I had a great opportunity to head out with Mele to Istanbul last week and explore a bit. We stayed in the Bebek and Sultanahmet neighborhoods on the Bosphorus. I really didn't know all that much about Turkey prior to the trip, but the experience left me wanting to explore much more of the nearby regions/countries.
Mele was busy the first half of the week, so I went off and explored the coastal areas of the city. I found the Turks to be very hospitable, and even with only a handful of phrases I made my way around the city easily. The history in this city is incredible. A true crossroad of East and West. On the one hand Istanbul feels like a European city, cobbled streets wind through neighborhoods, great (I mean incredible) food can be found everywhere, and people are always decked out in their best. The influence of the Muslim religion is all around you and Mosques seem to around every corner. The Imam chants broadcast from the minarets (5 times a day) called the faithful to prayer starting at 5 in the morning each day.
One thing that I'm always reminded of in Europe is the importance of focusing on one thing at a time. Even/especially when that one thing is kicking back and enjoying the day.
Below is a picture of the Bosphorus bridge which is artfully illuminated with blue lighting at night. The bridge connects the two halves of the city and links the continent of Europe to Asia (Turkey spans both).
One thing Istanbul has an abundance of is vagabond bands of cats and dogs. The cats were everywhere. As Mele put it, Bob Barker would have a field day out there. 
Mele came to Istanbul to interview with Bogazici University for an associate professor position (Hoja) teaching in the department of Science Education. She had made contacts there during a previous conference visit and they flew her out and put us up on campus.
Bogazici's campus was originally started by the US in the the late 1800's as the first American University abroad. It has since become Turkey's most prestigious state university. The campus still has some buildings with American style and names. The students are nearly all Turkish, but classes lectures are in English.
Her interview consisted of teaching class, a job talk and an open presentation on informal learning. All of which went very well and I have a feeling the offer will follow in the next couple days.
After Mele fulfilled her time at the University we stayed a couple days in Sultanahmet and visited some of the local sites. Below are a few pictures of the inside of the Blue Mosque, a significant site for Muslims. The Mosque is enormous. Six minarets surround the massive dome roof line with intricate design and paintings throughout.
Entering the mosque requires everyone remove their shoes. From that point on the men and women have a very different experience. Men proceed to the main prayer area in front of the Imam. Women who enter the mosque must wear a head scarf and be covered in clothing. They then have sit behind screens to perform their rites. This in the same city where mini skirts and winter boots are presently in fashion. The contrast in this city and in Turkey in general is stark.
We hit the big tourist destination known as the Grand Bazaar for an afternoon as well as another spice bazaar. The Grand Bazaar has been around since the late 1400's and houses over 1200 vendors. It is an indoor market (once a stable) that covers numerous city blocks. Below is one of the many entrances.
We also stopped off to watch a potter work some magic.
Overall, it was a lot packed into a short vacation and really got the travel bug back into my blood. I can still taste the food. Visions of evil eye charms, backgammon, tea glasses, sardine fishermen, insane cab drivers, ablutions, and the people of Turkey will stay with me for a while. Can't wait to plan the next trip abroad!
