Journeys Far and Wide: Istanbul

Monday, December 1, 2008

Istanbul

As I have stated on my previous blog, I was in Turkey for work from 20-23 October. I managed to get a full day of sightseeing the old city part of Istanbul before continuing to my eventual destination in Adana, where Incirlik Air Base is located. My one day exploring the old section of Istanbul provided me enough interest that I would want to return for a longer vacation. I got to see the Grand Bazaar, a huge covered market with countless vendors selling vast selection of jewelry, rugs, pottery, colorful "I Dreamed of Jeannie" house slippers (see photos below if my trivial tv sitcom reference is confusing), and many other wares. You can easily get lost in the maze-like layout of the bazaar. I would bet that the Grand Bazaar is probably the origin or at least one source for the mega-mall concept. I walked the grounds of the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, better known as the Blue Mosque. I had the opportunity to go inside the mosque. The structure was impressive with its six towering minarets, massive interior columns supporting the main dome, and the ornately decorated dome interior. I got to see the Hagia Sophia from the outside and its courtyard. It was near closing time when I got there. The Hagia Sophia was originally a church, later converted to a mosque, and now a museum. I managed to see most of the Topkapi Palace by walking around the courtyards and gardens. I walked around the bustling city during the night and felt fairly safe. The prices are still reasonable compared to Western Europe prices. I had ample time to walk thru the spice bazaar before I headed to the airport the following day to fly to Adana. Incirlik Air Base, location of the two schools that we surveyed, is located just outside of Adana.

The following are a few pictures of the sights I saw in old town Istanbul (click on the photo for enlarged view):

Inside the Grand Bazaar and some of the wares the vendors sell.

The Blue Mosque during day and night.

Inside the Blue Mosque.

The Hagia Sophia during day and night.

Other photos in old town Istanbul.

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WELCOME

"A man travels the world in search of what he needs and returns home to find it." -- George Moore.

I have always enjoyed traveling – seeing new places and meeting new people. Some have said that travel broadens the mind. I sometime think that during my journeys, I will uncover something deep and profound. I am again back overseas, in Germany, after 14 months in Seattle from March 2011 thru May 2012. I had been away from Seattle from February 2005 to March 2011 – in Iraq for one year, in Bosnia for 18 months, in Germany for 2 1/2+ years, and one year in Abu Dhabi, UAE. I was born in the Philippines, and have lived in Seattle, WA; Washington DC; Southern California; and Portland, Oregon. I have traveled in the US, Canada, Europe, and the Philippines. I have spent most of my life in Seattle.

Seattle is my home. It is where most of my family and friends live. My visits back home,when I am overseas, always invigorate me. I have discovered that it is in Seattle, my home, where I will find what I need. I don’t know how much longer this journey will continue; I do know that it will finish in Seattle.

Places Where I Have Lived

*** I decided to list all the places that I have lived at. I can't believe the number of times I have moved. My true nomadic spirit becomes especially apparent by the number of times I have changed residence. ***
Tagtagumbao, Cuyapo, Philippines - My place of birth; located in the province of Nueva Ecija. Tagtagumbao, a small rural village, will always hold a special place in my heart. It's the type of place where everyone knows each other. The are not many places like that anymore.
Bainbridge Island, WA - The first place I lived at after moving to the US. I lived there for two years, plus the countless summers spent there helping out at my sister's strawberry and raspberry farm.
Seattle, WA - I have lived there for almost twenty years total. I call this town my home.
Chevy Chase, MD - Just outside Washington, D.C. I spent six months there late 1984 thru early 1985 while I interned at US Nuclear Regulatory Agency.
Seattle, WA - Moved back to Seattle in 1985. Finished school at UW.
Pomona, California - After college, I moved there for work in 1988. It was close to my workplace, but I did not realize it was in the middle of gang country. The apartment was nice and new, but...
Rancho Cucamonga, CA - After six months in Pomona, this is where I moved to. Formerly, the town consisted mostly of vineyards. It was a growing community when I moved there. It's located in the foothills of San Gabriel mountains. I lived there for more than 6 years (1988 thru 1995).
Gresham, OR - A suburb of Portland. I lived there for about 5 years (1995 thru 1999). Portland is similar to Seattle, but without the congestion. It still has the small town feel. I enjoyed my time in the Portland area.
Seattle, WA - Moved back to Seattle in 1999 to live with my father after my mother passed away.
Green Zone, Baghdad, Iraq - I lived in the confines of the Green Zone my first two months in Iraq (Feb-Mar 2005). It was located in the heart of the city, where most of the former Iraqi regime's palaces and government buildings were located.
Camp Taji, Iraq - Located northwest of Baghdad, just outside the city. My Resident Office was located inside the base. The Resident Office served as the work area for 7-9 people. It also served as our living quarters. I was there for 9 months. (Apr 2005 - Dec 2005)
Eagle Base, Tuzla, Bosnia - Spent 18 memorable months in Bosnia (Jan 2006 - Jun 2007). I enjoyed my work and stay over there.
Wiesbaden, Germany - I was in Germany from Jul 2007 thru Feb 2010. I had a ball here. I took advantage of my stay here by exploring other parts of Germany and the rest of Europe every chance I got.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Moved here for a new job in mid-March 2010. I moved back to the US in March 2011.
Seattle, WA - Moved back to Seattle in March 2011.
Wiesbaden, Germany - Back again in Deutschland, in early May 2012