Istanbul in Colors - New Airport and Photo Album

ISTANBUL

I don't know exactly how many times I have visited Istanbul.

I kind of lost tracks of my visits and transits in this mesmerising city.

Historical architectures with elaborated designs, turquoise ceramics and delicious chicken adana kebab are only a few things that make me so fond of this city.  

The long history of this very city, dotted with intrigues, love stories and adventures, is truly an invaluable lesson. 

Not to mention the clear blue sky and plush green trees. 

Colourful, exotic spices, one-of-a-kind souvenirs and friendly people of Istanbul add more  I-heart-you feeling whenever I am around.

Morning at the Germain Fountain, next to the Blue Mosque

Since I travel quite frequently to Geneva and New York City for works, I have been using Turkish Airlines a lot.

I have to admit that the route as well as the ticket fare are friendly.

And that means I have to transit in Istanbul.

Well, happy to do so. 

a piece of history..

As I have the chance to see its many faces, I tried to see different part of the city.

I have been walking around Sultanahmet area for God knows how many times,  letting myself being timelessly absorbed to the glory of the past. 

Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Basilica CIstern and Topkapi Palace have been my favorite historical spots. 

Moving further, I have walked acress Galata Bridge and took a ferry ride on Bosporus, all done in different seasons of the year. Besides enjoying summer sale in Taksim Square as well as Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, I was lucky to reach Dolmabahce Palace and enjoyed the grandeur of Ataturk's palace. Mind-blowing intricate details and rich history never fail to amaze me.

Busy Istanbul. the city and Marmara sea..

This time, as we landed on the European side, the location of the new Istanbul airport, we got to see the city from the other side.

We took the bus from the airport, heading straight to the historical part of Istanbul, Sultanahmet Area.

We had a brief stop at Eminönu, right across the Spice Bazaar.

The glistening reflection of Marmara sea welcomed us merrily that morning, as ferries ad boats started their journey of the day.

A lovely summer morning indeed.

feels like stopping by and joining the walkers..

Speaking of the new Istanbul Airport, I have to say I am impressed!

It's huge!

It certainly looks modern and uses cutting-edge designs that pay attention to beautiful details here and there. I love to see the ceilings and how they are brilliantly reflected on the shiny floors. Not to mentions lines of world-brand shops and vintage collection Turkish items you can find in the airport. I guess I will definitely continue my adventures in the airport alone on the next visit. Oh, and the Turkish Airline lounge, as always, is a five-star one. I never miss my time to have a little break here enjoying my fresh orange juice, pide and lentil soup, while enjoying Andy Williams concert on the theatre. Heaven!

The new Istanbul airport..

Well, now..let me share more snaps taken with my iPhone while enjoying my transit in Istanbul. As colourful as ever, I wish you enjoy it even more than I do. 

You know, whenever I see all these wonderful craftmanships, I feel like taking them all home LOL. And I have to remind myself that I already got more than dozens of small bowls, sets of big ones and 2 table lamps. 

So, that's why I keep coming back to Istanbul.
Tell me which one is your favorite ... the food, the souvenirs, the architectures, or else!

Cheers and till the next adventure!

Wonderful Wednesday with My Purple World, Oh My Heartsie Girls and Friends

Cheers from Geneva.. view from Salle des pas perdu, UN Office in Geneva..

Cheers from Geneva!

I am spending around a week in Geneva for Human Rights Council and flying through Istanbul again. As you can see on my previous post about the Blue Mosque, I got a chance to have a lovely transit in Istanbul. This time, we flew to the new Istanbul airport which is way bigger and much posher than the Ataturk one. And the weather is nice! Or rather hot indeed, reaching 35 degree C or around 90 degree Fahrenheit.

Geneva is enjoying its summer as well, with warm days coming this week and ahead.
Too bad, I am a bit under the weather. I guess all those travelings take a toll on me and I started feeling super tired. I have to admit that after my trip to New York City during Ramadhan followed by Lebaran Break and Surabaya, I only had a couple days or mostly a week before another trip. Well, I have to take a break a little bit I guess.

clear, hot day.

But for sure, my days in Geneva are always marvellous.
Feels like coming back to home again, meeting my dearest friends and family here.
But I guess, I will just meet them all here as we don't really have many breaks in this non-stop series of meetings. 
Wish me luck and stay healthy, people!

welcoming myself back to Geneva

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WW: Blue Mosque, Istanbul

I have to admit I can never get enough of visiting Istanbul, Turkey.

one of the domes of Blue Mosque, Istanbul

Not only that this city has become cradle of civilisations since thousands of years ago, but also because they manage to preserve those precious traditions un until now, including Turkish magnificent architectures.

As a big fan of thrilling history, Sultanahmet Square has long been listed on top of my must-go-to places in Istanbul. This time, I spent some times in Blue Mosque, Istanbul, to pray Dhuha and tahayatul masjid here and take some shots again and again. 

Reciting some praises from Al-Quran, the dome is fascinating indeed!

As usual, its amazing dome, elaborated by Iznik ceramics depicting various patterns dominated in blue, steal people's attention, including me. Not to mention gilded decoration and tinted -glass windows near the mihrab. I was wondering how long it took to finish such a grand masterpiece.

The mihrab

It's a bit dark but still beautiful

I also enjoy more details from the doors, carpets, windows and the interior designs of this mosque. They are indeed amazing and unique. I literally looked up most of the time to see the details on the roof as well.

It is undergone a big renovation now and some parts of the domes are closed but you are still able to enjoy its marvellous beauty. 

I came here with some friends and we waited outside until 10 AM in the morning when the mosque was open. As we arrived in the morning, we didn't have too many visitors yet.

It is easy to Sultanahmet Square from new Istanbul Airport.

Unlike Ataturk International Airport where we could take subway and tram to reach the city center, this time we use Havaist shuttle bus. It has many destination, trying to connect the new airport with various destinations. Sultanahmet - Eminonu (where the Spice Market is located) is one of them and we only need to pay 18 Turkish Lira for one-way trip from or to the airport. I will share more details about this at later stage.

So, have you visited Blue Mosque as well?

Do you think you like it? What's your favorite section of the mosque?

What is your favorite place to visit in Istanbul?

Join us on (almost) Wordless Wednesday and have fun linking up