Istanbul, and Constantinople!

Rebekah has wanted to explore Turkey for a while (or at least that is what she told me). History, food, shopping, warm sunshine. Three out of four isn't bad?  So we packed up and made our way to Istanbul. 

When I travel alone for work, it seems like I never eat. With the family in tow, is seems that is all we do! Luckily, the food was great.  So many healthy, flavourful options.

Warm breads, cheese Pida's, Kebab's, fruits and roasted vegetables. 

Sweets so full of nuts, sugar and honey you could barely find the artificial ingredients?  You had to eat them fast, or risk being covered in the rich sticky goo. 

And of course, more spices then the nose can handle. Regardless,  as Weston reminded me, "forget the roses, life is too short to not stop and smell the spices."  

Despite our best efforts, we were not able to eat all day. So we decided to check out some sights. Of course, it was easy to fit this city into our current history lessons. It seems this location has been important to someone for as long as people have been roaming Asia Minor (or Europe - depending which side of the Bosporus you're on)

There were giant underground water cisterns built during the Byzantine empire, spice markets and bizarres dating back to the Ottomans and ancient trade routes

The magnificent Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia (which used to be a cathedral) before it was turned into a mosque, then into a museum. In fact there were a lot of mosques, as we heard 5 times a day during the call to prayer.

We relied on audio tours to explain the many sights. 

At Topkopi Place (Ottoman empire), we marvelled at the colourful architecture

numerous jewels, treasures and religious artefacts (many from prophet Mohammad). I suppose 600 years in power will provide quite a booty.

Weston especially enjoyed the Armoury, but accidentally slipped and skewered himself on the sword of a giant. You have to expect these things when you travel I suppose. 

But soon our feet grew weary, and we had recovered from the unexpected loss of our son, so we decided to enjoy a Bosporus boat tour; that famous body of water separating Asia from Europe that cuts the city in two.

Our boat was trailed by a large, hungry flock of sea gulls. The kids were more then happy to toss them bread and crackers, amazed at their dexterity and athleticism in the air. 

But I am not going to lie. It was very cold. The wind from the boat made it even worse. 

So, despite the glorious sun set over the golden horn, we made our way inside the boat, to enjoy the views, sheltered from the wind. 

On another occasion, we made our way up near Taskim, for some shopping, food and entertainment. The feeling here is much more akin to a european city, complete with a charming tram

Unfortunately, the kids and I do can not match Rebekah's stamina when it comes to shopping.  So we decided to hit a movie.

The third instalment of the Hobbit was on.  We had just watched the first over over the Christmas break. So we settled into some comfortable leather seats, and were transported to middle earth for a few hours of blood, fighting and drama.  Shopping seemed easy and tame in comparison. 

Istanbul was a nice stopover. So much to take in, and enjoy. But the real purpose of our trip lay ahead. So we left for an early morning flight to Izmir. 

Ephesus

The ancient ruins of Ephesus are not that far from Izmir. They were the reason for our visit. We wanted to  experience the Greek/Roman/Christian city for ourselves. 

Unfortunately, our hotel had a nice, warm indoor pool, with lots of fun jets and fountains. This made walking around Ephesus in the cold a hard sell to the kids. They knew what they wanted to do, and it involved bathing suits. 

So we postponed our visit for a few days, and relaxed around the hotel, venturing out into the old town of Izmir for food, hot apple tea, and even a haircut.

He loved it. 

Eventually we jumped on a train and made the trip to Ephesus (actually to the town of Selcuk a few kilometers away. As luck would have, the annual camel wresting competition was taking place the next day in Seluck.  Sounded exciting and different, but the kids had no interest in coming back. They are opposed to animal violence I suppose.  

Ephesus did not disappoint, It was very large (it was one of the biggest cities around during its day). Like many other sites in this part of the world, it went through a number of periods, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk,Turkish and so on. It was destroyed and rebuilt many times, thanks to fires, earthquakes, raiding armies and barbarians.  That is until the river and harbour silted up, trade floundered, and the town died in the 15th century. That was a long run. 

There are a number of impressive buildings, like the elegant Library of Celsus, the enormous amphitheater, the lengthy harbour road

It must have been quite an imposing cities. It even boasted the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

For sheer size it reminded me a bit of Pompeii, but without all the horrific instant death and destruction.

We all enjoyed walking around, and only had to share the site with a few Korean tour groups. We opted to forgo the audio tour (actually the person manning the booth was out to lunch).  Oh well, what could we have really missed in the 550 acre site.

Before we left Izmir, we spent a day with some friends who live there. A wonderful and warm family. They were so proud to show us their city.

We did a lot of walking, eating and talking. It was great.

Weston and Shaynie took some time to hone their marksmen skills. Balloons, a BB gun and open water.  What a simple, genius idea!

I am surprised I have not seen this more often around the globe.

We decided to finish off the trip with a day at the spa. Or should I say Turkish bath.

Weston enjoyed the steam room, switching from a Roman senator to ghastly zombie with the addition of steam.  Maybe that is not such an impressive stretch.

Meanwhile Rebekah was covered in suds, and having dead skin exfoliated and scrubbed away on a hot slab of marble.

She invited us all in to enjoy the scene and experience. This was kind and brave of her, given what she was (or wasn't ) wearing under the bubbles.

Then it was out for some last minutes treats, to include some handmade, flavoured  lollypops.

This was, of course, a disaster, and we had to find a public water fountain to wash away the sticky sweet, gum like material that our kids managed to get everywhere. They both said it was delicious and worth it.

Our true final stop was the Turkish Airlines lounge in Istanbul. This is my favourite airline lounge at the monument, as far as fresh food, entertainment, size and selection. The kids were hesitant to leave for our cramped coach seats.  Who can blame them.