I’m pausing for a brief intermission from wedding photography to bring you some fun travel images! I just returned from Asia, but before I even get started on those photos, I figured it was high time I posted some scenes from my trip to Turkey last fall! I’m hoping to get my travel work more integrated into this site in the future, and perhaps a regular travel feature?? We’ll see how far I can get in busy season. 🙂
But for now, Part 1 of my adventure! Turkey had been on my list now for quite some time, and so when I saw a killer airfare deal about a year ago, and had miles saved up, I pounced! Because why not? I decided it would be an excellent birthday trip for myself, since I didn’t get to go as planned for my 30th. I spent about 10 days traipsing around Istanbul and also making a side trip to Göreme in the Cappadoccia region to go hot air ballooning. More on that in part 2, but it was the COOLEST thing ever!
The Blue Mosque, Istanbul.
While in Istanbul, I stayed in a hostel near the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia. While more touristy of an area then I’d usually pick, it was super convenient and fit the budget. It turned out great, and I was within walking distance of loads of great sites. The Blue Mosque, above, was stunning with gorgeous stained glass and mosaic ceiling.
Hagia Sofia, Istanbul.
I spent my first day wandering through the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market due to the rainy outdoors. These markets could keep you entertained for quite some time. And while I was worried of being harassed as I had been in the souks of Morocco, I experienced nothing of the sort in Turkey, a pleasant surprise for a solo female traveler.
The Grand Bazaar, Istanbul.
I sampled some Turkish delight, kind of like a weird powdered sugar gelatin dessert. Not my thing at all. I did, however, buy loads of wonderful spices AND eat my weight in all kinds of baklava. YUM.
Trip to the Princes’ Islands, Turkey.
One of the best parts of my time in Istanbul was a day trip to the Princes’ Islands. They are a short ferry ride off the coast and a beautiful respite from the craziness of city life. I also managed to meet an Iranian couple, a woman from New Zealand, and an entire troop of the Boyscouts of Libya while on this excursion. Because travel is amazing like that.
Büyükada, Princes Islands, Turkey.
You can stop at a number of different islands, but because I didn’t have a ton of time, I just took the ferry to the last island, Büyükada, and spent my afternoon there. It was lovely. There are no cars on the island, just horse drawn buggies.
Once I got off the ferry, I got my bearings and then decided to head for the highest point on the island. I had read it made for a nice hike and the views were stupendous. I wasn’t disappointed. There was a little cafe for tea and it was the perfect afternoon just to sit and enjoy the sunshine!
Next up, hot air balloons! Stay tuned!
