erohismshttp://erohisms.com/2015-06-21T09:55:00-07:00Istanbul's Tale of Two Cities2015-06-21T09:55:00-07:00Lina Erohtag:erohisms.com,2015-06-21:istanbuls-tale-of-two-cities/<div><h6>Europe and Asia. Hijabs and Louis Vuitton. Euros and liras.</h6>
<p>Everything from Istanbul’s geography to its current political climate splits it in two. </p>
<p>Arriving two hours later than our expected midnight landing, we shuffled our way to a visa-granting machine that wouldn’t grant visas. After slamming of buttons for several minutes, we decided to eschew technology in favor of the human-powered immigration desk, where a man took our American passports and, without a word, stuck a sticker in each one in exchange for US$60.</p>
<p>A driver from our hotel, huffing on a cigarette and not offering to carry either of our bags, escorted us to a car and proceeded to straddle the middle of the freeway as he hurtled toward Sultanahmet, the historic quarter of Istanbul. We passed flags upon flags and mosques upon mosques before finally arriving and falling into bed. </p>
<p>Neither the dawn, morning, nor noon prayer woke us up. It was the grumbling of my stomach, which we relieved by a quick trip to a tourist restaurant as close to the hotel as possible. (There were plenty of indistinguishable ones to choose from.) From there, we descended on the most famous of Istanbul’s sights—the Hagia Sophia.</p>
<center><a id="photo18820051859" class="img-link" name="photo18820051859"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/378/18820051859_0fbd6c0706.jpg" alt="Hagia Sophia" title="Hagia Sophia"/></span></figure></center>
<p>First a Church, then a mosque, now a museum, the Hagia Sophia set the trajectory for many buildings in the former city of Constantinople. Our visit there, under scaffolding and surrounded by tour groups carrying flags and wearing matching tee shirts, also set the trajectory for our two weeks in Turkey.</p>
<center><a id="photo19009219421" class="img-link" name="photo19009219421"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="333" data-height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/544/19009219421_999af1d2d1.jpg" alt="Hagia Sophia main room" title="Hagia Sophia main room"/></span></figure></center>
<p>Don’t get me wrong. Turkey’s history, architecture, and natural landscapes were profound to witness up close. But after spending a year blazing our own path, being on the tourist track left the kind of taste in my mouth only trounced by a swig of <em>raki</em>, mixed with water, of course. </p>
<p>The Hagia Sophia’s steep entry fee was worth it, for it illuminated a Turkey that many would argue no longer exists. Despite converting Emperor Justinian’s grand church into a mosque in 1453, Mehmet the Conqueror allowed much of the Christian art, including mosaics of Mary and Jesus, to remain. </p>
<center><a id="photo19000727392" class="img-link" name="photo19000727392"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3751/19000727392_bf7191a0a9.jpg" alt="Virgin Mary and Jesus along side Islam script in Hagia Sophia" title="Virgin Mary and Jesus along side Islam script in Hagia Sophia"/></span></figure></center>
<p>The Christian art that was removed was done so with respect, and donated to Churches around the world. We were left wondering whether the same would have occurred today.</p>
<p>The exterior of the Hagia Sophia stands in contrast to the Blue Mosque, built in the early 17th century. For a religion and culture that values humility, it was curious to see such a display of architectural splendor, strategically positioned across from the rather bland exterior of the Hagia Sophia.</p>
<center><a id="photo19006152445" class="img-link" name="photo19006152445"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/500/19006152445_5839378300.jpg" alt="View of the Blue Mosque from Hotel Nena" title="View of the Blue Mosque from Hotel Nena"/></span></figure></center>
<p>Though if you want true excess, you’ll want to visit the Topkaki Palace, as we did on our second day in Istanbul. From kitchens with 20 chimneys to daggers that take your breath away despite not coming close to your throat, the former living quarters of Istanbul’s sultans and their concubines, eunechs, and slaves is as paradoxical as the rest of this modern city, where prayers blared from minarets are far more common a sound than the honking of cabs.</p>
<center><a id="photo18385647453" class="img-link" name="photo18385647453"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/396/18385647453_1ce99232ca.jpg" alt="Topkapi Palace" title="Topkapi Palace"/></span></figure></center>
<p>The sultans were modest—in their own way. “They sat on cushions on the floor,” said a Russian tour guide to his group, as he pointed out the hidden window where the Sultan would eavesdrop on the discussion of his guests. It’s true that the decor in this Palace was nowhere as gaudy as that of the Grand Palace in Bangkok, but the mosaic-covered halls, the marble terrace, the dishes imported from China, and the sumptuous Harem don’t exactly scream “humble.”</p>
<center><a id="photo18980125376" class="img-link" name="photo18980125376"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/498/18980125376_c35d4f38d4.jpg" alt="Intricate stained glass inside the Inside the Topkapi Palace" title="Intricate stained glass inside the Inside the Topkapi Palace"/></span></figure></center>
<p>Neither do the riverside palaces on the Bosphorus, best explored through a dirt cheap river boat cruise with $3 fish sandwiches and sour turnip juice from the fish guys on the pier.</p>
<center><a id="photo19001010452" class="img-link" name="photo19001010452"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/393/19001010452_c6708759d1.jpg" alt="This is a boat, serving fish!" title="This is a boat, serving fish!"/></span></figure></center>
<p>Trust us, buy the juice. Throw some lemon juice and salt on the fish, and watch out for the bones as you bit down.</p>
<center><a id="photo18385684113" class="img-link" name="photo18385684113"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/300/18385684113_fb8cf52944.jpg" alt="palace on the Bosphorus" title="palace on the Bosphorus"/></span></figure></center>
<p>If you purchase the additional audio tour, you’ll have a chance to learn all about the mansions that line both sides of the Bosphorus, but nobody will judge you if you’re just there for the selfie as you totter between Europe and Asia.. (Forgot your selfie stick? You can buy one on every corner!)</p>
<center><a id="photo19006415915" class="img-link" name="photo19006415915"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3697/19006415915_aabd6252d7.jpg" alt="Notice the great pool" title="Notice the great pool"/></span></figure></center>
<p>You may want to spend the following day haggling at the Grand Bazaar, though with so much hassling, haggling tends to lose its appeal.</p>
<center><a id="photo19006435205" class="img-link" name="photo19006435205"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/436/19006435205_39a8e55597.jpg" alt="Grand Baazar" title="Grand Baazar"/></span></figure></center>
<p>If you’re into being pampered, try out a traditional <em>hamam</em>, which is something of a wet sauna and bubble bath in one. We did ours at Suleymaniye Hamam, on the same marble slab as Salesman the Magnificent! As expected, the surroundings were more impressive than the scrub or massage, but those on their own were worth the cost of admission.</p>
<center><a id="photo18820219219" class="img-link" name="photo18820219219"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3955/18820219219_4b984c043d.jpg" alt="Suleymaniye Hamam" title="Suleymaniye Hamam"/></span></figure></center>
<p>If you have more than two days in Istanbul, make time for the Basilica Cistern, which will ensure that you’ll never look at a well the same way again. Built by Emperor Justinian in 532 to provide drinking water to the Great Palace, this underground cistern has 336 marble columns, two of which are ringed by Medusa’s snake-covered head. It’s both eerie and calming, especially for those of us who spend chaotic days searching for symmetry.</p>
<center><a id="photo18818850930" class="img-link" name="photo18818850930"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3829/18818850930_08692ffb8a.jpg" alt="Basilica Cistern in Istanbul" title="Basilica Cistern in Istanbul"/></span></figure></center>
<p>If you’re looking for more Byzantine art, make the detour to Chora Church. Most tourists opt for a cab, but we jumped on a bus, which the driver was too nice to charge us for. Like most everywhere in Istanbul, Chora was under construction, which meant the nave was off limits. Still the mosaics in the outer halls were impressive in their detail and storytelling. We particularly enjoyed the one of Jesus turning water to wine at a wedding and the central image of Theodore Metochites, the poet who commissioned the Church, handing the building to Jesus.</p>
<center><a id="photo18820251979" class="img-link" name="photo18820251979"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/477/18820251979_7f628c4269.jpg" alt="Chora Church mosaic" title="Chora Church mosaic"/></span></figure></center>
<p>There’s a different Istanbul after dark, especially in Beyoglu across the Galata Bridge. You’ll see fewer headscarfs and more designer handbags, though that doesn’t preclude both occurring simultaneously. With many of the outdoor drinking spots shut down by the government a few years ago, this area seemed to have only a semblance of the free spirit attitude we’d expected. Still, it was as much new Istanbul as you could ask for, the one place where Western women in shorts ate brunch and shopped in trendy boutiques alongside Turkish women heading to work in outfits ranging from secular to conservative.</p>
<center><a id="photo19009678511" class="img-link" name="photo19009678511"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="307" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/445/19009678511_d313a88177.jpg" alt="Sunset bar, blends into the cityscape" title="Sunset bar, blends into the cityscape"/></span></figure></center>
