Sunday, June 30, 2013
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Taksim square visit
Journeyed to Taksim Square last night about 10pm. We were warned of ongoing protests and to be vigilant. Walked the two blocks to the square found a bar to sit and watch the protests. Lots of people, chanting and we could feel excitement in the air but no issues. We understand the big protest was earlier with total of 10,000 people involved with plenty of police activity.
First day events
Big day today in Istanbul. Starting with the Hagia Sophia. We then walked to the cisterns which were amazing underground water storage. Many of these ancient cisterns lay underneath Istanbul. Next on our agenda was a cruise on the Bosphorus Straits. This natural body of water basically connects the B
lack SeA with the Aegean Sea. We stopped for a fabulous fish lunch next to the straits. Following these amazing visits we learned how to due marble painting in a world famous artists home.
Please visit my Facebook page for pictures, I am still having difficulty uploading images to my blog.
Kiwi you may need to call mom abut my Facebook.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Call to prayer
Just heard my first call to prayer on the loud,speakers outside of the hotel, it's 4:30 in the morning and I'm awake. It is very early but the sound of the call to prayer connects you to this country, and I can understand how this singular call in the world can connect Muslims around the world.
Arrival in Istanbul
Hi all, I made it to Turkey, the long way. Engine troubles in Denver cost 1.5 hrs, thunderstorm in Chicago cost 1.5-2 hrs re-routing to Rockford Illinois cost another 1.5 hrs. All in all time to Chicago was 6hrs not 2.5. Flight to Turkey suddenly became much longer, could not sleep. Istanbul is highly populated, around 15 million very dense, lots of traffic. Looking forward to the Hagia Sophia and a cruise on the Bosphorous tomorrow and sleep,tonight.
Happy Birthday Maggie love you all.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Today I attended a luncheon presented by the World Affairs Council of Denver and the guest speaker was Ambassador Tam, Turkish Ambassador to the US. The event was held at the Brown Palace and attended by about 100 guests. Ambassador Tam spoke of the political issues of the region including Iran,Iraq,Syria and the internal discord in Turkey. I was impressed with his take on the protests, he identified them as democracy in action, how true he is. The participants are simply voicing their right of free speech, those individuals that are inciting violence will be caught and the rule of law will be applied. He also mentioned that of the 57 majority Islamic countries in the world only Turkey has efficiently connected the ideas of free markets, democratic government and secular society that is open to all beliefs. Ambassador Tam touched on the need for international assistance in regards to the Syrian conflict and was happy that President Obama has agreed to assist in arming the freedom fighters against President Assad's ruling party.
This luncheon was a wonderful kick start to my trip that begins in just 8 short days.
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