Jeff Hamstra: April 2011

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Home at Last!

We're home! The flights home were uneventful. The only thing we did after returning is eat at Railhead BBQ. Then, 27 hours after getting up in Istanbul, we went to bed.

Note: I have posted more photos of our trip at www.pbase.com/hamstra/syria

Miles to go Before I Sleep

Two AM came 8 hours earlier for us than it did for you in Texas. By the time we get to Ataturk Airport outside of Istanbul we will have another 6,278 miles to go. Look for us at the Willow Park Railhead BBQ Wednesday night if we don't fall asleep when we get home!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Reflections on Istanbul

Tranquility

Reasons I like this town.

Architecture

Parks

Vendors

Art

Flowers

Cobblestones

Monday, April 25, 2011

Quest for the Elusive Double Magnum

The Double Magnum is without a doubt the most awesome ice cream bar on the planet. On our previous trip here three years ago we practically survived on them. It is apparently indigenous to the Middle East. Unfortunately, it appears to be rapidly disappearing from it's natural environment. Hence we determined to set out to hunt down and devour this rapidly disappearing delicacy before it became extinct. As these photos prove, we were successful!

Jeff captures one...

... and delivers the coup de grâce.

Istanbul: Blue Mosque

Blue Mosque

The fine people at the Seven Hills Hotel & Restaurant across the street from us graciously allowed us to photograph from their roof early this morning. At first the light did not look promising. But the situation improved and we got some great shots. This is the Blue Mosque. Built following the conquest of the city by the Ottoman Empire (prior to that the city was know as Constantinople) it was completed in 1616.

Side Hotel

This is a view of our terrace at the Side Hotel from the terrace of the Seven Hills Hotel.

Serpentine Column, from 478 BC

This is a photo of the 2,487 year old Serpentine Column at the sight of the hippodrome, but mainly it's a photo of police in kevlar vests with automatic weaponry.

Jeff Meets a new Friend

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Istanbul: Walking

Rustem Pasa Mosque

We've done a lot of walking on this trip and today was no exception. It was just a little more leisurely as we had no real agenda. We took the tram across the Golden Horn, then took the underground funicular up the hill. From there it's a pleasant walk back down the hill on a pedestrian only street lined with shops. We walked across the bridge over the Golden Horn and visited one of our favorite mosques, the Rustem Pasa Mosque. This mosque is know for the high quality tiles that the interior is adorned with.

Have some fresh squeezed orange juice...

... or pomegranate juice.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Syria: Epilogue

Since we left Syria yesterday 120 people have died in peaceful protests around Damascus and other cities in Syria.

Restaurant with a View

Aya Sophia

This evening we went to the roof top restaurant of the hotel across the street from us to have a beverage and wait for just the right evening light. It's quite cold up here and the wind on the terrace made it feel even colder. But we are higher than any other buildings giving us a spectacular view of the Blue Mosque and the Aya Sophia. We will try to return here early in the morning to see what the light is like from the other direction.

Note: I am posting more photographs at www.pbase.com/hamstra/syria

Twilight's Last Gleam

Istanbul: Home

The Blue Mosque

When we were in Syria, I told Jim it was a lot like Turkey but just a little rough around the edges. He replied that it was rough in the middle too! If Syria is rough, Istanbul is smooth, at least in the middle near the main tourist sights.

Jim and I both love Istanbul. It's kind of like a second home to us. So we figured it would be a great place to decompress after two weeks in Syria. We've seen all the sights here before so we plan on taking it easy while we are here this time.

We spotted a hotel across the street that looks like it might have a great view of the Blue Mosque and the Aya Sophia. We will see what it takes to get up there before sunrise to photograph.

Our ancestors came from Holland which is known for their tulips. Anyone from Turkey will quickly point out that tulips originated here.

Tulip

More Tulips

Friday, April 22, 2011

Syria: Goodbye

For those of you watching CCN, not to worry, we are out of Syria. It has been a somewhat crazy day though. Got up this morning and headed for the Old City of Damascus. The first thing I noticed were many, many busses of men in Al-Merjeh (Martyr's Square). The Old City was eerily quite. Of course it is Friday, their holy day. It just seemed much busier two weeks ago when we were here on a Friday.

We didn't stay long and when we headed back to the hotel, I suggested we detour around the Mosque and avoid the Square. Jim said to just proceed with purpose and not make eye contact. As we got closer, I noticed many of the men were brandishing night sticks. Closer yet and I noticed many in full riot gear. When we got back to the hotel we just waited for our ride to the airport.

On the way to the airport our driver commented that it was a good thing we weren't going to Palmyra or Aleppo today as all the roads had been closed!

In the photo below, taken just outside our hotel, you can see the tower in the square in the left edge of the photo.

Always Good Advice

Four Continents

As I write this, Edwina is on her way to Sau Paulo, Brazil on her way to Argentina and Paraguay, and I'm getting ready to fly back to Istanbul. Between the two of us we will see four different continents within a few hours time.

Ok folks, can you name the four continents?