<p><em>Women working</em>. That was something we didn’t see much of throughout Turkey. The vast majority of the people working in hotels, restaurants, and shops were men. When women were out, they seemed to accompany secularly dressed husbands, not each other. It was only at fancier restaurants like Lokanta Maya that we saw groups of women hanging out, a la Sex and the City. It was at places like that that some of Istanbul’s paradoxes fell away—as did its appeal.</p>
<p>But at the end of the day, the question isn’t whether Istanbul is worth visiting. It’s what kind of Istanbul will you find during your stay?</p>
<h6>If you go</h6>
<p>Our stay at <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g293974-d294930-Reviews-Nena_Hotel-Istanbul.html" rel="nofollow">Hotel Nena</a> in Sultanahmet was lovely, aside from the unfriendly airport pickup. The views from the breakfast terrace are perfect and the location ideal for exploring historic Istanbul. Prices range depending on season, but there are typically specials for stays of three nights or longer. </p>
<h3>More Istanbul</h3>
<p>Want to see more of Istanbul? Check out our <a href="http://erohisms.com/photo-tour-of-istanbul/">Istanbul photo tour</a>!</p>
<h6>Have you ever been to Istanbul?</h6>
<p>Let us know in the comments!</p></div>Sun, 21 Jun 2015 09:55:00 -0700Photo Tour of Istanbul2015-06-20T14:55:00-07:00Rob Erohtag:erohisms.com,2015-06-20:photo-tour-of-istanbul/<p>Istanbul's political climate and geograhy is split in two, historically, it looks that way too. Can you tell by the pictures?</p>
<p><p>
<center><a id="photo19006152445" class="img-link" name="photo19006152445"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/500/19006152445_5839378300.jpg" alt="View of the Blue Mosque from Hotel Nena" title="View of the Blue Mosque from Hotel Nena"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>View of the Blue Mosque from Hotel Nena</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18818452420" class="img-link" name="photo18818452420"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3789/18818452420_b50f3d4e2b.jpg" alt="Hagia Sophia details" title="Hagia Sophia details"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Hagia Sophia details</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18818489368" class="img-link" name="photo18818489368"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/464/18818489368_6ed990383b.jpg" alt="View of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia from Hotel Nena" title="View of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia from Hotel Nena"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>View of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia from Hotel Nena</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19009219421" class="img-link" name="photo19009219421"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="333" data-height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/544/19009219421_999af1d2d1.jpg" alt="Hagia Sophia main room" title="Hagia Sophia main room"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Hagia Sophia main room</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19009225761" class="img-link" name="photo19009225761"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/268/19009225761_ec1051e341.jpg" alt="Hagia Sophia mural" title="Hagia Sophia mural"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Hagia Sophia mural</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19000718542" class="img-link" name="photo19000718542"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3828/19000718542_8ea2aeedf1.jpg" alt="Hagia Sophia mosaic" title="Hagia Sophia mosaic"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Hagia Sophia mosaic</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19006185245" class="img-link" name="photo19006185245"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="333" data-height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/391/19006185245_de4211784f.jpg" alt="Lina in the "staircase" to the upper level of Hagia Sophia" title="Lina in the "staircase" to the upper level of Hagia Sophia"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Lina in the "staircase" to the upper level of Hagia Sophia</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19000727392" class="img-link" name="photo19000727392"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3751/19000727392_bf7191a0a9.jpg" alt="Virgin Mary and Jesus along side Islam script in Hagia Sophia" title="Virgin Mary and Jesus along side Islam script in Hagia Sophia"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Virgin Mary and Jesus along side Islam script in Hagia Sophia</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18819984999" class="img-link" name="photo18819984999"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="333" data-height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/268/18819984999_bbe77c5fd8.jpg" alt="The columns were all mosaic" title="The columns were all mosaic"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>The columns were all mosaic</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18818525288" class="img-link" name="photo18818525288"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="478" data-height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/318/18818525288_d80b7d9ce1.jpg" alt="from the upper level of Hagia Sophia" title="from the upper level of Hagia Sophia"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>from the upper level of Hagia Sophia</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18385511473" class="img-link" name="photo18385511473"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="333" data-height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3898/18385511473_dc853cf702.jpg" alt="view from the upper level of Hagia Sophia" title="view from the upper level of Hagia Sophia"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>view from the upper level of Hagia Sophia</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19006208725" class="img-link" name="photo19006208725"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/369/19006208725_8acf89779e.jpg" alt="View of the Blue Mosque from Hagia Sophia" title="View of the Blue Mosque from Hagia Sophia"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>View of the Blue Mosque from Hagia Sophia</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18820000209" class="img-link" name="photo18820000209"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/510/18820000209_c4f0535db5.jpg" alt="Sultan tombs outside of Hagia Sophia" title="Sultan tombs outside of Hagia Sophia"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Sultan tombs outside of Hagia Sophia</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18383651484" class="img-link" name="photo18383651484"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3761/18383651484_c04bd6129e.jpg" alt="Hagia Sophia mosaic" title="Hagia Sophia mosaic"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Hagia Sophia mosaic</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19000758682" class="img-link" name="photo19000758682"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/441/19000758682_648cb9d46e.jpg" alt="For some reason, murals were painted over beautiful mosaic in the Hagia Sophia!" title="For some reason, murals were painted over beautiful mosaic in the Hagia Sophia!"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>For some reason, murals were painted over beautiful mosaic in the Hagia Sophia!</caption></center></p>
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<center><a id="photo19009275131" class="img-link" name="photo19009275131"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="363" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/327/19009275131_22226eb5bf.jpg" alt="Blue Mosque" title="Blue Mosque"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Blue Mosque</caption></center></p>
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<center><a id="photo18820016109" class="img-link" name="photo18820016109"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/539/18820016109_1375f1ee36.jpg" alt="Mother of pearl and wood detail on a door to a sultans tomb outside of Hagia Sophia" title="Mother of pearl and wood detail on a door to a sultans tomb outside of Hagia Sophia"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Mother of pearl and wood detail on a door to a sultans tomb outside of Hagia Sophia</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19009284841" class="img-link" name="photo19009284841"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3757/19009284841_4573d959f4.jpg" alt="Inside the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque)" title="Inside the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque)"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Inside the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque)</caption></center></p>
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<center><a id="photo19000781422" class="img-link" name="photo19000781422"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="333" data-height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/282/19000781422_7159293d7a.jpg" alt="Inside the Blue Mosque" title="Inside the Blue Mosque"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Inside the Blue Mosque</caption></center></p>
