Istanbul & Izmir, Turkey

Istanbul was filled with good times, lots of laugh and some really memorable travel experiences as a family. We arrived late and night and were driven to the old section of town where our hotel was located. We were only a few blocks from Aya Sofya and Sultan Ahmet (the Blue Mosque). It was a really cool neighborhood and everything was within walking distance. The first day we hired a tour guide and, along with one other kind gentleman from Singapore, we set for a really great day. We visited several important historical sights (the Hippodrome) in the old town, but most impressive was Sultan Ahmet. The girls and I had read about, and studied, the importance of this mosque during their 7th grade social studies classes, so to actually see it in person was so memorable. The mosque is absolutely breathtaking. The massive dome ceilings are covered with intricately designed tiles of every color, including the cobalt blue tiles that are inherent to this region of Turkey. This is the first non-Christian church we’ve visited on this trip and I was fascinated with the process of prayer and worship of the Muslims and especially how it affects the inner design of the mosque. It’s really quite powerful and beautiful. We next visited Aya Sofya, which started off as a Christian church, was converted to a mosque and is now a museum. It’s history is fascinating, but the structure feels like a building in transition – like it doesn’t quite know what it is anymore! We ended the day at Topkapi Palace, which is the Sultan’s palace, grounds and museum. Our favorite part was the Sultan’s kitchen where the Head Chef was responsible for preparing 2,000 meals, three times a day! At the end of the day, we were driving back to the hotel and the muezzin began the evening call to prayer. We all fell silent and just looked at each other and smiled. Again, we had read about this in books, but to actually hear the call in person is mesmerizing.

Our overnight to Izmir was with one intention – to visit the great city of ancient Ephesus. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that our private tour guide was an archaeologist from Turkey. He actually worked on several excavations at Ephesus, and everyone there knew him like an old friend. He was so informational and he really brought Ephesus to life for us. We were amazed to learn how sophisticated, organized and modern their lives were. Matt and I were particularly impressed with the three mile promenade that leads from the city to the port. It was paved in stone, lined with columns and flanked by high-end shops like jewelers, sculpturers, shoes makers and clothiers. To top it all off, many businesses had advertisements in the form of stone tablets with messages about “2 for 1 deals!” We couldn’t believe it! We had lunch at a little nomadic village that makes Turkish rugs, their own silk and has an organic farm. The girls got to try their hand at rug making and later in the day, Matt got to throw a pot at the Ephesus Ceramic Shop! We also visited Mary’s House, which is where the Mother Mary lived her last days after fleeing Jerusalem. Pretty wild. A lot to think about there. Ephesus was awesome!

We flew back to Istanbul where we continued to have fun. We decided to experience a family style Turkish bath and the memory will forever go down as one our best travel moments! The Suleymaniye Hamam (Turkish bath) was built by the great architect Sinan (his work rivals that of Michelangelo) and it was a beautiful building built in 1550. After changing into cotton bikini tops and shorts (no bikini top for Matt) we were lead into the warm steam area where we laid down on a huge marble slab and just relaxed for about 45 minutes. The temperature was perfect – enough to make you sweat and feel warm, but not too hot. Eventually a man comes and gets you in pairs and leads you to a small area for cool rinsing, hair shampooing and massage. The massage starts off by covering your body with the most amazing moisturizing bubbles – it’s indescribable. The bath ends with another rinse, a little more warming in the steam room, wrapping in dry towels and a Turkish tea. You have to try this, it’s heavenly!

The Grand Bazaar is a trip! It’s packed with 4,000 shops and I must admit, there are some really cool things there. In fact – I made a connection with a store owner there and am anxious to get home to start my new business! I have my company name, logo and idea in motion as we travel. Stay tuned.

We ate kebap and simits, we drank apple and Turkish tea, we smoked an apple Hookah pipe, we took care of business at the post office and Turkish laundry, and we generally fell in love with the Turkish people. It’s likely we’ll all return to Turkey - probably sooner then later.