A year ago: Istanbul

Last year, I was fortunate to visit Istanbul.  Few places resonate with history and culture as strongly as this city, and I felt so blessed that I was given the chance to visit.

Highlights:
(1) the Blue Mosque, an imperial mosque built around 1609-1616 and an example of classical Turkish architecture
(2) Hagia Sofia (Aya Sofya in Turkish), Istanbul’s most famous monument built over a millennium ago and a stunning place with its soaring dome, mosaics and stained-glass windows.
(3) Topkapi Palace, which was the heart of the Ottoman Empire and served as the sultan’s residence and government center
(4) Basilica Cistern, an awesome underground structure built by the Byzantines in 532 to store water
(5) Istanbul’s Bazaar District, where you can find the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. Both are real markets filled with both Turks and tourists. At the Grand Bazaar, established in the 15th century, you will purportedly find 5,000 vendors. It was definitely sensory overload!  At the Spice Market, built in 1660s, you will find shops selling dried fruits, nuts, teas, and of course, spices. It is paradise for a foodie.