I spent the last week or so in Istanbul, Turkey visiting a great friend! When I left Africa I thought that Turkey was going to be pretty similar to North Africa...I was wrong! OK, there are some similarities...but there are A LOT of differences! Istanbul is a totally modern city. In fact, the largest mall in Europe is in Istanbul...as well as the world's 15th and 16th longest suspension bridges. The city is absolutely beautiful! There are tons of steep hills which, while hard to climb, give the city a sort of layered feel. The colors in the city are also unlike anything I have ever seen! Istanbul seems to be a world of contrasts...the desperately poor are separated from the incredibly rich by only a few meters in some areas. There is great contrast among the people too. ..there are the very religious and the completely secular...and everything in between. The city sits on two sides of the Bosphorus, the river that separates Europe and Asia. Though the city is technically united, the two sides of the river have a very different look and feel. Istanbul is an old city with a lot of history and at the same time one of the most modern cities in the region. Like I said, a world of contrasts.
A view of the city looking up from a poorer neighborhood
The worlds 16th longest suspension bridge
Ruins of an old fort and a great friend!
Correction.....Hanging out with a great friend at the ruins of an old fort (better?)
There were some amazing yahts docked here....and these little fishing boats
Fisherman repairing his nets at the mouth of the Black Sea
Overlooking the shipping lanes on the Bosphorus and Black Sea
Castle ruins
I have never seen a country so pround of their flag. At any given moment you can look around and see at least two or three flags flying.
Mouth of the Bosphorus river
This is where the Bosphorus meets the Black Sea ...note the huge flag :)
View from the boat
Another view from the boat
Sail boat on the Sea of Marmara
Hagia Sofia. This was a church that was converted to a mosque under Ottoman rule. Now, it is a musuem.
When the Ottomans took over the building they plastered over the Christian mosaics, effectively preserving them. Now, the mosaics are being restored. This building holds an interesting contrast of both history and religion.
One of the mosaics
The two people on the sides were rulers of the empire at one point. They had their pictures added to this mosaic to demonstrate their divine right to rule.
The Blue Mosque is known for its blue tile work and its six minarets
Courtyard of the Blue Mosque
Inside the mosque
People love to fish off of bridges in Istanbul. Its funny to watch them pull things up over the boardwalk below them. :)
More fishing
These boats were getting thrown around by the waves but the men who were grilling on them kept on cooking!
Yay for Dr. Pepper! We had way too much fun sitting on this bench drinking DP and watching funny people
My proof of life pic....HI MOM!
downtown at night
medina at night
medina crowds 
normal mid-morning traffic outside my window
Donkey pulling a cart in traffic
B.O. Cafe...I laughed
I think this Sandway lettering looks familiar....hmmm
New public health announcement Phone + Car = Death.
Horse cart stopped at the light
cloudy day 
