Istanbul

2.22.2008

Istanbul was Constantinople

Now it's Istanbul, not Constantinople

Been a long time gone, Constantinople

Why did Constantinople get the works?

That's nobody's business but the Turks

"Istanbul (Not Constantinople)"
They Might Be Giants

Little did I know that when my older brother, Chris, introduced me to this band, and this song, oh about 20 years ago, that I would one day be wandering through the streets of old Istanbul with the same tune bouncing around in my brain. Instead of randomly bursting out into song (and finding myself in a Turkish Insane Asylum), I smiled to myself and let the music play on subliminally.

The song, though fun and catchy, gives little insight to this beautiful city...aside from its Byzantinian roots. So instead, allow me the pleasure of giving you a few glimpses into the fabulous day we spent wandering around this lovely city.

Those of you with young kids know that kid-friendly vacations do not usually involve sight-seeing among ancient streets and old mosques...you also probably know that, with short attention spans, etc., the quicker you get to the main event of the day, usually the better.

We went against all practical wisdom and decided to do the city tour of Istanbul, kids and all (the other option being one of us adults would have missed it). Sophie is at a great age defined by the phrase "knowledge is power". I prepped her before we left telling her that:

a.) it would be a lot of walking,

b.) it would take a long time to get there (1 hour by bus, 20 minutes by ferry, another 5-10 walking, and 5 on a tram, just to GET to where we were touring), and

c.) once we were there, we would be looking at old buildings and stuff. I also added:

d.) that we were going to an old and beautiful part of the world that most people only get to see in pictures or on TV...the "what-a-lucky-six-year-old-you-are" speech (revisited later in the vacation, but read on).

Amazingly enough, she seemed to by into this. And thankfully, like the Senate majority leader, she has the ability to sway her underlings (i.e. Annie), who in turn also think this is a grand adventure.

Here are some bits and pieces of our day of touring...enjoy vicariously, or if you've been there, relive the experience!




The ferry ride across the Bosphorus was beautiful, and one of the highlights of the day for the girls. My ferry ride highlight? The fact that, after a weary day sight-seeing, shopping, and walking my legs off, I could order a nice cup of hot tea for about 30 cents, and enjoy the return trip!

Benjamin enjoyed his ferry ride (and most of his sight-seeing adventure) by napping in his favorite spot...John's arms. Needless to say, John's arms were about to fall off by the time Ben awoke!


"Can I have a do over?" Being the main photographer in our family, I (Beth) am not often in pictures with the kids. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to snap a picture of me and the girls...so after about three attempts to get all of us smiling at the same time, we attempted to disembark off the ferry...only to find that it had taken off again! We were expecting that we had enough time, as they usually take on new passengers, as well! Fully expecting to have to make another round trip (40 minutes) and probably miss our connection with one of our hosts in the city (we were cell-phoneless), we were at a loss as to what to do....





Ferry Hopping....Thanks to the kindness of strangers, we were let off further up the docking area, and had to hop across three docked ferries (pictured, side by side) to get ashore. It also meant longer walk (poor John's arms!) and a lot of questioning looks as we walked through the shipyard where tourists are rarely seen! I'll think twice next time I attempt to get my picture taken with the kids! But, after all, All's well that ends well!

Across the Golden Horn...

Girls with Aya Sofya in background.

Aya Sofya

Sightseeing without shopping? Impossible! The Grand Bazaar was full of eye candy...fabulous colors, textures, faces, and smells...and I only spent a small fraction of what I wanted to!

Just the experience was a gift. John and one of our hosts took the kids back to play at home (our host family has a playground at their apartment building...what are the wonders of Istanbul's famous Grand Bazar compared to swings, slides, and beautiful green grass?!)

Rest for the weary. Sophie (our touch-me-not) was so tired she didn't even notice Annie's (our Snuggler) encroachment into her personal space. Needless to say they slept great that night!

Just reliving the day, now two weeks past, I am exhausted.

I'll save Antalya and Termessos for another day...soon!