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<center><a id="photo18383684454" class="img-link" name="photo18383684454"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="333" data-height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3758/18383684454_4b26e5810c.jpg" alt="Lina being conservative" title="Lina being conservative"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Lina being conservative</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19009302411" class="img-link" name="photo19009302411"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/368/19009302411_2d8d30c14c.jpg" alt="Blue Mosque" title="Blue Mosque"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Blue Mosque</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18980012196" class="img-link" name="photo18980012196"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3908/18980012196_293648d5ef.jpg" alt="View of the Hagia Sophia from the Blue Mosque" title="View of the Hagia Sophia from the Blue Mosque"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>View of the Hagia Sophia from the Blue Mosque</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18820045439" class="img-link" name="photo18820045439"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="385" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/507/18820045439_367393988d.jpg" alt="Lina and the colors of Istanbul" title="Lina and the colors of Istanbul"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Lina and the colors of Istanbul</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19000797182" class="img-link" name="photo19000797182"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="333" data-height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/485/19000797182_51f7c504d2.jpg" alt="Obelisk from Egypt" title="Obelisk from Egypt"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Obelisk from Egypt</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18820051859" class="img-link" name="photo18820051859"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/378/18820051859_0fbd6c0706.jpg" alt="Hagia Sophia" title="Hagia Sophia"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Hagia Sophia</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19000804492" class="img-link" name="photo19000804492"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="333" data-height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/410/19000804492_fdcae1f561.jpg" alt="Lina on the streets of Istanbul" title="Lina on the streets of Istanbul"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Lina on the streets of Istanbul</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18980025996" class="img-link" name="photo18980025996"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/518/18980025996_70e28dfc64.jpg" alt="Different types of baklava!" title="Different types of baklava!"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Different types of baklava!</caption></center></p>
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<center><a id="photo19000809882" class="img-link" name="photo19000809882"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="333" data-height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/467/19000809882_3334080a46.jpg" alt="Door details" title="Door details"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Door details</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18385583153" class="img-link" name="photo18385583153"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/369/18385583153_6be44eabb5.jpg" alt="Galata tower in Istanbul" title="Galata tower in Istanbul"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Galata tower in Istanbul</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18818572180" class="img-link" name="photo18818572180"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/270/18818572180_65136ca2b3.jpg" alt="Matching eyes to background" title="Matching eyes to background"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Matching eyes to background</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19009332431" class="img-link" name="photo19009332431"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/293/19009332431_a46c4c9283.jpg" alt="Street pets" title="Street pets"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Street pets</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19006285635" class="img-link" name="photo19006285635"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="333" data-height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/484/19006285635_2b9d21c575.jpg" alt="Galata Tower" title="Galata Tower"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Galata Tower</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18383721744" class="img-link" name="photo18383721744"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/455/18383721744_66edc96df9.jpg" alt="Walking along the main strip of Istanbul" title="Walking along the main strip of Istanbul"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Walking along the main strip of Istanbul</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19006292535" class="img-link" name="photo19006292535"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/314/19006292535_d619a104a7.jpg" alt="One of the first "subway" cars in the world (after the London tube)" title="One of the first "subway" cars in the world (after the London tube)"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>One of the first "subway" cars in the world (after the London tube)</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18820080749" class="img-link" name="photo18820080749"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/521/18820080749_08ff57c4de.jpg" alt="Blue Mosque at night" title="Blue Mosque at night"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Blue Mosque at night</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18820084109" class="img-link" name="photo18820084109"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/427/18820084109_042b620f1f.jpg" alt="Hagia Sophia at night" title="Hagia Sophia at night"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Hagia Sophia at night</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18385606813" class="img-link" name="photo18385606813"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3743/18385606813_d5a2ac82c1.jpg" alt="Istanbul streets at night" title="Istanbul streets at night"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Istanbul streets at night</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18818597920" class="img-link" name="photo18818597920"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/363/18818597920_538428514f.jpg" alt="Topkapi Palace" title="Topkapi Palace"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Topkapi Palace</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18385614763" class="img-link" name="photo18385614763"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/431/18385614763_7e0d6f6d0d.jpg" alt="Hotel Nena at night" title="Hotel Nena at night"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Hotel Nena at night</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19000847462" class="img-link" name="photo19000847462"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/547/19000847462_ef04a096b8.jpg" alt="Galata Tower from the Topkapi Palace" title="Galata Tower from the Topkapi Palace"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Galata Tower from the Topkapi Palace</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19006316145" class="img-link" name="photo19006316145"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/256/19006316145_528371ace9.jpg" alt="IMG_2387" title="IMG_2387"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>IMG_2387</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19006320115" class="img-link" name="photo19006320115"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="333" data-height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/337/19006320115_3a5cca59c1.jpg" alt="Inside the Topkapi Palace" title="Inside the Topkapi Palace"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Inside the Topkapi Palace</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18383757714" class="img-link" name="photo18383757714"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="333" data-height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/339/18383757714_515bc349ac.jpg" alt="Inside the Topkapi Palace" title="Inside the Topkapi Palace"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Inside the Topkapi Palace</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19009375281" class="img-link" name="photo19009375281"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="396" data-height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/307/19009375281_8153a34747.jpg" alt=""Deck" on the Topkapi Palace" title=""Deck" on the Topkapi Palace"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>"Deck" on the Topkapi Palace</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18820115399" class="img-link" name="photo18820115399"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/349/18820115399_aac4820dcf.jpg" alt="View from the Topkapi Palace" title="View from the Topkapi Palace"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>View from the Topkapi Palace</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18385638623" class="img-link" name="photo18385638623"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/431/18385638623_71d7323eb6.jpg" alt="Topkapi Palace roses" title="Topkapi Palace roses"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Topkapi Palace roses</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18385640723" class="img-link" name="photo18385640723"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/331/18385640723_654735bc56.jpg" alt="Topkapi Palace" title="Topkapi Palace"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Topkapi Palace</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18385647453" class="img-link" name="photo18385647453"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/396/18385647453_1ce99232ca.jpg" alt="Topkapi Palace" title="Topkapi Palace"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Topkapi Palace</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19000880182" class="img-link" name="photo19000880182"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="329" data-height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/265/19000880182_894836bdca.jpg" alt="Topkapi Palace" title="Topkapi Palace"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Topkapi Palace</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19006350805" class="img-link" name="photo19006350805"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="333" data-height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/361/19006350805_580c916ea0.jpg" alt="Inside the Topkapi Palace" title="Inside the Topkapi Palace"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Inside the Topkapi Palace</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18820142079" class="img-link" name="photo18820142079"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="333" data-height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3692/18820142079_ca7502e8f6.jpg" alt="Intricate stained glass inside the Inside the Topkapi Palace" title="Intricate stained glass inside the Inside the Topkapi Palace"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Intricate stained glass inside the Inside the Topkapi Palace</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19009408711" class="img-link" name="photo19009408711"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="369" data-height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/263/19009408711_789b96a01b.jpg" alt="Lina camoflage?" title="Lina camoflage?"