In the spirit of the holiday here in Turkey, after my posting-fast there comes a posting-plenty!
(ehrm…maybe you’ll get that after you read on a bit.)
After holing myself up in my apartment for the past couple days, feeling a bit under the weather and afraid to venture out into the rain and “freezing” conditions, I finally dragged myself out of bed this morning and made my way out into the world. It turns out the the “freezing” conditions I’ve been complaining about may just have been my skewed feverish perception of 60ish degree weather…I’m a little embarrassed.
Anyway, the sun is shining today and everyone is out in the streets celebrating the end of their annual 30 days of fasting (Ramazan) with the four-day “Seker Bayram” (Sugar fest!) Everywhere you look there are little dishes of chocolate and candy being scarfed up by ravenous passers-by and the city’s thousands of delicious sweet shops are full of sugar-deprived patrons waiting patiently for their puddings and baklava. I also keep hearing fireworks and sparklers being set off in the streets around my apartment…yeah…I’m waiting for the whole place to go up in flames. The Turks really love their fireworks.
Anway, I wandered down Istiklal Caddesi today and took some photos of all the delicious food and happy people…
Traditional Turkish dishes being prepared in one of the windows along the street
A few teenage boys riding the tramvaj down the busy street…they may have been aware of my camera and me
Cakes and puddings in the window of one sweet shop…
And tray upon tray of freshly prepared baklava and other traditional “syrup” desserts…
…and little Turkish ice cream for locals and tourists alike.
Finally, I took a video of one of the (many) bands that set up shop along the side of the street…this city is really a smorgasbord of different types of music. I’ve never posted a video before, but I think if you click on the picture it should start playing…
I think that’s all for today. I may take the train along the coast tomorrow and visit some of the smaller villages along the Golden Horn. Obviously I’ll post some new photos if I do.
xoxo,
Brittany
Hi Brit ! I am so glad “Our Butterfly” came out of her cocoon and shared about the “sugar fest”. I hope you enjoyed some of the sweets!Good pictures!
Hi Brit – Boy, I could eat some baklava right now — love the idea of a sugar fest. Glad you’re feeling better too – post more soon! Love, Aunt Beth
Hi Brit,
Looks as though the Turkish people know how to enjoy their food. It’s been good to talk with you. Have fun during your holiday.
Love Dad
Hi Britt!
I learn so much from your posts! They are a wonderful glimpse into the city and the culture. Makes me want to hop on a plane and join you!
Love,
Mommy
They really love making a big show out of that ice cream selling
Too bad I was in Bulgaria (kinda) for sugar fest / Eid El Fitar. Although I’ve had a great time here and look forward to returning to this amazing city
Brittanny,
My son Noah plays soccer with Chad and your mom has been telling me some of the highlights of your adventure. I am so glad she shared your website address with me. Your narrative and pictures are wonderful. I would love to be there to try the bakalava. I look forward to future postings.
Regards,
Debbie Goodnight
Ed and I loved your blog.We had great fun readingallyour travel stories and enjoyed the pictures. So far we haven`t been smart enough to send a message on your blog.Your grandma is helping me out tonight.Love, Aunt Olyva
Ed and I really enjoyed reading your blog. We have to learn how to send a blog message and not depend on your grandma.Love, Aunt Olyva