AHS (hubby) travelled a bit in May and here are some of the places we went to:
Masjid Nabawi, from our hotel window: sunrise |
Maybe it is that time of the year when pilgrims make their way to Saudi that has made me inspired to write again. As always, I was lighthearted when we were there,and I was, and am still thankful to AHS who made it possible; making all the necessary arrangements, as I was annoyingly busy.
The Bedouins' Camel ranch: Hudaybiyah |
It was my first time at the camel farm, never having the chance (somehow) to get there the times I was there before. Our guide mentioned the properties of the camel milk: it cleanses your bowel, keeps you warm (we need to be this even in Saudi) and makes men more virile.
Pilgrims' water containers of yore |
The phool apparatus: phool became my main breakfast item in Makkah |
Entrance to the building where our hotel is situated |
Outside masjidil Haram, from our hotel |
We tried our best to be good pilgrims, and then, leave everything to Allah.
Khat, at al Ansari Mosque, Istanbul |
One of my favourite things: the fountain. Outside of al Ansari. |
Some tiles fom long ago at the mosque |
In fact, I love Istanbul (and its food) very much that I suggested for us to migrate there, but AHS was more realistic about it.
The fare at Simit Sariye |
AHS, taking wuduk at The Blue Mosque |
Tombstones, Sulaiman Mosque grounds |
The ubiquitous Turkish sweets: delightful |
The Whirling Dervishes: Amazing |
The Aquaduct of ancient times |
Wonderful street music in Taksim Our stop on the Bosphorus Straits ferry ride, to sample the yoghurt: refreshing |
Of course we did the touristy thing of visiting the Hagia Sophia which is breathtaking, and the beautiful and huge grounds of the Topkapi Palace, its kitchen ten times the size of my house. They are situated next to each other and in the vicinity the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (The Blue Mosque). We enjoyed the lunches we had at Bukhary restaurant, in the Sultan Ahmet area and the divine dinners at our hotel in Lalile.
My only tiny regret is not buying the beautiful ceramic pieces from Koppadokya. They are made by hand and the designs are intricate and fine; much different from the blue ceramics in the bazaars. In retrospect, however, they are just things, and I cherish the memory of being with AHS more. We also had a long way to go because after that we headed off to Damascus, Syria.
It was fruit season in Syria
A tiny mosque in the bazaar
At the Umayyad mosque
Must try: Syrian ice cream |
Umm Nour: Our guide's wife, in her kitchen
The last leg ouf our trip was Dubai, a stark difference from humble Syria. I was especially impressed by the Emirates airport: such chic and opulence!
Outside a Palace's grounds One posh residence Got to see this |
Here ends this sharing bit. I've enjoyed putting this together, which has taken me close to three weeks!
6 comments:
Love it so much Jooli!
But even looking at your travelling makes me feel tired .. I am really getting old ;-|
Ha ha ha. As a friend was saying: getting old is okay, as long as we're healthy.
Glad you enjoyed the pics.
Such lovely pixs.. I've not been to Istanbul and now I really want to make it happen :-)
Oh, yes, you must, Kama. It's such a beautiful place...and the history is amazing. I keep getting the names of the sultans (among others) mixed up.
Hi Jooli, not sure you remember me as the last time we had contact I was much younger, ha ha.
How you doin'?
Love the pics here.
You keep well, and keep a song in your heart, best regards, Lee.
Tempat jatuh lagi di kenang, U. Lee; masakan lupa you.
Thanks for dropping by; and you are still actively posting, I see. KL hujan petang2 these days, I hope Canada is not too cold this time of year.
Enjoy your weekend!
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