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Lina camoflage?</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18980117466" class="img-link" name="photo18980117466"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3926/18980117466_607126d69a.jpg" alt="As you can tell... I loved these things hanging from the domes of the Inside the Topkapi Palace" title="As you can tell... I loved these things hanging from the domes of the Inside the Topkapi Palace"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>As you can tell... I loved these things hanging from the domes of the Inside the Topkapi Palace</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18818659650" class="img-link" name="photo18818659650"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="333" data-height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/516/18818659650_27a26807e5.jpg" alt="Topkapi Palace kitchen" title="Topkapi Palace kitchen"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Topkapi Palace kitchen</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18980125376" class="img-link" name="photo18980125376"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/498/18980125376_c35d4f38d4.jpg" alt="Intricate stained glass inside the Inside the Topkapi Palace" title="Intricate stained glass inside the Inside the Topkapi Palace"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Intricate stained glass inside the Inside the Topkapi Palace</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18818700458" class="img-link" name="photo18818700458"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/463/18818700458_9ee5f42443.jpg" alt="Ortaköy Mosque on the Bosphorus" title="Ortaköy Mosque on the Bosphorus"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Ortaköy Mosque on the Bosphorus</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18820161639" class="img-link" name="photo18820161639"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="377" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3788/18820161639_cbc3264fce.jpg" alt="Graffiti" title="Graffiti"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Graffiti</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18385684113" class="img-link" name="photo18385684113"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/300/18385684113_fb8cf52944.jpg" alt="palace on the Bosphorus" title="palace on the Bosphorus"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>palace on the Bosphorus</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18818676060" class="img-link" name="photo18818676060"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3844/18818676060_15eefe6942.jpg" alt="Topkapi Palace kitchen dome" title="Topkapi Palace kitchen dome"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Topkapi Palace kitchen dome</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19000922282" class="img-link" name="photo19000922282"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/503/19000922282_48d1183e96.jpg" alt="IMG_2511" title="IMG_2511"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>IMG_2511</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19009441221" class="img-link" name="photo19009441221"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/433/19009441221_4aa80afc3b.jpg" alt="Palace on the Bosphorus" title="Palace on the Bosphorus"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Palace on the Bosphorus</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19000930952" class="img-link" name="photo19000930952"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/492/19000930952_37b94760b0.jpg" alt="Anadoluhisari Fort" title="Anadoluhisari Fort"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Anadoluhisari Fort</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19000935082" class="img-link" name="photo19000935082"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/389/19000935082_eb6617638a.jpg" alt="Küçüksu Palace" title="Küçüksu Palace"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Küçüksu Palace</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18980159566" class="img-link" name="photo18980159566"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/402/18980159566_b7e3b1e7b6.jpg" alt="IMG_2524" title="IMG_2524"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>IMG_2524</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18818700090" class="img-link" name="photo18818700090"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/378/18818700090_a48145aaec.jpg" alt="Lina on the Bosphorus" title="Lina on the Bosphorus"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Lina on the Bosphorus</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18385716993" class="img-link" name="photo18385716993"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/320/18385716993_0c0872159c.jpg" alt="Rumelihisarı (Rumeli Fortress)" title="Rumelihisarı (Rumeli Fortress)"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Rumelihisarı (Rumeli Fortress)</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19006415915" class="img-link" name="photo19006415915"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3697/19006415915_aabd6252d7.jpg" alt="Notice the great pool" title="Notice the great pool"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Notice the great pool</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18383849804" class="img-link" name="photo18383849804"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/426/18383849804_ac0f3c23e5.jpg" alt="New Mosque with the Suleymaniye Mosque in the background" title="New Mosque with the Suleymaniye Mosque in the background"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>New Mosque with the Suleymaniye Mosque in the background</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18818747158" class="img-link" name="photo18818747158"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/399/18818747158_e294004f69.jpg" alt="Galata Bridge Istanbul" title="Galata Bridge Istanbul"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Galata Bridge Istanbul</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19009472611" class="img-link" name="photo19009472611"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/257/19009472611_8e752f177d.jpg" alt="Me on the Bosphorus" title="Me on the Bosphorus"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Me on the Bosphorus</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18980180616" class="img-link" name="photo18980180616"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/551/18980180616_9c359875ac.jpg" alt="Grand Baazar" title="Grand Baazar"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Grand Baazar</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18980182436" class="img-link" name="photo18980182436"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/398/18980182436_e85af375e7.jpg" alt="New Mosque at night" title="New Mosque at night"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>New Mosque at night</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19009479051" class="img-link" name="photo19009479051"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/343/19009479051_6fd648e9f0.jpg" alt="Unkapani Bridge" title="Unkapani Bridge"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Unkapani Bridge</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18820219219" class="img-link" name="photo18820219219"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3955/18820219219_4b984c043d.jpg" alt="Suleymaniye Hamam" title="Suleymaniye Hamam"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Suleymaniye Hamam</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19006435205" class="img-link" name="photo19006435205"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/436/19006435205_39a8e55597.jpg" alt="Grand Baazar" title="Grand Baazar"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Grand Baazar</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19009487271" class="img-link" name="photo19009487271"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/312/19009487271_1241d43a31.jpg" alt="View from the Suleymaniye Mosque" title="View from the Suleymaniye Mosque"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>View from the Suleymaniye Mosque</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18820228499" class="img-link" name="photo18820228499"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/265/18820228499_8e57a72248.jpg" alt="Suleymaniye Mosque" title="Suleymaniye Mosque"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Suleymaniye Mosque</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18383876384" class="img-link" name="photo18383876384"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/524/18383876384_0d0581e230.jpg" alt="Suleymaniye Hamam" title="Suleymaniye Hamam"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Suleymaniye Hamam</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18818741440" class="img-link" name="photo18818741440"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="333" data-height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/530/18818741440_7c48622bce.jpg" alt="Suleymaniye Mosque perspective" title="Suleymaniye Mosque perspective"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Suleymaniye