Turkey is often called "the cradle of civilization," as it has been home to a rich variety of tribes and nations of people since at least 10,000 B.C.
We explored the Galata Tower and Blue Mosque..both monuments extremely brilliant in their own way. Galata Tower gives you a panoramic view of entire Istanbul, while Blue Mosque is divinely peaceful and has exquisite carvings all over the place
So among all the travels, we caught each other napping đ¤ . And that Turkish tea is heavenly â with a smooth hookah. Bread is in plenty here, so goes well with hummus or menemen (turkish omlette) đ. . We also had a melon dondurma (it's a sticky turkish icecream), in this cold - I am lucky I haven't felt under the weather yet ! đ¤
With mornings like this..is heaven ! We were freezing 𼜠but it's worth the shivers ! đĽ°
Also, we tried the simit (don't know whether I am spelling it right), but it's twisted doughnut shaped bread.
We landed at this beautiful petite art cafe, where the owner was a delight to have conversations with..đ¤ We tried the delicious handmade manti (turkish ravioli) - this dish was all heart đ. Our generous host showed us the process of making this and it made the dish look even more beautiful.
Apart from this, we tried the mezzeh, falafel and stuffed aubergine ! đ They were just beautifully delicious !
Tram on the beautiful Istiklal street
This Ottoman style architectural marvel is worth a visit..the palace speaks of richness and wealth đ° and so does the vast đˇ tulip gardens (today I learnt something new, tulips were originally grown in Istanbul and it's their national flower đ¤, and dare ask any turk about how Holland is popular for tulips then..
Lesson learnt today - be attentive while playing with snow, because the other person will not spare you đđ
It tempts me a lot to buy these beautiful ceramics đ
I love visiting historical excavationsđż.. not because it is about past, but because it enlightens me about the vast knowledge that I may not have access to. .
So this time it was the Greek civilization settled long back in the small town of Ephesus, until it was completely erased from the face of earth. đ¤
During the tour, I ensured that I visit a lot of biblical places as well - whose stories blew my mind, but don't know how much of it is true
We are in this beautiful city of Kusadasi.. .It's the sea food capital of Turkey
One of the top places to see before you die - Pamukkale / cotton castle. The terraces of the place are made out of travertine, a sedimentary rock that is deposited by water.The beautiful white layerings are Calcium carbonate which is deposited as a soft jelly, but in the travertine the carbonate hardens. There are hot springs and people consider it as a healing centre.
The beautiful streets of Cappadocia ~ from ceramic balloons ---> nomadic rugs ---> pottery ---> ottoman style painting ---> evil eye ---> hot wine đˇ( yup..it's boiling fruit wine to keep you hot during the shivering cold ) .
Fairy Chimneys and Goreme open air museum - nature's play and man's art.
