Along the banks of the Bosphorus sprawls the port city of Istanbul, 5th largest city in the world. This growing metropolis winds around the shores of the Golden Horn inlet and along the Sea of Marmara. The Bosporus Straight divides Europe from Asia, and Istanbul spans both continents. To the north the Bosphorus links with the Black Sea and to the south, the Marmara, which flows to the Mediterranean, via the Dardanelles. The deep natural harbours and strategic location of port Istanbul have made this ancient city, once called Constantinople, and before that Byzantium, a centre for land and sea trade.
Yedicule
From atop 5th century fortification walls that once protected the 'old city' from land invasion, at a place called Yedikule, we viewed ships in the distance moving through the Sea of Marmara. Here, at the Fortress of Seven Towers, we observed dozens of sea freighters transporting goods to and from Turkey and Asia to Europe and the world. The Fortress itself was under restoration, as were other parts of the fortification wall. We took a cab from our hotel, the Dersaadet, near the Blue Mosque, to Yedikule. The hotel staff were happy to completely make the arrangements for us to take this 'out of the way' excursion. The Dersaadet is a wonderful mid-sized hotel in a restored Ottoman wooden house.
Fresh fish from the docks in Istanbul
The population of Istanbul is 12 million, with another 5 million nearby. Many Turks rely upon sea transportation to commute and sea busses carry passengers between Europe and Asia, up and down the Bosporus and around the Golden Horn. The main commuter docks are in the old city, the Sultanahmet, and are crowded and lively. They are a short walk from the Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Aya Sofya, and other fabulous attractions. Street vendors set up shops on the sidewalk and food stalls serve fish sandwiches. On small boats men grill fresh fish to sell to shoppers, tourists and commuters. This is a terrific spot to see residents of Istanbul out for a stroll, enjoying the panoramic views of the city.
Istanbul, Turkey
Along the Bosporus to the Black Sea
For a day trip, we took a ferry from Istanbul along the Bosporus to the Black Sea and stopped at the village of Anadolu Kavagi. We climbed to a medieval castle built originally by the Byzantines. From the castle, we could see the forested banks of the Black Sea. Turkey lies on the southern shore of the Black Sea. Georgia, Russia, the Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria border around the western and northern perimeters. We had a fresh seafood lunch in the town of Anadolu Kavagi before we headed back to Istanbul.
The Black Sea
Istanbul is one of the great cities of the world, with excellent museums and attractions, great food, interesting people and history, and a pleasing climate. It is a city on the move, with a young population.
More to see in Istanbul.....
In the Blue Mosque
Aya Sofya
Spices at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
In Topkapi palace
A Unesco World Heritage event, Sufi dancing at the Orient Express train station in Istanbul
We travelled by train from Amsterdam, through Holland and Belgium, to France. First stop Arras, France, for its proximity to the Vimy Ridge Memorial, and its’ historic role in WWI. At the Vimy Ridge battle in April,1917, Canadian Corps forces overtook German foes in a 3 day fight. Here on this ridge of farmland, in the cold mud, 3600 young Canadians died, over 7,000 more were wounded. Germans took huge casualties.
Canadian War Memorial at Vimy Ridge
The Canadian War Memorial at Vimy towers over the French landscape on 250 acres of land forever given to Canada to commemorate the horrible sacrifice. We toured the underground tunnels, viewed the trenches, and walked by restricted grounds where explosives may still be lurking. The poignant limestone Memorial solemnly stands at the highest point on the ridge, overlooking the Doui Plains.
Vimy, France
It has been said that Canada was ‘forged’ as a nation at Vimy, and that the ‘victory’ at Vimy Ridge was a defining moment for Canada. Certainly it was tragic for our young country. WWI, the Great War, the ’War to End All Wars’ was a horrific and senseless war where more than 60,000 Canadians died. Globally 15 million people died in the First World War. It was a terrible human failure, of which nothing good came and it set the stage for tensions that led up to World War II.
Arras, France
After our trip to the Canadian War Memorial, we returned to Arras, and at a quiet outdoor café, we sadly tipped our glasses of Stella Artois to the ’boys’ . We noticed other tourists from Canada, Australia and New Zealand in the town. Arras was fully destroyed in WW1, as it stood right on the battle lines, and it has mostly been reconstructed, as it was before the war. It really is a lovely town , with pretty Flemish architecture. Robespierre was born here.
There is always, always something to do in Paris. The city is lovely and beloved, for good reason. Art and architecture, museums and history…the food and wine! Paris has it all, and although it's 'expensive', many pleasures of Paris are free, you need only head outside and start walking. On every visit to Paris (well, both of them) we walk and walk, with long rests at outdoor cafés, for wine and cheese. We sit and watch Paris go by.
Montmartre is the perfect place in Paris for a stroll. We ventured up the hill on a Sunday morning in springtime. The busier streets of Montmartre are lined with flower shops, fruit stands and bakeries. From the sidewalk cafes, the smells of fresh croissants and morning coffees linger. We headed up to the Basilique Sacre Coeur, climbing through neighbourhoods where city kids played street ball in the quieter quarters.
At the top of the hill, Butte du Montmartre, in the historic church courtyard, street performers were entertaining festive tourists. We walked the treed perimeter to catch long views of Paris. Around the church, narrow village roads were crowded with people. A Napoleonic-dressed military troop, with young drummers out front, marched by. History is alive in Paris. The city is full of such surprises!
View from Sacre Coeur. See the Eiffel Tower?
An hour or so later, we descended to the lively streets of Montmartre. A jazz band had set up in the tiny square outside the Metro and everyone shared in the beat. Celebrate. The sun is shining, people are happy. The world, with all its woes, is still out there, but in Montmartre on a Sunday morning in May, you cannot escape the festivity. Just relax and enjoy.
Enjoy this beautiful music from Amelie, a movie set in Montmartre....
To get to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, we travelled by river boat down the Chao Phraya River to the Ko Ratanakosin area. These large grounds are home to the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, where the Emerald Buddha sits, and Wat Pho, the home of the Reclining Buddha statue, as well as numerous fine Thai paintings, sculptures and historic architecture.
The Emerald Buddha is perhaps the most revered buddha statue in Thailand. ‘Emerald’ refers to the colour, and it is most likely carved of jade or jasper. The Emerald Buddha is 2 feet high and sits atop a large gold alter. We were not allowed to take pictures. Visitors sat quietly on the floor, careful not to point toes at the Emerald Buddha. The Thai Buddha was dressed in summer costume, jewels and crown.
The Reclining Buddha
Not too far away in Wat Pho is the majestic Reclining Buddha. At 46 metres long, it is the largest reclining Buddha known. It is covered in gold plate, with mother of pearl inlays, and is surrounded by other important Buddhist carvings and images. The Reclining Buddha depicts Buddha about to enter Nirvana. Like the Emerald Buddha, it is astonishingly beautiful.
Around the Reclining Buddha
The Buddhas are located on large sacred and royal grounds with stunning, colourful Thai mosaics, murals, many other Buddha statues and images, decorated spires, stuppas and buddha temples.
