Turkey (Part 1 of 2)

Getting into Turkey was an adventure to say the least.
A 15 hour bus ride with an hour delay at the border
because we all had to pay for 'travel visas' to enter the country.

Needless to say I was not a fan of Turkey
by the time we reached the hotel at 6:00 am...
But it quickly redeemed itself.

The first festival we were a part of was the
Kucukcemece Lake Festival.
The countries performing were USA, Portugal, England,
Tawain, Georgia, Belgium and Turkey.

It is always fun to see the other groups perform
and get to know them as the festival goes on.

Here are some pictures of the festival and our travels:

***WARNING: PICTURE OVERLOAD***

Here is Clog America with the Mayor of Kucukcemce.
I'm pretty sure this guy was running to be
President of Turkey because his face was everywhere!
He was doing a great job at campaigning.

During a parade in the streets of Istanbul.

Yeah America!

The festival took all the countries
on a boat ride on the Bosphorus Strait.
The bridge behind us connects the Asia side of Istanbul
with the Europe side of Istanbul.
Who knew Istanbul was part of 2 continents???

Asia is behind us.

Europe is behind us.

This is the Basilica Cistern.
It is the largest cistern in the world.

I know the story of Medusa, but I can't remember now
why she was carved in these columns, especially
upside down. There is one of her sideways as well
just around the corner.

Some of us girls at the Topkapi Palace.
This is where the Sultans lived and ruled.
It was HUGE. Four gardens. Giant kitchen.
The 2nd largest diamond in the world is displayed there.
86 carats.
Wowsers!

View of Istanbul and the Bosphorus Strait
from one of the gardens at Topkapi Palace.

The Grand Bazaar.
They sell just about everything for ridiculous prices.
Haggling was a bit of a challenge
but we got it down and came out with some great stuff!

The outside streets of the Grand Bazaar.

Inside the court of the Blue Mosque.

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!
These pictures don't do it justice.
I couldn't believe it was one massive room
and the painting detail was incredible.
Breathtaking...

Outside the Blue Mosque.

That's all for today.
More of Turkey to come tomorrow!