Trip Log: From old to new to old again

  

From old...

The weather in Istanbul has been gradually improving, and we have been slowly moving our activities outside.  Sunday was still overcast but not cold, so we used that day to visit the Topkapi Palace on top of the hill behind the Hagia Sophia. Construction on the Topkapi Palace began in 1459 and it was the primary residence for the Sultans until nearly 1856 when the court moved over to the Dolmabahce Palace.  

The palace grounds today hold the Hagia Irine Church (not usually open to visitors) with its legendary acoustics, the Archaeology Museum, along with the exquisite palace and grounds and the relics and Ottoman treasures (including the arm and scull of John the Baptist and the sword of Mohammed). We spent most of the day wandering the grounds and admiring the beauty of the building and the view from the hill.  This sight is one of the top attractions listed in most tour books and it is certainly not one to miss.

  

To new...(er)

On Monday the sun came out, the temperature rose and we ventured out doors to do a modified version of this National Geographic Walking Tour.  We skipped the attractions that we had already visited and instead used the tour to see the French Quarter and the more modern part of Istanbul on the other side of the Golden Horn.  

Our tour took us from the Galata bridge, up the steep, narrow street to the Galata Tower, then up the colorful Galip Dede Caddesi - a cobbled lane lined with musical instrument shops, and then along the famous İstiklal Caddesi - a shop-lined pedestrian avenue.

We returned to the Galata bridge for a fish-wich lunch from one of the fishing boats by the bridge before heading back to the old town for the afternoon.

To old again

Later in the evening we returned to Istiklal to celebrate Christmas eve at the Duch Reformed church and to dine.  The highlight of our evening trip was a trip in the first subterranean urban rail line in continental Europe (the second oldest in the world).  The Tunel funicular, has only two stops and it takes you from the Galata Bridge to the bottom of Istiklal.

Movie Monday: Train trip from Almaty-Astana PLUS Astana pics

Happy movie Monday.  Last week I took the night train from Almaty to Astana, here is a little video I made of the trip:

****Bonus: ASTANA pictures****

Astana is a bit of an odd city. Unlike other cities in Kazakhstan, there are only a few of the Soviet era buildings in town.  The rest of the city is made of new shining glass buildings. When looking at the architecture around town, you can find echoes of architecture from almost every city in the world. There are buildings that echo New York City, Beijing, Paris, and many others. For me, this lent the city a certain feeling of insincerity.  On the other hand, there was public art everywhere which makes the city feel pleasant and livable.

one of several shopping malls

Yup, there are people ice fishing on
the frozen river.

The Palace of Peace and Accord

Palace of Peace and Accord

I think my favorite place in Astana is the Palace of Peace and Accord.  Even though it is a pyramid (and the obvious cultural reference there), somehow the design feels natural and balanced. While unimposing from the outside, the pyramid is quite large.  Inside you will find the opera house, a winter garden (just below "the cradle" at the top of the pyramid), and an amazing interior design that is filled with symbolism. Natural light from the top of the pyramid (which is tinted to look like a yellow sun in a blue sky - symbols you will find on the Kazakh flag) penetrates through all of the levels, even into the rays of the sun on the concert hall's ceiling (pictured bottom left).

Everything in the facility is beautiful - the one exception being the finishings of the opera hall where, for some reason, you find frayed carpet, uneven steps, and a mesh ceiling that looks not quite finished. It is also a little unfortunate that no effort is made to make the park outside of the palace usable in the winter months.  Snow hasn't been removed from any of the paths and on a foggy morning, I was left with the distinct impression of being isolated from everything and everyone in a windy, snowy, wasteland.



A short list of things to do in Astana:

1. Walk the river trail.  It was clear of snow and quite busy when I was there, and very, very beautiful.
2. Palace of Peace and Accord - entrance costs 500 tg and includes a tour.  Tours are also available in English.
3. Baiterek Tower
4. Palace of Independence (across from the Palace of Peace and Accord).
5. The Duman Aquarium (across from the mega shopping mall) the aquarium features a fish tunnel, a 5D theater and a large play area.
6. City Park.  In the summer there are carnival style rides, a water park, and miles of walking paths.
7. Shop.  I have never seen so many malls located so close to each other.  There are 4 major shopping centers within a mile of each other on one street.
8. Visit the "Map of Kazakhstan- Atameken" ethnopark.
9. Ride the buses.  There is no better way to get to know a town.  A bus ride in Astana costs 60 tenge and the conductor will collect the fair from you.  Here is a link to Astana Bus route maps: http://www.astana.kz/en/bus-routes
10. Circus (you will find it next to the mega shopping center)

Movie Monday: The NEW Almaty Metro

First of all, I am aware that it is, in fact, Friday (not Monday), but since we had "Photo Friday" on Monday a while back, I feel that it is only fitting that we have "Movie Monday" on Friday.  Besides, this was way too cool to not post right away.  Also, just because this post is about the NEW Almaty Metro does not mean that there was ever an OLD Almaty Metro.  The NEW is capitalized for emphasis because it is THAT cool!!!!!

Now down to business.  The Almaty Metro opened just a few weeks ago and today was the first chance I had to go down and take a ride.  The price for a ride is 80 Tenge.  You can purchase a yellow plastic token at the Kacca (ticket window) or, you can go to a kiosk and invest in a smart card to wave in front of the machine. During the day, trains run at 10 - 13 minute intervals.  There are no benches in the stations, so be prepared to stand while you wait.

Each station has a different theme relating to it's name and the interiors are worth seeing.  Happy Friday everyone, enjoy the video!

Trip Log (and Movie Monday): Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Here is a movie I put together with footage from our trip (or shall I say "adventure") on Saturday.  Apparently the narrower tracks (gauge) allow for tighter turns...in case you were wondering.