Mosque perspective</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18818778248" class="img-link" name="photo18818778248"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/495/18818778248_daa06d9b64.jpg" alt="Suleymaniye Mosque" title="Suleymaniye Mosque"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Suleymaniye Mosque</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18980210446" class="img-link" name="photo18980210446"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="333" data-height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/509/18980210446_d18d0f18bc.jpg" alt="Inside the Suleymaniye Mosque" title="Inside the Suleymaniye Mosque"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Inside the Suleymaniye Mosque</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19006460275" class="img-link" name="photo19006460275"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/450/19006460275_4785fb1490.jpg" alt="Suleymaniye tombs" title="Suleymaniye tombs"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Suleymaniye tombs</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18820251979" class="img-link" name="photo18820251979"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/477/18820251979_7f628c4269.jpg" alt="Chora Church mosaic" title="Chora Church mosaic"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Chora Church mosaic</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19001005772" class="img-link" name="photo19001005772"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/266/19001005772_19cdf424d0.jpg" alt="Chora Church mosaic" title="Chora Church mosaic"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Chora Church mosaic</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19001010452" class="img-link" name="photo19001010452"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/393/19001010452_c6708759d1.jpg" alt="This is a boat, serving fish!" title="This is a boat, serving fish!"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>This is a boat, serving fish!</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19009533991" class="img-link" name="photo19009533991"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/540/19009533991_a2c6cfd1e0.jpg" alt="Chora Church mosaic" title="Chora Church mosaic"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Chora Church mosaic</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18385819393" class="img-link" name="photo18385819393"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/335/18385819393_d8b8a580ab.jpg" alt="Chora Church mosaic" title="Chora Church mosaic"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Chora Church mosaic</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18818846718" class="img-link" name="photo18818846718"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/397/18818846718_cef4aaca50.jpg" alt="Chora Church murals" title="Chora Church murals"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Chora Church murals</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19001064152" class="img-link" name="photo19001064152"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3925/19001064152_29893679a1.jpg" alt="Chora Church murals" title="Chora Church murals"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Chora Church murals</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19001089062" class="img-link" name="photo19001089062"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/261/19001089062_b4dab81090.jpg" alt="Basilica Cistern in Istanbul" title="Basilica Cistern in Istanbul"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Basilica Cistern in Istanbul</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18818850930" class="img-link" name="photo18818850930"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3829/18818850930_08692ffb8a.jpg" alt="Basilica Cistern in Istanbul" title="Basilica Cistern in Istanbul"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Basilica Cistern in Istanbul</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19001098712" class="img-link" name="photo19001098712"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3805/19001098712_1cf654b741.jpg" alt="Chora Church mosaic of Mary and Jesus surrounded by the decendents of Jesus" title="Chora Church mosaic of Mary and Jesus surrounded by the decendents of Jesus"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Chora Church mosaic of Mary and Jesus surrounded by the decendents of Jesus</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19001103502" class="img-link" name="photo19001103502"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3756/19001103502_d0e4a94445.jpg" alt="All columns were imported, including this Medusa" title="All columns were imported, including this Medusa"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>All columns were imported, including this Medusa</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18980328106" class="img-link" name="photo18980328106"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/267/18980328106_b3484b931f.jpg" alt="Lina in the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul" title="Lina in the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Lina in the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18980332526" class="img-link" name="photo18980332526"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/305/18980332526_74cc5d5a35.jpg" alt="Sunset view from the rooftop bar at Mikla at The Marmara Pera" title="Sunset view from the rooftop bar at Mikla at The Marmara Pera"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Sunset view from the rooftop bar at Mikla at The Marmara Pera</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18384015204" class="img-link" name="photo18384015204"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/330/18384015204_ab1c6715dd.jpg" alt="Sunset view of the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Galata Tower from the rooftop bar at Mikla at The Marmara Pera" title="Sunset view of the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Galata Tower from the rooftop bar at Mikla at The Marmara Pera"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Sunset view of the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Galata Tower from the rooftop bar at Mikla at The Marmara Pera</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18818915378" class="img-link" name="photo18818915378"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/492/18818915378_523a12044a.jpg" alt="Sunset view from the rooftop bar at Mikla at The Marmara Pera" title="Sunset view from the rooftop bar at Mikla at The Marmara Pera"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Sunset view from the rooftop bar at Mikla at The Marmara Pera</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18820381989" class="img-link" name="photo18820381989"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3759/18820381989_65bd0d4c28.jpg" alt="Sunset view of the royal palace from the rooftop bar at Mikla at The Marmara Pera" title="Sunset view of the royal palace from the rooftop bar at Mikla at The Marmara Pera"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Sunset view of the royal palace from the rooftop bar at Mikla at The Marmara Pera</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19001145172" class="img-link" name="photo19001145172"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3926/19001145172_23bcf68c28.jpg" alt="Sunset view of the Galata tower and bridge from the rooftop bar at Mikla at The Marmara Pera" title="Sunset view of the Galata tower and bridge from the rooftop bar at Mikla at The Marmara Pera"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Sunset view of the Galata tower and bridge from the rooftop bar at Mikla at The Marmara Pera</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19001154302" class="img-link" name="photo19001154302"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/400/19001154302_9ac2db0af6.jpg" alt="Boats and Suleymaniye Mosque at sunset" title="Boats and Suleymaniye Mosque at sunset"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Boats and Suleymaniye Mosque at sunset</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18384051124" class="img-link" name="photo18384051124"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3709/18384051124_dce8da5b66.jpg" alt="Sunset lens flare" title="Sunset lens flare"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Sunset lens flare</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18818954708" class="img-link" name="photo18818954708"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/387/18818954708_9d92c8d47b.jpg" alt="Sunset view of the Bosphorous from the rooftop bar at Mikla at The Marmara Pera" title="Sunset view of the Bosphorous from the rooftop bar at Mikla at The Marmara Pera"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Sunset view of the Bosphorous from the rooftop bar at Mikla at The Marmara Pera</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo19009678511" class="img-link" name="photo19009678511"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="307" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/445/19009678511_d313a88177.jpg" alt="Sunset bar, blends into the cityscape" title="Sunset bar, blends into the cityscape"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Sunset bar, blends into the cityscape</caption></center></p>
</br></p>
<h3>More Istanbul</h3>
<p>Learn more about the melting pot of cultures in our <a href="http://erohisms.com/istanbuls-tale-of-two-cities/">Istanbul information</a> post.</p>
<p>What was your favorite picture? Let us know in the comments!</p>Sat, 20 Jun 2015 14:55:00 -0700A Long Layover in Amsterdam2015-06-07T09:55:00-07:00Lina Erohtag:erohisms.com,2015-06-07:a-long-layover-in-amsterdam/<h6>Ever booked a flight just for the layover?</h6>
<p>That’s exactly what we did on <a href="http://erohisms.com/destinations/asia/turkey/">our recent trip to Turkey</a>. Typically, the first thing I do if I see a layover over three hours is adjust the filters on my search. But when an 11 hour layover in Amsterdam appeared for our <a href="http://erohisms.com/istanbuls-tale-of-two-cities/">flight search Istanbul</a>, I did some digging.</p>
