Colors of Istanbul

I've been struck by the colors here in Istanbul this trip. Here are just a few examples. Perhaps it's been the long Minnesota winter that makes these scenes so vibrant to my eye.

Tourists at Tokapi Palace. I'm glad the females of the human species have the better plumage than the males.

View across the Bosphorus. I've always loved how buildings built up a hill create a mosaic. Up close, not so good, but from a distance, art.

Tulips spell the name of Allah with their petals, or so the guide told us. Turkish, not Dutch in origin, these short lived blooms are everywhere here.

The LWW clothes shopping for the big conference party on Saturday night.

Art in the dome of Hagia Sophia. Once a Christian church, then a mosque, now a museum, an awesome place to experience.

Dark beauty of the Basilca Cistern. Orange lights were a smart choice.

Pottery in the Grand Bazaar.

Street scene near the Spice Market. Similar commerce has been going on here for a few thousand years. "How can I help you spend your money?" ask the friendly merchants.

Harbor at one of the Princes Islands, a short boat ride from the city to a slower pace of life.

Flowers in your hair?

Appetizers at a seaside restaurant. Presentation is everything. But I still don't eat herring.

Workshops today with lively, engaged librarians from every continent except Antarctica. The common task of finding new roles for libraries in the digital information age knows no borders.

Comments

[Sarah Ducharme]

Wonderful post capturing the vibrant city of Istanbul. Thanks for making the conference such fun - I could listen to you all day!
Hope to cross paths again and safe travels.

[Doug Johnson]

Hi Sarah,

Thanks for the kind words. I had a wonderful time in Istanbul as tourist but an even better time at the conference. Hope your trip home was uneventful.

Doug