Michael Powell's Blog, page 120
March 15, 2013
The Great Palace Mosaic Museum
Not much remains of the Great Palace of Constantinople, built in 330 AD and home to Byzantine’s emperors for over 800 years. After taking the city in 1453, the Ottomans reduced the palace to rubble and eventually erected the Blue Mosque on top of it. But not all was lost. Excavations in the 1920s uncovered some brilliant mosaic patterns which had once decorated the palace’s floors and walls. And these have been preserved in the Great Palace Mosaic Museum.
The museum is fascinating, though diff...
March 14, 2013
Yerebatan Sarnıçı – The Sunken Cistern
Hundreds of underground cisterns lurk beneath the surface of Istanbul, the largest of which is the Yerebatan Sarnıçı, or the Sunken Cistern. Built by Constantine the Great in the 4th century to provide water to his palace, it’s survived the ages in remarkable form.
Descending the stone stairs into the Sunken Cistern, it’s clear that you’re stepping down into a darker, older world. There are modern day touches — raised platforms with handrails, warning signs, audio-guides, hoards of tourists, m...
Yerebatan Sarnıcı – The Sunken Cistern
Hundreds of underground cisterns lurk beneath the surface of Istanbul, the largest of which is the Yerebatan Sarnıcı, or the Sunken Cistern. Built by Constantine the Great in the 4th century to provide water to his palace, it’s survived the ages in remarkable form.
Descending the stone stairs into the Sunken Cistern, it’s clear that you’re stepping down into a darker, older world. There are modern day touches — raised platforms with handrails, warning signs, audio-guides, hoards of tourists, m...
March 13, 2013
Ciğer Şiş – Liver Shish Kebab at Canim Ciğerim
At the last second, I nearly lost my nerve and ordered chicken. But I was able to remain strong and, in a confident voice, order the “Ciğer Şiş”: the Liver Shish Kebab. At least, I think I sounded confident. I might have whimpered a little, but I don’t think the waiter caught it.
Jürgen and I travel a lot, but that doesn’t exactly make us Anthony Bourdain. We love trying out the cuisine of different cultures, but neither of us have too wild a palate. When backed into a corner, I’ll steel my re...
March 12, 2013
The Antique Tram of İstiklal Caddesi
The pedestrianized shopping street of İstiklal Caddesi boasts one of modern Istanbul’s most nostalgic sights: antique tram cars which rattle up and down the mile-long street, from the Tünel station to Taksim Square.
The sight of the antique tram in bustling, forward-looking Taksim Square is initially jarring. One might think that it’s a replica, a nod to the past, until the thing starts moving and people clamber on, fighting for seats. Puttering down the street at speeds barely eclipsing walki...
March 11, 2013
Impending Spring in Istanbul
The beginning of our stay in Istanbul coincides with the beginning of March, and the slow onset of spring. The temperature is still cold, but blossoms are starting to appear on the trees and every day seems milder than the last. And on the streets, there seems to be that optimistic, expectant energy which always goes hand-in-hand with the end of winter. Enjoy our first batch of random photos, taken during our initial days in Istanbul.
-Book Your Istanbul Hotel Here
March 9, 2013
Atop the Galata Tower
Standing at 66.9 meters in height, the Galata Tower dominates the skyline of Beyoğlu, and is one of Istanbul’s most instantly recognizable landmarks. Anxious for a birds-eye view of the city, we visited the tower on our first day, showing up just in time for sunset.
Galata Tower was built by the Genoese in 1348 during the twilight of the Byzantine Empire. In those days, the area presently called Beyoğlu was known as Galata, and was a colony of the Genoan Republic. Genoa had long-established tr...
March 7, 2013
Merhaba Istanbul!
Istanbul, one of the world’s great cities, is going to be our home for the next 91 days. Minarets, mosques, harems, hamams, kebab, coffee, Turkish delights, towers, castles, islands, whirling dervishes, Greeks and Ottomans, hills, ferries, markets and music… Istanbul’s culture is one we’re completely unfamiliar with. So, it’s a good thing we’re ready to dive in headfirst; we’ll have a lot of learning to do.
It was a late Tuesday afternoon when we arrived at our apartment in Cihangir, a hip nei...
February 6, 2013
For 91 Days in Idaho – The E-Book
Idaho is without a doubt one of the most under-appreciated of all America’s states. For three months, we explored the state from top to bottom, east to west, and found one amazing sight after the other. Unbelievable nature, adventure, funny people, bizarre museums, a surprisingly fascinating history and culture, and unknown gems far off the beaten path. We’ve now collected our blog into an e-book for your Kindle, Nook or other e-reader. With all our articles and over 250 full-color photos, th...
January 10, 2013
Until Next Time, Idaho
Overview Of All Of Our Idaho Posts
When we announced Idaho as our next For 91 Days destination, the reaction among friends and family was almost unanimous: “Seriously? Idaho? Why?!” But after spending three months exploring the state, and sharing our pictures and stories, we’re starting to hear a lot of… “Oh, that’s why”.
Idaho was the last of the fifty states to be “discovered”, and it’s still among the least-appreciated in the country. A land of sparkling lakes, unforgettable mountain scener...
