...We then stopped by a gallery that Kim found online that turns out to be right under noses the entire time. It was at the southern side of the Hippodrome area in this building we have walked by every single day. The majority of the exhibit was of Turkish graphic design!!!! The information we were trying to find at the library or anywhere else was RIGHT there. There was even a room of logos to help my research! RIGHT HERE THE ENTIRE TIME! :) I just took pictures of every single wall. Here are a few of the images. We will definitely go into more detail during our panel discussion. I also included a few images that have amusing translations. :)
Night was upon us, but we had been trying to get to the Grand Bazaar. This is pretty much the world’s oldest mall/flea market as is all enclosed under the same ancient ceiling. I had been told I HAD to experience this. With the photographers’ shooting schedule keeping them busy most of the weekend, we decided to just give it a try TONIGHT. The way there was an interesting walk. It was also when I suddenly realized I knew where I was going. I could do this! I also recognized - for the first time since I’ve been in the city - an area where I need to keep my purse close. I was never SCARED, but aware. The streets are still so narrow but more and more traffic. We passed a few big mosques that helped us be aware of where we were on the map.
Then there it was - the Grand Bazaar. And it was both grand and bizarre. Rugs, leathers, silver, gold, scarves, food…all of it could be found there and everybody was trying to sell something. We have had practice with this and have turned off our Midwestern/Southern smiling charm. We don’t really engage and just keep talking amongst ourselves. The most common (like EVERY person) thing said is, “Where are you from” or “Let me sell you something you don’t need.” None of us bought anything, but it was still worth the trip.
Then there it was - the Grand Bazaar. And it was both grand and bizarre. Rugs, leathers, silver, gold, scarves, food…all of it could be found there and everybody was trying to sell something. We have had practice with this and have turned off our Midwestern/Southern smiling charm. We don’t really engage and just keep talking amongst ourselves. The most common (like EVERY person) thing said is, “Where are you from” or “Let me sell you something you don’t need.” None of us bought anything, but it was still worth the trip.
Hopped on a tram going in the correct direction (important to know the Turkish word!), went one stop to Sultanahmet and began the walk home. First we went by the Hippodrome and saw the many many cats out on the prowl. They are so nice and clean-looking. They’re the most well-kept strays I’ve ever seen. Believe me, I would not normally touch stray cats for fear of biting bugs or claws. These guys are just like tour guides, “hey, welcome to our lovely city where we are all friendly…meow”.
So. We are all caught up. I have been writing and organizing photos all morning in hopes that everything will upload seamlessly. Then I can go out to maybe catch the Islamic calligraphy museum and eventually to the bath. I also want to get a close-up of the ancient wall. Tomorrow, assuming I’m not spending half the day writing, I will go back to that library. Sunday a few other things. Monday is like a Sunday here and many things are closed. Then we hop on a plane on Tuesday. :) Thanks to the power of Skype and being surrounded by friends and lovely people, I don’t miss home. I'm looking forward to returning, but I’m very happy here. How fortunate!