nateniale's travels

The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey Although being from a predominantly Muslim country, I had never stepped inside a mosque. The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey was the first time I had ever been in one. I did not know what to expect, but seeing that there were so many tourists queuing up in the rain, I expected it to be just another tourist spot. Once I stepped in, I could see the huge space inside the mosque. Visitors are only allowed to be in one small section as the remaining area are for prayers. The second thing I noted was the amazing carpet. As we had to take off our shoes, I could feel the softness of the carpet under my feet. After walking around for a moment, we decided to sit down on the amazing carpet and absorb everything in. Be it a Buddhist temple, a Christian church or a Muslim mosque, I love the energy and the warmness that are accumulated from all the prayers. And I love how, after more than 400 years, the Blue Mosque is still being used on a daily bas...

This photo of our Istanbul holiday was recently published in a Singapore-based Travel Planner's blog . The photo was originally posted here on the blog entry of our last day in Istanbul. It was definitely a great view of the Blue Mosque from the rooftop of our hotel. 

{ November 2009 - Istanbul, Turkey } We started bright and early on our last day in Istanbul, with a great breakfast with amazing view in our hotel. After spending all the time we had in Istanbul in the old part of the city, it was time to explore the new and modern Istanbul. We took the tram from our hotel, and then changed to the funicular tram to Taksim Square . 10 November was the day when Ataturk , the father of modern Turkey, passed away. We saw a small ceremony commemorating the day. We walked along Istiklal Caddesi at Beyoglu . It was a large pedestrian only road with shops on both sides. Here, you can find all the modern clothing brand you can find anywhere in Europe or other parts of the world. It was great seeing the modern side of the country after all the days spent admiring and respecting the history. It really showed how much the country has progressed over the years. We saw Cicek Pasaji (Flower Passage) which used to be a grand shop but is now...

{ November 2009 - Istanbul, Turkey } After one week traveling all around Turkey, it was time to return to Istanbul . Taking a flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul, we started off exploring the other side of Istanbul in the afternoon. We went to the Grand Bazaar , a large covered area that started as a small bazaar, but today was one of the largest that I have ever seen. There were almost everything that you can think of, and it was just a kaleidoscope of colour inside!        Of course, there were lots of tourists all around. We also stopped at a book bazaar that mostly sold books for school children and universities students. It was relatively small compared to the Grand Bazaar. We then walked towards the Suleymaniye Camii (Mosque) . Unfortunately, it was closed for construction and restoration, and only a small section was opened for prayers and tourists. We walked along some back lanes and dark streets towards the Spice Bazaar . It was ...

{ October 2009 - Istanbul, Turkey } We joined a day tour on our third day in Istanbul. The tour started with a quick stop at the Spice Bazaar . It has spices, nuts, dried fruits, Turkish Delight , honey and lots more! The richness of colour is a captivating sight!     Just outside the market is the New Mosque (Yeni Camii) . We did not have time to visit the mosque, but spent some time taking photos of the many pigeons there! We took a cruise down the Bosphorus . It is a strait that links the European part with the Asian part of Istanbul. It was great seeing the palaces, waterfront houses and restaurants along the strait. Here is a view of the Bosphorus Bridge from Camlica Hill. We visited the Beylerbeyi Palace . It is a summer palace for the sultan during the Ottoman empire . The detail in the interior designs were amazing. Only a palace can have a pool right in the middle of the palace, with piano and huge entertaining area. As the palace is under ...

{ October 2009 - Istanbul, Turkey } After spending a wet first day in Istanbul, we woke up to another rainy. It was definitely disappointing, but unfortunately, we could arrange everything but the weather! We had breakfast in the hotel, and started walking towards Topkapi Palace . It was wet and cold. I really really hoped that the weather would get better as the days go by! We arrived in the palace even before it opened, and there was already quite a big group of tourists waiting outside. We went straight to the harem, away from the rest of the crowd. When we talk about harem, the image would usually be sexual activities and of a polygamous king and his many wives and concubines. However, for this harem, it includes the private apartments of the sultan and the living quarters of the women in the palace including the sultan's mother, wives, concubines, children and their servants. The harem was the heart and soul of the palace. This was the Courtyard of the Black Eunuchs. Eun...