Istanbul Scrapbook: Day 6
16 May 2014
Q: Are you still working on a scrapbook from 2012?
A: Why, yes, yes I am. And I kind of love it. It’s been long enough now that looking at these photos and remembering these days of adventure makes me feel giddy all over again. And that’s the whole idea, Isn’t it?
I had initially planned two pages for this day, but I had too many photos and gorgeous tickets, so it spread out to three. A good problem to have! This was the day of our big excursion to Topkapi Palace. Even though you can barely see them, I love those little stars on the bottom left.
The park outside the palace was lovely, and by the time we got there, we were hungry. Thank goodness for simits, the world’s most affordable and delicious snack.
This view was our reward for trekking all the way through the palace grounds.
I love languages so much, and I worked on Turkish independently for a few years before this trip. But my ultimate dream would be to be able to read Ottoman Turk. Isn’t it gorgeous? A girl can dream.
After lunch by the sea, we went to the harem within the palace. It isn’t exactly what it sounds like–it was the private quarters of the imperial family and their closest relatives and staff. And yes, there were concubines too, but this was really more a typical part of imperial life than anything scandalous. It was really just stunning inside.
I love this picture of Eric. And the beautiful tiles.
I thought this was a good opportunity to use my new stamp.
And wax poetic some more about these awesome tickets we received.
After these adventures, Eric wanted to go up and visit a really special mosque. And I was not excited about walking up the giant hill to get to it. But it was worth it!
I mean, wow. It’s the largest mosque in the city, designed by the famous Sinan.
The calm and quiet inside the mosques was always very moving, especially after the bustling streets around it. I kind of wish I had pictures from our walk home, after we realized that that would be faster than waiting for overcrowded transit. It was a big day, and we were exhausted by the end of it! I think this was probably one of the nights I feel asleep at 9pm. But what a wonderful day.
May 16, 2014 @ 18:44:06
How fun it was to see these pictures and think about our own trip there the following February. I too loved those beautiful blue tiles.
May 19, 2014 @ 22:30:49
The only thing that would be better is if we all went together! There’s till so much more to see!
May 17, 2014 @ 04:14:19
I love your scrapbooks and trust you will always treasure them. In the age of digital photos, so much is lost (literally and figuratively); these albums are truly a gem.
I may have mentioned before that it took me 10 years (TEN!) to finish making our wedding photo album. It is not even that ornate or lengthy, but I really savor it now, and I definitely savored all the slow moments of putting it together. I’m of course glad I finished it, but so grateful I didn’t rush through it. And I think the time in between the event and the crafting of the album gave me valuable perspective (re: value of photos, memories, meaning) that would have been missing had I made myself put it together immediately after the wedding.
Isn’t it wonderful that you got to return to Istanbul in 2014? Three cheers for being giddy all over again, and for revisiting all those beautiful sites page by page with fresh eyes.
May 19, 2014 @ 22:34:28
Moriah, you leave the world’s sweetest and most thoughtful comments! I am grateful for these albums too, if only for the pictures–otherwise I don’t think I would ever remember to print them out! I love that you enjoyed the process of making your wedding album! That’s what it’s mostly about for me too: spreading everything out on the table, playing with colors and layouts, and walking back through the memories. You have such an awesome perspective on what is gained in recording memories slowly over time, and I can so relate to your love of the process. I think for me creatively, that’s always the draw. I love having finished things, but the best part is the actual playing with supplies, getting my hands dirty, scheming about what to try next. Thank you so much for your encouragement and constant inspiration!
May 19, 2014 @ 07:05:28
Thanks for mentioned or lovely region Marmara! Ciao from Bursa!
May 19, 2014 @ 22:34:47
Thank you! Hoping to come to Bursa on our next trip!