Skywatch Friday - Turkish sunset

Sometimes I do leave the Eastern Cape. Suzi-k and I were enjoying dinner on the roof of the Aria Kebap House, in Sultanahmet, Instanbul on a trip to Turkey last year. From our table, we were able to enjoy a 360 degree view that included the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and parts Sultanahmet (mostly roofs) and watch the the sun go down behind the Blue Mosque.

Skywatch is the place to go, if you want to enjoy many great photos and meet bloggers from all over the world

Sky Watch Friday - Istanbul Sunset

Well it's getting late, but it's still Friday so here is a picture from our recent holiday to Turkey. This scene was shot from the Galata Bridge in Istanbul, looking West across the Golden Horn.

It was a balmy summers evening, with clear skies filled with sea gulls enjoying the dying hours of daylight. For more great picture visit the Sky Watch site.

Pammukale - the Cotton Castle

These are not snow covered slopes, but the travertine at Pammukale, in Turkey. The side of the hill is covered with calcium deposits from the natural springs, which occur naturally as the water flows down the hill.


On the hill above the travertine is the ancient city of Heiropolis, where people came to bathe in the springs from about 2 BC. I will devote a few posts to Heiropolis later, as it is a fascinating place.

Pammukale has been declared a world heritage site, by UNESCO, but only after it had been unprotected for years. The authorities have done a lot to restore the place to its former glory and it is well worth a visit - in fact it is absolutely stunning.

This is a view of the natural pools from the top of the travertine.

Getting high

Today was such a high that I have decided not to follow the holiday chronologically. We are in Goreme staying at the Shoe String Cave Hotel - yes we are living as cave dwellers but the highlight was the ballon trip this morning.

Up at 4:30 am and off to the launch. Sue is standing in front of the balloon as it is inflated.

A view of Goreme village just after take off. The place is renowned for cave dwellings, which I will write about later

There were at least twenty balloons in the sky.

I felt cheated when we started dropping into the valley - I wanted to soar with the eagles, but that was soon to change as our pilot Mustafah gave us a closer view of the rock formations.\

Other pilots had the same idea as we entered Love Valley at tree top level. These rock formations are unique in the world.

"Mummy why is it called Love Valley?" I did not hear mummy's reply. I'm still trying to figure it out myself.

A Cappadocian tapestry - from being at tree top level we are soon high up in the sky. Nothing could have prepared us for the experience. It was absolutely amazing floating up there in a big basket out in the open air.

All too soon we are back on terra firma - our pilot very skillfully put the basket onto the back of the trailer saving the guys some heavy work.

It cost an arm and a leg but was really worth every Lira.

Istanbul Transport

What Suzi-k and I have learnt about Istanbul, is that having a car is not quite the asset here as it is at home. From what I have seen though, is that one does not so much drive as negotiate your way through the traffic. You don't want to be behind the wheel in these streets.

Fortunately the public transport system is amazing, whether you take the tram train, seen here in front of the University.........................

......or this delightful old tram we travelled on this morning.

Today we went to the Galata Tower, which gives a 360 degree view of the city. Where do I start the views are just awesome. I think I will devote a separate post to that trip.

I ended the night taking shots in the main street at Sultanahmet. I managed to find a camera shop in the Galata where I bought a tripod for TL15. I have missed out on some awesome shots by not having found it sooner.

Istanbul

So my side bar does say that I am celebrating the beauty of the Eastern Cape, but that is about to change as Suzi-k and I are in Istanbul. After a nine and a half hour journey we arrived yesterday morning. Wow, were those seats uncomfortable! But I wont go there - let me just accept taht as part of the pain of getting here.

We have arrived and love the place. The Mavi Guest House, in the Sultanamet is home for now. The sense of history is amazing. We are within a stones throw of the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and the Roman Cistern built in the sixth century to name a few. Across the road is what remains of the old city wall.

The Blue Mosque, viewed from across a park in the Sultanamet.

The streets are narrow and cobbled and wherever you go there are people plying their wares. Cars seem to travel in both directions, making liberal use of their horns. This narrow street, running down from the Topkapi Palace, like so many from around the world has not been immune from the graffiti artists.

Yesterday evening we strolled down to the Bosphorus and bought our evening meal from the street vendors. Good food at reasonable prices and Max friendly (for those who don't know I am fanatical about having heart friendly food) - but best of all was the experience.

A view of the Bosphorus Bridge taken by Suzi-k. To the left is Europe and the right Asia

The Galata Bridge crosses the Golden Horn. Beneath it you can take your choice of restaurants. If you look carefully, you will see the fishermen crowding the top of the bridge. All they pull out are little fish that would feel at home in a sardine tin, but there seems to be no restriction on size, as none get thrown back. I could not help wondering how many unsuspecting folk on the lower deck have had a fish hook through the ear.

What would one of my posts be without a sunset. This view is looking up the Golden Horn - quite appropriate

We travelled back to Sultanamet by tram as we did not relish the long walk back. For one Turkish Lira we felt the price was reasonable.