<p>What did I find? That around 10 daylight hours is all you really need to get a taste of this cute Dutch city, one that really felt like a town.</p>
<center><a id="photo17917287814" class="img-link" name="photo17917287814"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/378/17917287814_5a619087b8.jpg" alt="Lina and the crooked houses of Amsterdam." title="Lina and the crooked houses of Amsterdam."/></span></figure></center>
<p>With a convenient 15-minute train ride to Centraal, a quick trip into Amsterdam is possible with anything longer than a five hour layover. So off we went straight from our flight from San Francisco, with brushed teeth, tousled hair, and neck pillows in hand.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, my lack of sleep put us on a train heading in the opposite direction, to The Hague. After the initial confusion and some help from the locals, we were right back where we started, and headed in the right direction.</p>
<center><a id="photo18513600116" class="img-link" name="photo18513600116"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/304/18513600116_bea3eb9780.jpg" alt="Amsterdam Central Station" title="Amsterdam Central Station"/></span></figure></center>
<p>Eleven hours doesn’t give you a ton of time, but it was enough to hit the highlights. From the train station, we immediately jumped onto a riverboat cruise, which was a nice way to orient ourselves with the city and get some scenic shots from the water.</p>
<center><a id="photo18541842451" class="img-link" name="photo18541842451"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/549/18541842451_e12ee6f15d.jpg" alt="Canals of Amsterdam" title="Canals of Amsterdam"/></span></figure></center>
<center><a id="photo18539911295" class="img-link" name="photo18539911295"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="388" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/261/18539911295_2c7cdb1a77.jpg" alt="Bridge upon bridge upon bridge upon... well you get it" title="Bridge upon bridge upon bridge upon... well you get it"/></span></figure></center>
<p>From there, my only to-do was the Anne Frank Museum. We meandered over canals and around cyclists, with Rob stopping every few feet to take photos of the impossibly cute houses, many leaning at precarious angles.</p>
<center><a id="photo18513555176" class="img-link" name="photo18513555176"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8864/18513555176_05fd93a018.jpg" alt="Amsterdam in one picture: bikes, canals, and leaning historic houses" title="Amsterdam in one picture: bikes, canals, and leaning historic houses"/></span></figure></center>
<p>We learned that houses were taxed by how much riverfront space they took, so some people built houses like this, taking up a mere 1 meter in width but going back much further in length. </p>
<center><a id="photo18539930835" class="img-link" name="photo18539930835"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/282/18539930835_fa0a1267d2.jpg" alt="The smallest house in Amsterdam. 1 meter wide! If you used to live on the canal, you were taxed based on how wide your house was, which is why so many of these houses are so skinny. But 1 meter? Wow!" title="The smallest house in Amsterdam. 1 meter wide! If you used to live on the canal, you were taxed based on how wide your house was, which is why so many of these houses are so skinny. But 1 meter? Wow!"/></span></figure></center>
<p>Because many of the houses were too narrow to allow furniture in through the staircase, builders installed large hooks on the outside to lift items in through the window.</p>
<center><a id="photo18539982715" class="img-link" name="photo18539982715"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8859/18539982715_cb6d2a3690.jpg" alt="Suspence. Amsterdam." title="Suspence. Amsterdam."/></span></figure></center>
<p>Once at the Anne Frank house, we waited in line for about 45 minutes before touring the house, now fully converted into a museum. There were no photos allowed, but the included audio tour gave a holistic glimpse of life for the Frank family under occupation. It’s a must-do if you’re in Amsterdam for the first time.</p>
<p>From there, we did what we love to do in new cities—got purposefully lost in the cliches that are Amsterdam. Leaning houses, canals, and cyclists made up our afternoon, before a quick detour into the Red Light District, which was positively PG-13 rated at 6pm. </p>
<center><a id="photo18353814149" class="img-link" name="photo18353814149"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="384" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8858/18353814149_d4475fdb99.jpg" alt="Lina and an alien with laser beams" title="Lina and an alien with laser beams"/></span></figure></center>
<center><a id="photo18513593006" class="img-link" name="photo18513593006"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8843/18513593006_8eb88a1cf6.jpg" alt="Brouwerij't Ij Ijwit Amsterdam Beer, with a perfect Amsterdam background." title="Brouwerij't Ij Ijwit Amsterdam Beer, with a perfect Amsterdam background."/></span></figure></center>
<p>And then? Back to the airport and onto <a href="http://erohisms.com/istanbuls-tale-of-two-cities/">Istanbul</a>!</p>
<h3>More Amsterdam</h3>
<p>Want to see more of Amsterdam? Check out our <a href="http://erohisms.com/photo-tour-of-amsterdam/">Amsterdam photo tour</a>!</p>
<h6>Have you ever made a trip out of a layover?</h6>
<p>Let us know in the comments!</p>Sun, 07 Jun 2015 09:55:00 -0700Photo Tour of Amsterdam2015-06-06T14:55:00-07:00Rob Erohtag:erohisms.com,2015-06-06:photo-tour-of-amsterdam/<p>Amsterdam is what I pictured Venice to be, what a surprise for our 12 hour detour here on our way to Turkey! Leaning historic buildings, canals, and bikes, oh my!</p>
<p><p>
<center><a id="photo17919320543" class="img-link" name="photo17919320543"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/316/17919320543_e79b7361a9.jpg" alt="Interesting canal house" title="Interesting canal house"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Interesting canal house</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18513600116" class="img-link" name="photo18513600116"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/304/18513600116_bea3eb9780.jpg" alt="Amsterdam Central Station" title="Amsterdam Central Station"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Amsterdam Central Station</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18353814149" class="img-link" name="photo18353814149"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="384" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8858/18353814149_d4475fdb99.jpg" alt="Lina and an alien with laser beams" title="Lina and an alien with laser beams"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Lina and an alien with laser beams</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18541961971" class="img-link" name="photo18541961971"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8831/18541961971_b7005a9c2a.jpg" alt="The clock tower of Oude Kerk, Amsterdam" title="The clock tower of Oude Kerk, Amsterdam"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>The clock tower of Oude Kerk, Amsterdam</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18513593006" class="img-link" name="photo18513593006"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8843/18513593006_8eb88a1cf6.jpg" alt="Brouwerij't Ij Ijwit Amsterdam Beer, with a perfect Amsterdam background." title="Brouwerij't Ij Ijwit Amsterdam Beer, with a perfect Amsterdam background."/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Brouwerij't Ij Ijwit Amsterdam Beer, with a perfect Amsterdam background.</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo17917295364" class="img-link" name="photo17917295364"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/410/17917295364_d649a51040.jpg" alt="Redlight District, Amsterdam. A bit seedy..." title="Redlight District, Amsterdam. A bit seedy..."/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Redlight District, Amsterdam. A bit seedy...</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18352216748" class="img-link" name="photo18352216748"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="333" data-height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/519/18352216748_82cdf7387c.jpg" alt="IMG_2049" title="IMG_2049"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>IMG_2049</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo17917287814" class="img-link" name="photo17917287814"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/378/17917287814_5a619087b8.jpg" alt="Lina and the crooked houses of Amsterdam." title="Lina and the crooked houses of Amsterdam."/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Lina and the crooked houses of Amsterdam.</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18541946001" class="img-link" name="photo18541946001"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/299/18541946001_344dbec457.jpg" alt="Floating Yoda in Dam Square, Amsterdam" title="Floating Yoda in Dam Square, Amsterdam"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Floating Yoda in Dam Square, Amsterdam</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18535545712" class="img-link" name="photo18535545712"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="435" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/303/18535545712_aa4cc2f05e.jpg" alt="Royal Palace, Amsterdam" title="Royal Palace, Amsterdam"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Royal Palace, Amsterdam</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18513575426" class="img-link" name="photo18513575426"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="333" data-height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/428/18513575426_534e7c1c1b.jpg" alt="Bikes and door of Amsterdam." title="Bikes and door of Amsterdam."/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Bikes and door of Amsterdam.