Thursday, April 21, 2011

The Road to Damascus

Original Gate on the Road to the Old City of Damascus

Today we returned to Damascus and dropped off the rental car. Jim did a great job driving around the country! He really got the hang of driving like a Syrian on the way to Aleppo. Driving between lanes, passing on the left shoulder, passing on the right shoulder, squeezing between cars in separate lanes, he did it all. He needs to lean on the horn a little more. Maybe next time he'll have it perfected. Returned rental car without a scratch, but Jim did have to "buff out" some yellow paint from a taxi that scrapped us when the guy from the hotel pulled the car out from the parking spot when we picked up the car the first day.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Syria: Dead Cities

Dead Cities, Syria

Yesterday, on our way to Hama, we took a little detour in search of the Dead Cities. We kind of got lost because after you leave the main road, there are very few signs in English. Eventually we came upon the Dead City of Al-Bara. The city dates from at least the 4^th century, and as late as the 12^th century it was occupied by the Latin Crusaders. Today we returned to photograph there in early morning light. We also came across another Dead City and photographed it too.

Jim at Work

Flowers and Ruins

Lost Sheep in Dead Cities

Ruins, Dead Cities

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Hama: Water Wheels

Water Wheels of Hama

We have a nice room at the Cham Palace overlooking the water wheels. Internet was not included so this blog was delayed. Not many tourist around. On our way here from Aleppo we detoured “off the tourist grid” to search for the Dead Cities. These cities thrived for centuries, but have been abandoned for hundreds of years.

Dusk Near Water Wheels

Monday, April 18, 2011

Baron Hotel

Barron Hotel, Aleppo

On our last evening in Aleppo, we stopped next door at the Barron Hotel for a drink in their bar. The Baron is steeped in history. Hosting the likes of Charles Lindbergh, Theodore Roosevelt, and TE Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia). Agatha Christie started her book Murder on the Orient Express while a guest there. Looking around the room as I consumed my beverage, I couldn’t help but wonder if these walls could talk, what stories could they tell?

Roseburg, Oregon: Happy Birthday Mom!

No, we're not in Oregon, but our Mom is. It's her birthday and she is turning 91. Mom, sorry we can't be there but we hope your having a great day!

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Aleppo

The Citadel, Aleppo

Visited the Citadel this morning and walked though some of the souks. One more day here then off to Hama.

Internet VERY slow.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Palmyra to Aleppo

Krak Des Chevaliers

Drove from Palmyra to Aleppo today. Stopped at Krak Des Chevaliers, one of the greatest castles in the world. Now staying near the Aleppo Citadel and some wonderful souks. Looks like a great city. I found popcorn from a street vendor before we got to the hotel, BEST popcorn ever!

Friday, April 15, 2011

Last Day in Palmyra

The Theater, Palmyra

Today we visited the Theater and photographed the Castle at sunset. Tomorrow we take off for Aleppo.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Palmyra: Another Day Exploring

Jim got up after the "Call to Prayer" to photograph. Later we checked out the Temple of Bel which dates to AD 32. Very impressive! Also toured the Qala'at ibn Maan (The Castle) which is the prominent structure located on a hill and visible in many of our photos. This castle was built in the 17th century. At dusk we both went out to the ruins to photograph.

Jeff at Temple of Bel

Jim at Work in the Castle

Sunset, Palmyra

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Palmyra: Ruins at Sunrise

We got up early this morning, just after the "Call to Prayer" started blaring over loud speakers at 4:30am, so we could photograph in good light. Had to unlock the doors to hotel to get out as attendant on duty was sleeping.

So I'm standing in the middle of one of the most awesome archaeological treasures in the world, alone, watching the sun rise over the desert and I think to myself... this is awesome!

Here is the photo I took just after that moment.

Due to technical difficulties I'm only including one photo with the blog, for other images, visit my gallery at:

www.pbase.com/hamstra/syria

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

On the Road to Palmyra

View While Driving

We rented a car and drove to Palmyra today. It was VERY windy. At times there was so much dust in the air we could barely see the road. We are here in our hotel. Too windy and dusty to go out. Barely saw ruins as we were driving in. They seem spectacular!

Don't Make a Wrong Turn!

Monday, April 11, 2011

Damascus: Last Day Here

Buildings on hills of Damascus

This is our last day in Damascus. Tomorrow morning we will rent a car and drive to Palmyra, where we will spend about three days. Here are some more photographs from the Old City.

Fresh Fruit

Pomegranates

Kahn As'ad Pasha

The Kahn As'ad Pasha, built in 1752, is one of the finest pieces of architecture in the old city. There are eight domes surrounding a circular central window over a fountain. Below is one of the domes.

One of many Domes in the Khan As'ad Pasha

The Sharia al-Qaimariyya runs east from steps on the eastern side of the Umayyad Mosque (see yesterday's post). Sections of it are shaded by vines. Some of the most interesting shops I found were on this street. Actually, it's more of a narrow alley than a street.

Jeff's Favorite Street

Sunset From our Hotel Room