fahim mohammed
Well-known member
Istanbul.
Many members at OPF might have visited Istanbul. I know Asher has. Its history and the places to see are well documented in books and on the internet. I cannot add more to that material.
I have visited Istanbul many times . I love the place. But I did not intend to join any ' tours'.
I intended to laze around. Go to my favorite places. My back was more than grateful. So while my family joined the hordes of tourists on their day-long tours,
I visited the places I enjoy. I shall share some of them with you.
Istabul. The Orient Express. A lovely area for photographers too!
This is the eastern terminus of the fabled Orient Express. That reminds me of Agatha Christie's ' Murder on the Orient Express '. The hotel she originally stayed in ( Tokatliyan ) is no more. But there is the Pera Palace hotel. If you cannot stay there, a visit is a must. Shall bring back the essence of that era..1883. Ernest Hemingway and Agatha lodged here. As did the founder of modern day Turkey. Mustafa Ataturk.
Another place to have superb views is over at the Grand Hotel de Londres.
The Terrace is a must see. Stay and have tea or coffee. Let the sights and sounds
take you back to a different time.
Or ask a cab driver to take you to the Pierre Loti Coffee House. Only then would you understand why the French writer fell in love with Istanbul.
Or have a look at some frescoes. The best examples of Byzantine Frescoes in the world are here..
Our holiday in Turkey is at an end. We have had a memorable journey. An instructive journey. We have made friends along the way. We have been to the crossroads of civilization.
One last look at Istanbul..
And an irrestible purchase at the duty-free shop at the Ataturk International Airport.
We head home. I know I shall come back to Turkey.
Thank you for being with us. It was a pleasure having you along.
Many members at OPF might have visited Istanbul. I know Asher has. Its history and the places to see are well documented in books and on the internet. I cannot add more to that material.
I have visited Istanbul many times . I love the place. But I did not intend to join any ' tours'.
I intended to laze around. Go to my favorite places. My back was more than grateful. So while my family joined the hordes of tourists on their day-long tours,
I visited the places I enjoy. I shall share some of them with you.
Istabul. The Orient Express. A lovely area for photographers too!
This is the eastern terminus of the fabled Orient Express. That reminds me of Agatha Christie's ' Murder on the Orient Express '. The hotel she originally stayed in ( Tokatliyan ) is no more. But there is the Pera Palace hotel. If you cannot stay there, a visit is a must. Shall bring back the essence of that era..1883. Ernest Hemingway and Agatha lodged here. As did the founder of modern day Turkey. Mustafa Ataturk.
Another place to have superb views is over at the Grand Hotel de Londres.
The Terrace is a must see. Stay and have tea or coffee. Let the sights and sounds
take you back to a different time.
Or ask a cab driver to take you to the Pierre Loti Coffee House. Only then would you understand why the French writer fell in love with Istanbul.
Or have a look at some frescoes. The best examples of Byzantine Frescoes in the world are here..
Our holiday in Turkey is at an end. We have had a memorable journey. An instructive journey. We have made friends along the way. We have been to the crossroads of civilization.
One last look at Istanbul..
And an irrestible purchase at the duty-free shop at the Ataturk International Airport.
We head home. I know I shall come back to Turkey.
Thank you for being with us. It was a pleasure having you along.