Istanbul, Day 1

Monday, June 9



Our first day in Istanbul was a feast for the eyes. To begin, we woke up at our AirBnB apartment, and almost fell over at the view. YOU GUYS, it was breathtaking! We had arrived at 3am the night before (i.e.: in the pitch dark) and had no idea what our windows would reveal in the morning! The minute we opened our eyes we were delighted. Our apartment was situated along the river, and had a perfect view of the Hagia Sofhia, the Blue Mosque, Galata Tower, and well, pretty much everything in Istanbul. We couldn't wait to get started:) 

We began our walk with our trusty Rick Steve's book (never go to Europe without him!), and decided to start at the Hagia Sophia. The H.S. was constructed in 537AD, and was rather an architectural feat with the huge domes. It was first a church, then a mosque, and is now a museum. It is the pinkish looking building below, and is quite stunning. The inside, however was my favorite part, with it's paintings, and domes, and color! 

We then went to the Blue Mosque, which is quite an impressive building. Both the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are in the same vicinity, and there is a lovely park between the two where you can sit and drink them both in. We finished our sight seeing with at the Topkapi Palace, where the sultans lived for hundreds of years. It was very beautiful, and had a relaxing garden. I just kept waiting for Princess Jazmin and Rajah the tiger to pop out by the fountain:) We also did a lot of snacking on new foods…you can see me trying a local favorite, roasted chestnuts! 

Like I mentioned before, Istanbul spans 2 continents, Europe and Asia. And every few minute's we'd say…"this looks so european" or "this looks so asian". It was funny how it truly did provide a perfect blend of both cultures! While we stayed on the European side for the most part, we did take a ferry to the Asian side to meet up with some friends for dinner that night. It was really interesting to learn more about Istanbul from locals, and encouraging to our faith to hear how God is moving in this metropolitan city! 

Enjoy the pictures from our first day in this bustling, lively, and historical city! 































































31 comments :

  1. You couldn't have had a better day! The skies are so blue and clear. I love these photos, as always!

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  2. I didn't think you could do it, but somehow you have made me want to go to Turkey even more. It's been on my list for years already! Thanks for sharing.

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  3. It's like a dream! Beautiful photos (as always) and such stunning views. I love that you guys used airbnb. I have used it once and also woke up with an incredible view. Turkey has been at the top of my list for some time now and you are confirming my 'wanderlust'. Really cute skirt by the way!!

    http://bakerstellstories.com

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  4. Oh my gosh...Those photos and colours are the best! I've never wanted to go to Istanbul but I think you miiiiight be convincing me!

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  5. This photos make me want to go back to Istanbul so badly! Such great shots :)

    -Alyssa
    Keep It Simple

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  6. We absolutely LOVE your photos! Great work

    www.wanderlustchronicles.com.au

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  7. I have been so anxious to see your travel pictures. Can't get over how pretty everything is there! I added this to our "Travel-To" list as soon as I saw them :) Sounds like an awesome first day.

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  8. these photos are amazing! looking forward to more posts about the trip!!

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  9. Yea!! I was so excited to see this post!! Thank you so much for sharing with us!! Each picture was GORGEOUS and I just spent a delightful time (LONG>>> time :)) looking at each one! What a gorgeous place Istanbul is!! Thank you for sharing with us!!
    AND I love your outfit! SERIOUSLY! AND that necklace... and the ring and the sunglasses... and yup everything! :) Thank you again for sharing friend!
    :) Rebecca

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  10. So beautiful! I love when I arrive somewhere at night and am surprised in the morning with some awesome views.

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  11. Wonderful pictures! Enjoy your holiday. :)

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  12. ooohhh, so dreamy and beautiful!!! you capture lovely memories!

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  13. Istanbul looks like such a beautiful place to visit! Thanks for sharing your gorgeous photos :)

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  14. You definitely got gorgeous pictures!! Looks and sounds like an adventure! (And we like using Airbnb when we stay places, too!)

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  15. Thank you for sharing your travel adventures. I never would have thought about Istanbul or some of the other lovely places that you have been to. You have definitely opened me up to exploring more off the beaten path. Is there any chance that you would consider doing an overall trip budget breakdown?

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  16. I was so excited to see this post!! These are AMAZING photos, Katie! You're bringing back so many memories for me. And I loved the way you captured Istanbul with such beauty and life. I love your blog :)

    xo, gina

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  17. Gorgeous photos!! I would love to go to Turkey someday. I know my boyfriend would love it because he took a ton of history classes about the Ottoman Empire to modern Turkish history. It would be such an experience to see a city influenced by both European and Asian cultures. Can't wait to read more about your trip! And I love your skirt.

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  18. These pictures are incredible! Makes me want to go to Turkey so bad!

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  19. gorgeous gorgeous pictures!! this post makes me want to go to istanbul tomorrow!

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  20. Oh my gosh, these photos are stunning!! My husband and I traveled to Istanbul in 2012 and loved it, it's such a magical place. And your AirBNB rental sounds amazing!!

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  21. Once again, your photos are stunningly beautiful! So many of my friends have visited or lived in this beautiful place - I hope to visit one day. Love reading about your travel journeys, as always.

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  22. Your blog, your photographs, YOU- I just die over how great it all is! Seriously, it looks like you guys had a fabulous trip!

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  23. What gorgeous pictures Katie!! It's funny, roasted chestnuts are also very popular here in Switzerland, but in the fall & winter time! They're delicious, aren't they :) Can't wait to see more photos of this beautiful city. I've been to Turkey before (to a beach/hotel resort) but never to this magnificent city, it's definitely on my to-travel list :) xx

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  24. Gorgeous photographs, as always. Love the chandeliers.

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  25. Beautiful pictures!!! I have been following your blog for a few months now and totally love it! You guys are both so inspiring and I love that you have gotten to do something more with your photography skills recently too--congratulations! Life sure is interesting isn't it? :)

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  26. So glad you enjoyed yourselves! These photos are absolutely stunning!

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  27. A few years ago Istanbul wasnt even on my radar, but now it keeps moving higher and higher up my list! Beautiful photos!

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  28. A couple weeks ago I arrived home from my study abroad to both China and Taiwan. (I loved it!) Ever since I have had the travel bug and have been researching my next stop in this beautiful world. Thanks to you beautiful pictures and description, I think Istanbul just moved up to the top of my list! Thank you for sharing!

    XO
    Amanda

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  29. I am smiling at how casually you shared that you basically jumped continents to meet up with friends for dinner. Love it!

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  30. my mouth may or may not be hanging open.
    so. incredibly. gorgeous.
    and powerful!

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