“Breakfast is ready”, I hear after I am awaken by two or three knocks on my bedroom door.
It's about an hour drive to Hagia Sophia and Tony is excited that we get there ahead of the tour bus crowds.
Fresh tomatoes, slices of cucumbers, olives, bread and of course hot tea satisfies our early morning appetites then we hit the road.
Arriving at Hagia Sophia, Tony treats to a traditional Turkish ice cream that is skillfully served with slight of hand magic.
A firm frozen yogurt type texture in various flavors. My choice, strawberry topped with crushed pistachios. Life is good when you can have ice cream before noon.
After a YTL$20 entrance fee and security search we are admitted to the grounds of Hagia Sophia.
The Foundation Of Istanbul Mosaic.
Dating back to 324 A.D, Hagia Sophia has been used as a church and a mosque until converted to a museum in 1935.
Mosque History
Jesus and John The Baptist
Today, it is Turkey's most visited site. It's history can still be seen in the beautiful mosaics, murals and artifacts that remain.
Inside Sophia Hagia
Illuminating Stain Glass
Gigantic Marble Water Vase
Health and happiness are my wishes as I stick my thumb in a column and rotate my hand 360 degrees without dislocating a joint.
I am at “The Wishing Column” located on the second floor of the museum.
Smiling And Curious Kids
Are you going to Europe from Istanbul? Then I suggest you start at the center of the center.
Located just to the west of Hagia Sophia is “The Million Stone” which marked the center of Istanbul the center of the world during the Byzantine era.
From here all geographical distances were measured and it was the starting point of the road to Europe.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment