Ortakoy with Gokhan & Ozge

From Post Cards 2011

While crossing the Galata Bridge to meet up with Gokhan and Ozge, we satisfied our tummies with a fresh grilled fish sandwich along the restaurant strip.

From Post Cards 2011

The definite highlight of this trip was meeting up with Ozge {in Section J--Corey's section at school} and Gokhan. Little did we know Ozge would be welcoming baby Ece only a week after she so graciously showed us around!
Ozge and Gokhan introduced us to jacket potatoes--Ortakoy style! :) Shredded beets, carrots, onions, corn, red pepper, mayonnaise, and more deliciousness. :) The locals accompany the potato goodness with a soured milk drink {Ayran} that reminded us of a sort of sour cream yogurt drink. While my taste buds were anticipating a sweet milk, they quickly adjusted to the sour complementing the jacket potato.

From Post Cards 2011

Stunning Ortakoy on the Bosphorus River (that bridge in the background connects the Anatolian Istanbul, or Asian side, to European Istanbul). :)

From Post Cards 2011

Ozge and Gokhan did some smart shopping, selecting the best eye--nazar--to ward off anything bad or evil against Spencer {Elsie was lucky enough to get one of these charms from Ozge and Gokhan when she was born in Boston}.

From Post Cards 2011

They treated us to one of the best kebab places in town. The kebab meat was on top of this naan bread with some sour cream on the side, topped with grilled red pepper and some beans. Divine. Okay, so I superimposed these dishes, but it's what it would have looked like before we devoured the yummy meal.
It was so nice to stroll down streets of newer Istanbul and chat with good friends. Elsie wouldn't let go of Gokhan or Ozge's hand---wish I'd had a good picture of that. We returned to the elevator parking garage--yes, a parking garage with elevators that move the cars into cubicles on different levels! Ozge and Gokhan's car was elevated into a slot and then returned in fashion {as if it were on rotating display}--positioned and ready to leave the garage. It was awesome.
We were sad to leave Ozge and Gokhan and were so glad to spend the time we did with them. Thanks for making a meaningful trip.

From Post Cards 2011

A couple of days later lead us to the Basilica Cistern. It lies 500 feet under Istanbul and is one of the largest of all the ancient cisterns. While there are all kinds of Ionic and Corinth pillars, there are two pillars standing on Medusa heads {I guess to frighten away any bad luck}. The cistern gave water to the Great Palace of Constantinople {yes that song ran through my head our ENTIRE trip--thanks The Four Lads and They Might be Giants} and later to the Topkapi Palace. It was an awesome marble forest of pillars and our kids loved all the fish swimming among the sparkling coins.

From Post Cards 2011

One of the neatest things we did was cross the river to Anatolian Istanbul to watch the sun set on old Istanbul, or the Sultanahmet. It was relaxing to just walk along the board walk and enjoy some good food {not to mention get a large blue balloon}. There was nothing more beautiful than to see the minarets pierce the colorfully brushed sky.

From Post Cards 2011

While the hotel we stayed at tempted us with a hamam, or Turkish bath, we didn't quite feel like we could spend the money to go all out. It's about an hour-long process of washing, scrubbing, and massaging--leaving your skin silky brand new. We did however step inside the heated room, wash our faces in the basins, and lie down on the tummy stone. I nearly fell asleep {I know that will be a surprise to some of you. :)}.



Finally, we thought we'd end on some of our Turkish favorites: An herbal apple tea, which reminded us of American apple cider; a sesame pretzel, which was like a thin doughnut-of-a-bagel covered in sesame seeds; and some Turkish Delight, a lovely gummed candy mixed with pistachios {apparently a Briton traveled between Britain and Istanbul, liked the lokma so much he shipped a case of it to Britain under the name "Turkish Delight"}.
Thank you, Turkey for a great Easter Vacation. Thank you Ozge and Gokhan for sharing your home.

