazaar. Bazaars for those who do not know are giant markets. The spice bazaar is one of the oldest in Istanbul and while it does not only house spice vendors, it has the largest variety of spice vendors in Istanbul. Bazaars in general are a wonderful experience.
Monday we found ourselves in the Hagia Sofia. What an absolutely stunning piece of history. It is easy to see both the Christian and Muslim symbols fused together. An intriguing aspect to the Hagia Sofia is how these two different styles work so well together. The mosaic style is used by both the Christian and Muslim art, and a great deal of the carvings from both religious also compliment one another. After visiting Hagia Sofia, we ventured across the street to an underground, ancient Cistern. I have never been nor have I heard of such a thing. It was quite amazing. It is hard to believe that they had that capability to build those structures that functioned as efficiently as they did. Dinner that night was delicious Donner Kabab, as we were told, from one of the best locations in Istanbul.
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