Saturday, March 9, 2013

Day 2 - Istanbul

#ibmcsc turkey
I don't even know where to begin.  Overwhelming.  Excitement.  Awe.
To experience all that in one day is just completely amazing. Or Harika.

We went to the Blue Mosque as well as the Aya Sofya.  Unfortunately, we pitched up at the blue mosque just as they closed for mid-day prayers.  So, we turned around and went to the Aya Sofya.
The team pitched in and we got ourselves a guide.  This was the most amazing experience ever.
I stood in awe most of the time in this extremely old building.  The immensity of the workmanship that went into building this is just so overwhelming to comprehend.  This building was finished in 537 with the help of 10 000 workers and 1000 interior designers. Yes, interior designers. :D

The beauty and history behind this building really took my breath away.  The ceiling is covered in mosaic of real gold and semi precious gemstones.  There are pillars from all corners of the Mediterranean.  It even has images of pagan gods. At first this was a Christian church, and later it became a mosque.  This is the one place in the world where two headstrong religions come together and show us the beauty behind it.  Words fail me at this stage.






We meandered over to the blue mosque again and did a quick trip through that.  Not as impressive by half as the Aya Sofya, but still a  beautiful building.  I just felt that I was intruding as a lot of people were praying.  Seems wrong to be "touring" through a place where people are trying to pray. Oh well. :D






Lunch was a busy affair.  Went to a Turkish restaurant and had my first Turkish Meatball, as well as this yoghurt drink.  I loved it!  Gorgeous!

From there the group split up.  Some went to the Grand Bazaar, while a bunch of us decided to go to the basilica cistern. 


The day was finalized with a nice team supper!  Was good to socialize with all!


Now, today - on to work! :)
Chat soon!

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