baaaaaack to reality.

 I've been back a week and a half now and I still feel like I'm in a funk.  But, I gotta get on with it.  So... I will start with some photos of Turkey. 

I guess it would be a good idea to start with my favorite place-- Aya Sofya.  Built in 537 by the Byzantines, it served as a cathedral.  When the Ottomans took over in 1453 it was converted into a mosque.  Since 1935 it was been open as a secular museum... and pretty much the most amazing thing I've seen in a long time.

  the lanterns

I wasn't the only one gawking at them

My friend and tour guide, Bora

 

The cool thing is that there is a big second floor too and you have to walk up this pathway that looks like something straight out of Sunday School.  Awesome.

view from the top

   I found Jesus!

 

Love the patterns and colors of Turkey

 

Rotate your hand 360 degrees and make a wish!  Not hard for someone with a creepy hyper-extended elbow!  I can't remember what I wished for, but it was probably just to come back.

 

  

 

When people ask me what my favorite thing of the trip was, I say the food and the Ayasofya.  More to come!