Can you believe it was way back in November when I blogged last? I have been a bad, but busy girl learning German, Christmas travels, and post Christmas travel and participating in far too many of the Munich International Women's Club's events. Where to begin?
I can tell you that I spent most of November and December struggling with the beginner's level of German (I-A) and I am now ready to move up to the second level (I-B) level in March. Taking classes every day for four hours isn't called Intensive German for no reason. It had me spinning in circles and then came the big hiatus--Christmas and travel back to Ohio to be with the family. I so enjoyed having my family, both sons and their wives and all 8 grandchildren together. Here are the grandchildren and the tiny one on the left is our first great-granddaughter.
I divided my time between Toledo where our home is and Cleveland where my oldest son lives. Then, during the second week of January, I went south to Ft. Myer's, Fla. to spend some sis time with my only sister.
This photo is us, but about ten years ago. I guess we both need to spruce up and have our photos taken again. I think I will make that my x-mas 2012 project. It would make a great gift for my sis and myself (and if you're reading this, sis, be prepared!)
Once back on German soil, the hubs and I decided to travel to one of the cities on my "Want to Travel To" list, Istanbul, Turkey. We spent four days visiting the former Ottoman Empire and the former city of Constantinople. From the Sultan's Harem, to the Blue Mosque, we were immersed in Turkish culture. The photos below will give you an idea of how we spent our time in this sprawling cosmopolitan city of 15 million people.
For the very first time, I forgot to take the battery to my trusty Canon 40-D and ended up taking photos with my iphone. Hence, the quality is not the best, but you will get the idea of what Istanbul has to offer.
Typical Turkish Tea served at the Grand Bazaar
Fortress Wall surrounding Istanbul
Fresh produce in the outdoor markets.
Hagia Sophia, once the center of Christianity before St. Peter's
was built, before the great schism. Later to become a mosque after
the Byzantium conquer of Istanbul.
The Blue Mosque
Unbelievable array of spices from the Egyptian
Spice Market
Dolmabaci Palace on the Bosporus
I could go on and on about Istanbul and tell you how much I love the lifestyle, the history, and the culture. I loved it so much that we have already booked a return trip in early May, when the weather is much better and we can sit and while away an afternoon sipping Turkish coffee and soaking up the warmth of the sun on the shores of the Bosporus.
For now, it's good to be back in Germany and to enjoy the snow and the Alps. We are just beginning the tradition of Fasching here and if you're not familiar with this custom, check back within the next few days to learn more about it. It's good to be back and I hope I will see you here again soon!
I can tell you that I spent most of November and December struggling with the beginner's level of German (I-A) and I am now ready to move up to the second level (I-B) level in March. Taking classes every day for four hours isn't called Intensive German for no reason. It had me spinning in circles and then came the big hiatus--Christmas and travel back to Ohio to be with the family. I so enjoyed having my family, both sons and their wives and all 8 grandchildren together. Here are the grandchildren and the tiny one on the left is our first great-granddaughter.
I divided my time between Toledo where our home is and Cleveland where my oldest son lives. Then, during the second week of January, I went south to Ft. Myer's, Fla. to spend some sis time with my only sister.
This photo is us, but about ten years ago. I guess we both need to spruce up and have our photos taken again. I think I will make that my x-mas 2012 project. It would make a great gift for my sis and myself (and if you're reading this, sis, be prepared!)
Once back on German soil, the hubs and I decided to travel to one of the cities on my "Want to Travel To" list, Istanbul, Turkey. We spent four days visiting the former Ottoman Empire and the former city of Constantinople. From the Sultan's Harem, to the Blue Mosque, we were immersed in Turkish culture. The photos below will give you an idea of how we spent our time in this sprawling cosmopolitan city of 15 million people.
For the very first time, I forgot to take the battery to my trusty Canon 40-D and ended up taking photos with my iphone. Hence, the quality is not the best, but you will get the idea of what Istanbul has to offer.
Fresh produce in the outdoor markets.
Hagia Sophia, once the center of Christianity before St. Peter's
was built, before the great schism. Later to become a mosque after
the Byzantium conquer of Istanbul.
The Blue Mosque
Unbelievable array of spices from the Egyptian
Spice Market
Dolmabaci Palace on the Bosporus
I could go on and on about Istanbul and tell you how much I love the lifestyle, the history, and the culture. I loved it so much that we have already booked a return trip in early May, when the weather is much better and we can sit and while away an afternoon sipping Turkish coffee and soaking up the warmth of the sun on the shores of the Bosporus.
For now, it's good to be back in Germany and to enjoy the snow and the Alps. We are just beginning the tradition of Fasching here and if you're not familiar with this custom, check back within the next few days to learn more about it. It's good to be back and I hope I will see you here again soon!
7 comments:
So glad you had the chance to do all that family visiting! That's wonderful!
Turkey sounds and looks fascinating! You're lucky that you can do all this traveling while you're over there.
Welcome back!!! So great to hear from you, again! You sure have been busy, but sounds like it's all be for FUN! I love hearing all about your travels and adventures! Have a wonderful day!
yeah...
glad you're back!
great shots...a sunday school friend's son lived and played professional basketball on their team (in Istanbul). He loved it there.
It's great to hear from you ladies once again. @ Betty, ,Ja, kann ich in jeder Sprachen. Now off to read everyone's blogs. It's been ages!
Welcome back, Expats! I'm glad to read all about what you've been doing.
It's nice to see you back! My hubs was in Istanbul in January...perhaps your paths crossed : )
It is the time of Hall-ou (?) or however they say it ... I remember the craziness of Fasching the years I lived in Germany. Even though my mom is German, she never told me much about Fasching so I had to experience it firsthand to understand it (and still am not sure if I caught all the traditions practiced). Now it is the time of Lent ... so I guess it will all calm down again!
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