</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo17917275854" class="img-link" name="photo17917275854"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/516/17917275854_1888ac1d19.jpg" alt="Dam Square, Amsterdam" title="Dam Square, Amsterdam"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Dam Square, Amsterdam</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18541935601" class="img-link" name="photo18541935601"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="393" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8899/18541935601_c8cc2b8aa0.jpg" alt="A golden floating guy in Dam Square, Amsterdam" title="A golden floating guy in Dam Square, Amsterdam"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>A golden floating guy in Dam Square, Amsterdam</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18535536492" class="img-link" name="photo18535536492"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/287/18535536492_b1e4d495e8.jpg" alt="Dam Square" title="Dam Square"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Dam Square</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo17919282823" class="img-link" name="photo17919282823"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/303/17919282823_586a01a3df.jpg" alt="This statue is located in one of the oldest inner courts in Amsterdam called Begiijnhof. The court is home to the English Reform Church of Amsterdam." title="This statue is located in one of the oldest inner courts in Amsterdam called Begiijnhof. The court is home to the English Reform Church of Amsterdam."/></span></figure></center><center><caption>This statue is located in one of the oldest inner courts in Amsterdam called Begiijnhof. The court is home to the English Reform Church of Amsterdam.</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18513562836" class="img-link" name="photo18513562836"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/528/18513562836_740ac389bb.jpg" alt="Het Paleis Amsterdam" title="Het Paleis Amsterdam"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Het Paleis Amsterdam</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18353776339" class="img-link" name="photo18353776339"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/433/18353776339_fb5f8e34d6.jpg" alt="Canals of Amsterdam" title="Canals of Amsterdam"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Canals of Amsterdam</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18513555176" class="img-link" name="photo18513555176"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8864/18513555176_05fd93a018.jpg" alt="Amsterdam in one picture: bikes, canals, and leaning historic houses" title="Amsterdam in one picture: bikes, canals, and leaning historic houses"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Amsterdam in one picture: bikes, canals, and leaning historic houses</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18539982715" class="img-link" name="photo18539982715"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8859/18539982715_cb6d2a3690.jpg" alt="Suspence. Amsterdam." title="Suspence. Amsterdam."/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Suspence. Amsterdam.</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo17917251384" class="img-link" name="photo17917251384"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/537/17917251384_33c0338729.jpg" alt="Lina and the canals of Amsterdam" title="Lina and the canals of Amsterdam"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Lina and the canals of Amsterdam</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18541909391" class="img-link" name="photo18541909391"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/467/18541909391_581a51dd0c.jpg" alt="Jonge Bernard has a beautiful house." title="Jonge Bernard has a beautiful house."/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Jonge Bernard has a beautiful house.</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18513539856" class="img-link" name="photo18513539856"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8846/18513539856_b2695b810e.jpg" alt="Westerkerk, Amsterdam" title="Westerkerk, Amsterdam"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Westerkerk, Amsterdam</caption></center></p>
<p>
<center><a id="photo18352247110" class="img-link" name="photo18352247110"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="368" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/514/18352247110_b73cd48ff6.jpg" alt="A walk through Amsterdam." title="A walk through Amsterdam."/></span></figure></center><center><caption>A walk through Amsterdam.</caption></center></p>
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<center><a id="photo17919253153" class="img-link" name="photo17919253153"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/359/17919253153_33a45bc813.jpg" alt="Canal house perspective." title="Canal house perspective."/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Canal house perspective.</caption></center></p>
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<center><a id="photo18513532366" class="img-link" name="photo18513532366"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/416/18513532366_43b37d716d.jpg" alt="Canals of Amsterdam" title="Canals of Amsterdam"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Canals of Amsterdam</caption></center></p>
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<center><a id="photo18541893501" class="img-link" name="photo18541893501"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/302/18541893501_9feb3e6f0c.jpg" alt="Light up the canal." title="Light up the canal."/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Light up the canal.</caption></center></p>
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<center><a id="photo18541892271" class="img-link" name="photo18541892271"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="333" data-height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/406/18541892271_292d5ac2c7.jpg" alt="Streets of Amsterdam." title="Streets of Amsterdam."/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Streets of Amsterdam.</caption></center></p>
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<center><a id="photo18352232450" class="img-link" name="photo18352232450"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="482" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8896/18352232450_71fe1f7e2c.jpg" alt="Girl in the window, smoking, on her phone." title="Girl in the window, smoking, on her phone."/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Girl in the window, smoking, on her phone.</caption></center></p>
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<center><a id="photo18352148228" class="img-link" name="photo18352148228"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/272/18352148228_66b3d21466.jpg" alt="Canals and boat houses of Amsterdam." title="Canals and boat houses of Amsterdam."/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Canals and boat houses of Amsterdam.</caption></center></p>
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<center><a id="photo18513516466" class="img-link" name="photo18513516466"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/390/18513516466_cb8b402421.jpg" alt="Koffie Keizer Thee. Great signage." title="Koffie Keizer Thee. Great signage."/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Koffie Keizer Thee. Great signage.</caption></center></p>
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<center><a id="photo18352139328" class="img-link" name="photo18352139328"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8863/18352139328_3f5ae2296f.jpg" alt="The canals are so spring green." title="The canals are so spring green."/></span></figure></center><center><caption>The canals are so spring green.</caption></center></p>
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<center><a id="photo18353724319" class="img-link" name="photo18353724319"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/491/18353724319_49c507290c.jpg" alt="Lina and Hotel Di-Ann" title="Lina and Hotel Di-Ann"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Lina and Hotel Di-Ann</caption></center></p>
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<center><a id="photo18353721449" class="img-link" name="photo18353721449"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/518/18353721449_d613c323ab.jpg" alt="All of the buildings in Amsterdam are build on an angle. Different angles." title="All of the buildings in Amsterdam are build on an angle. Different angles."/></span></figure></center><center><caption>All of the buildings in Amsterdam are build on an angle. Different angles.</caption></center></p>
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<center><a id="photo18535470602" class="img-link" name="photo18535470602"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8867/18535470602_78b6e7d1b9.jpg" alt="Renovata building in front of the Westerkerk clock tower." title="Renovata building in front of the Westerkerk clock tower."/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Renovata building in front of the Westerkerk clock tower.</caption></center></p>
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<center><a id="photo18539930835" class="img-link" name="photo18539930835"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/282/18539930835_fa0a1267d2.jpg" alt="The smallest house in Amsterdam. 1 meter wide! If you used to live on the canal, you were taxed based on how wide your house was, which is why so many of these houses are so skinny. But 1 meter? Wow!" title="The smallest house in Amsterdam. 1 meter wide! If you used to live on the canal, you were taxed based on how wide your house was, which is why so many of these houses are so skinny. But 1 meter? Wow!"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>The smallest house in Amsterdam. 1 meter wide! If you used to live on the canal, you were taxed based on how wide your house was, which is why so many of these houses are so skinny. But 1 meter? Wow!</caption></center></p>