My Favorite Pal

From Crowell Post

My daddy is my favorite pal,
And I help him every day.
It's plain to see I want to be
like him in every way.

I honestly hope our kids turn out to be like Corey in every way. Happy Father's Day.

Touring Topkapi {Top-kap-uh}

From Post Cards 2011

Technically, the "i" at the end of Topkapi and Sarayi should be "dotless," giving it the "uh" sound. Anyway, this huge palace reminded me a lot of the Alhambra, Spain. Topkapi Palace (1465-1856) was once the home to 4,000 people at one point and held a bakeries, hospital, a mint, and mosques. We made some friends with a few people (and one of the many kitties) in the courtyards.

From Post Cards 2011

Lots of people we met couldn't get over our bald, blue-eyed little chunk of love.

From Post Cards 2011

Throughout the large courtyards (which hosted lots of tulips--Turkey is where they originate) and all the buildings, Spencer and Elsie both saw some really fancy Ottoman architecture.

From Post Cards 2011

They were sure to ask me to document it, too. :) Honestly, the detail in the tiles, wood, and murals was incredible.

From Post Cards 2011

There were plenty of places to just go for a stroll...the best way to tour.

Taste of Turkey

From Post Cards 2011

I think the Haya Sofia had to have been one of my favorites. Simple, yet rich in its history. The exact inverse of the Mezquita in Cordoba, Spain, the Haya Sofia was once a cathedral (largest until Seville's was finished) then converted into a mosque when the Ottoman Turks took over. It's now a museum. While Islamic symbols decorate the mosque, a fresco of the Virgin Mary and the Christ child remain in the nave. The best of the best when it comes to Byzantine architecture (hence the pillar pic); red, green, and yellow patterns permeate the building. One place of worship under one God. If only it were realistically that simple.

From Post Cards 2011

We then made our way to the Blue Mosque (named because of its blue tiles inside), or locally known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque. We waited in the courtyard during prayer (Corey was able to slip in--guess I didn't blend quite like him); and then filed in afterward. Elsie had a short conversation with Corey and me:

Elsie: "Whas' dat mommy?"
Alisa: "Oh, it's the prayer call."
Corey, pointing to the minaret: "It comes from up there."
Elsie with big eyes and mouth wide-open: "Ooh..."
Needless to say, Elsie became so used to the prayer calls that at one point joined in. :)

From Post Cards 2011

I loved the preparation the men took in before prayer. They removed their coats and shoes; and washed their face, hands, and feet prior to entering the mosque. Quite symbolic I think. I also loved watching mothers and fathers take their children in for worship. There are lots of things I feel I can learn from the Muslim people--dedication is only one of them.
Hopefully I can stay on top of this Turkey trot and give you more than just this little taste!

It's Summer...

From Post Cards 2011

Did you know that summer actually started at least mid-April, if not earlier?! Kid you not, Elsie was out swimming with her neighbor friend, Grace the day before we left for our Easter Turkey Trip (no, it was not warmer there, by-the-way)!
Finally, the toys sleeping in the hutch woke from a long winter's nap to some gorgeous sunny days, and lived it up in the wild terrain.

Daffodil Picnic

From Post Cards 201

Just as spring was arriving here in England, fields of daffodils popped up through the grass--not just here and there, but everywhere! We were in heaven. So what did we do? We made a picnic or two out of it.

An Easter Hunt

Well, with this Post Service taking plenty of bank holidays for a last minute trip to Istanbul, a Royal Wedding, and good friend visits, we have quite a bit of catching up to do. :)

From Post Cards 2011

We'll kick it off with a fine Easter Hunt {which Elsie patiently waited for}.



Ready, "Steady" {as they say here}, Go!!

From Post Cards 2011

Can't go wrong with chocolate and jelly beans.

From Post Cards 2011

Spence scored pretty good with his couple of jelly beans and a grass salad.

From Post Cards 2011

Happy Easter everyone.