Turkey Trip!

So....we just got home from spending the past week in Turkey! I can't even describe how much fun we had. The entire week was non-stop playing.  If you want to read all of the historical, academic, and educational details, please visit my professor's blog. He does a great job documenting everything that I am too lazy to include. :)

We toured much of Turkey. We spent time in the city and seeing the countryside. We saw beautiful mosques and churches, explored ancient Roman and Byzantine ruins, played on the beach, and became even closer as a "Jerusalem family". It sounds hokey, but these friends here have so quickly become loved ones. We feel sad realizing how rapidly the weeks are passing. It was fun being in a new country-- a place with a very different from Israel; and I can now say I've been to a little piece of Europe. Wee! I will just blog about a few of the highlights-- since I should be writing a looming final paper for my Palestine class.

Our first stop in Turkey was the Blue Mosque. It was beautiful. We also saw the Hippodrome and Topkapi Palace, where the sultans once lived. Fun! Again, read my teacher's blog. Ha.

I love the colors!

Later, we wandered through the busy Grand Bazaar! Lots of fun trinkets for sale. The Turks were so friendly to us. I loved the hustle and bustle.

Busy streets of downtown Istanbul

After that, we went on a boat ride in the Sea of Marmara. Being on the water makes me happy. Reminds me of home :)

Waiting for the boat

Always, always the model shots

Isn't Turkey beautiful!?

Eating at the "Best Baklava Place in the World" according to our tour guide. Yum! :)

The next morning, we sailed on a ferry ride across the Dardanelles. This is a normal thing for people here. They just park their cars on the ferry and ride across. Hehe.

 We went to see Troy later that afternoon. The coolest part was the giant fake wooden horse. Hahahah.

We pulled into our hotel that night to learn that we were staying on the beach! We had a bonfire and danced the night away. I love these memories.

Being happy on the shores of the Aegean Sea :)

The next day, we went to Assos (where Paul journeyed) and Pergamum (one of the seven churches listed in Revelation). I was really touched to learn a little more about Paul and imagine him walking on foot throughout these lands. He could have taken a boat as he traveled but chose to walk--probably in order to simply talk with and meet more people. Paul is a good example for all of us. Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be helped. -Thomas S. Monson

Just sitting in New Testament class :)

We could see Greece from this view! Sweet.

Been pals since Summer 2010 :)

Ephesus was stunning. We are so lucky to be here when it is green!!! I love spring.

We went to other ruins but I'm not going to document because let's be honest... sometimes they look the same.

Thinking of my mama, Melissa! :)

Of course we snapped photo with this stop sign! DUR! Hehehehe

Being delightfully excited about Turkish Delight in Turkey hohohhoo

On the ferry ride, once again. Heading back to Istanbul :)

Inside the Hagia Sophia

 

I was happy bumping into all the tourists.

 Being brave at a fish restaurant. Wesley ate 12 anchovies. Eek!

Funny Turkish Merchants. They were so hilarious.

 All in all, Turkey was a major success!