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<center><a id="photo18513496856" class="img-link" name="photo18513496856"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/481/18513496856_e0fed03072.jpg" alt="Nice car. But there are dangers of parallel parking here." title="Nice car. But there are dangers of parallel parking here."/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Nice car. But there are dangers of parallel parking here.</caption></center></p>
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<center><a id="photo17919209123" class="img-link" name="photo17919209123"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8865/17919209123_9ce7046078.jpg" alt="Sometimes Amsterdam houses may lean a bit." title="Sometimes Amsterdam houses may lean a bit."/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Sometimes Amsterdam houses may lean a bit.</caption></center></p>
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<center><a id="photo18353704819" class="img-link" name="photo18353704819"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/303/18353704819_7fee62c42f.jpg" alt="The angles of the house are so interesting." title="The angles of the house are so interesting."/></span></figure></center><center><caption>The angles of the house are so interesting.</caption></center></p>
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<center><a id="photo18535453712" class="img-link" name="photo18535453712"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="333" data-height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/527/18535453712_1fd4ab2b7d.jpg" alt="The Museum for Lina (Bags & Purses)" title="The Museum for Lina (Bags & Purses)"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>The Museum for Lina (Bags & Purses)</caption></center></p>
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<center><a id="photo18539911295" class="img-link" name="photo18539911295"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="388" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/261/18539911295_2c7cdb1a77.jpg" alt="Bridge upon bridge upon bridge upon... well you get it" title="Bridge upon bridge upon bridge upon... well you get it"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Bridge upon bridge upon bridge upon... well you get it</caption></center></p>
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<center><a id="photo18539910125" class="img-link" name="photo18539910125"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/517/18539910125_47ae24a8c1.jpg" alt="Boat houses on the canals of Amsterdam" title="Boat houses on the canals of Amsterdam"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Boat houses on the canals of Amsterdam</caption></center></p>
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<center><a id="photo18541842451" class="img-link" name="photo18541842451"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/549/18541842451_e12ee6f15d.jpg" alt="Canals of Amsterdam" title="Canals of Amsterdam"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Canals of Amsterdam</caption></center></p>
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<center><a id="photo18541838951" class="img-link" name="photo18541838951"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8833/18541838951_5aaa77bc1e.jpg" alt="Boat houses on the canals of Amsterdam." title="Boat houses on the canals of Amsterdam."/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Boat houses on the canals of Amsterdam.</caption></center></p>
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<center><a id="photo18539895945" class="img-link" name="photo18539895945"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/426/18539895945_e114724910.jpg" alt="Science Center Nemo, Amsterdam" title="Science Center Nemo, Amsterdam"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Science Center Nemo, Amsterdam</caption></center></p>
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<center><a id="photo17919179603" class="img-link" name="photo17919179603"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8857/17919179603_98ce270f6d.jpg" alt="Boat houses on the canals of Amsterdam." title="Boat houses on the canals of Amsterdam."/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Boat houses on the canals of Amsterdam.</caption></center></p>
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<center><a id="photo18353673349" class="img-link" name="photo18353673349"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8861/18353673349_655d017b97.jpg" alt="Amsterdam Central Station" title="Amsterdam Central Station"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>Amsterdam Central Station</caption></center></p>
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<center><a id="photo18539885985" class="img-link" name="photo18539885985"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/535/18539885985_a10a524c74.jpg" alt="In Amsterdam, you need a parking garage for bikes!" title="In Amsterdam, you need a parking garage for bikes!"/></span></figure></center><center><caption>In Amsterdam, you need a parking garage for bikes!</caption></center></p>
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<h3>More Amsterdam</h3>
<p>Learn how we were able to see so much in our <a href="http://erohisms.com/a-long-layover-in-amsterdam/">1 day in Amsterdam</a>.</p>
<p>What was your favorite picture? Let us know in the comments!</p>Sat, 06 Jun 2015 14:55:00 -0700Tips of the Trail for Everest Base Camp2014-10-16T06:53:00-07:00Lina Erohtag:erohisms.com,2014-10-16:tips-of-the-trail-for-everest-base-camp/<div><p>Trekking to the base camp or through the high passes of the world's highest mountain doesn't have to be expensive--or difficult. We spent <a href="http://erohisms.com/everest-three-passes-days-one-through-four/">17 days on the trail</a> and here's how we made the most of our time and wallet. </p>
<h3>If you need a porter-guide, find him in Lukla</h3>
<p>Unless you have a personal recommendation, don't book ahead and definitely don't use an agent as he/she takes an incredibly high cut off what you pay. Porters wait outside the Lukla airport so run some makeshift interviews, agree on a price, and set off in comfort. Budget around 1000NPR per day, slightly more if you're doing the high passes. (We only ended up using a porter for three of the 17 days, so it is possible to do the passes without one. Just know that it's not easy.)</p>
<h3>Showers are for cleanliness, not for warmth</h3>
<p>Even a piping hot shower won't warm you up in a non-heated room, so plan accordingly. Also, showers are expensive. Baby wipes on the other hand are cheap and they won't make you freeze. </p>
<h3>Always ask for a free room</h3>
<p>Yes, you read correctly! You can get most of your rooms for free if you bargain a bit and tell the lodge owner that you'll eat dinner and breakfast there. For the names of the lodges where we stayed, check out our <a href="http://erohisms.com/everest-three-passes-days-one-through-four/">trekking diary</a>.</p>
<h3>Be flexible</h3>
<p>Allow time for headaches, backaches, laziness, etc. The worst thing you can do is allow <strong>just</strong> enough time to complete your route. Doing so means you'll push yourself too fast and increases the likelihood of you getting sick. </p>
<h3>Get off the EBC track</h3>
<p>Even if you can't do all three of the passes, try to add at least one detour to your out and back trek. Not only will it give you the chance to explore some of the interesting valleys, but you'll also escape the crowds. </p>
<center><a id="photo15506842895" class="img-link" name="photo15506842895"> </a><figure class="theme-img"><span class="theme-shadow loading"><img data-width="500" data-height="333" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5614/15506842895_6c83c01109.jpg" alt="Lina soaking in the views on the other side of Renjo La pass... Today we feel like we're in the Lord of the Rings" title="Lina soaking in the views on the other side of Renjo La pass... Today we feel like we're in the Lord of the Rings"/></span></figure></center>
<h3>Have your Kathmandu hotel book your flights</h3>
<p>The price is fixed by the government at US$162pp one way, so save yourself the hassle and have your hotel or guesthouse deal with the tickets. Early morning flights have the best chance of flying.</p>
<h3>Take care of your TIMS and trekking permits in Kathmandu</h3>
<p>The Tourist Service Center is easily accessible from Thamel and the process is pretty fast and easy as long as you bring 5000NPR, two passport photos, and your itinerary. They have free WiFi in case you forget any of the details. </p>
<h3>Don't start your trek in mid October</h3>
<p>We saw more people going up the trail on October 10th than we did on all of our previous days combined. Starting the trek in late September let us experience the quieter side of the Himalayas, although it did come with some snowstorms.</p>
<h3>Get early starts on the trail</h3>
<p>As much as it sucks to get up at 4:30am, it's often your best chance of seeing the views and avoiding the clouds. That said, consider whether you really need to be on <strong>top</strong> of the mountain for sunrise. We found that halfway up worked just as well, and it meant that we did half the hike in the sun. </p>
<h3>Purify your own water</h3>
<p>We used <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B39KSUO/" rel="nofollow">Aquamira</a> drops to both purify and enhance the taste of our water. Not only does purifying save you tons of money, but it's a lot better for the environment. </p>
<h3>Pack smart</h3>
<p>Just because you have you porter doesn't mean you need to bring 20kg of gear. One pair of clean and warm clothes for night, a sleeping bag, one change of trekking clothes, and some snacks/protein bars is all you need. If you're going to higher altitudes like we did, you'll need warmer clothes, but the good news is that you'll be wearing (and not carrying) that GoreTex for almost the entire time.</p>
<h6>More Nepal</h6>
<p>Interested in trekking Nepal on a budget? Check out our <a href="http://erohisms.com/destinations/asia/nepal/">Nepal destination page</a> and plan your vacation now!</p>
<p>If you have any Nepal trekking tips of your own, please share them by leaving a comment!</p></div>Thu, 16 Oct 2014 06:53:00 -0700