Bottom photo: notice that little American gem on the bottom right! Hakan did tell us that Turkish Starbucks do offer Turkish coffee. And yes, we did mean to try it, but it just didn't make the top of the priority list.

Taksim nightlife/Istanbul, Turkey/2.24.12

I'm sorry, I ate it. I was cold and hungry. I couldn't wait.

On the left is lentil soup and on the right is lachmaschun - Turkish pizza. If you've watched Bourdain's episode of No Reservations in Istanbul, you know that this is a must-have fast-food. Instead of eating it by the slice, you roll it up (like a burrito!) with arugula, tomato and onion. As predicted, it was one of my favorite Turkish foods!

And lentil soup? I love lentil soups of all sizes and colors.

2.24.12

Hey! I heart Istanbul too!

So I know I set up the palace blog post below as if I was going to post a million photos, but after my visual galavant through the Hagia Sophia, I think I'm going to short-change the palace in favor of getting on with it and posting about food. Typical, I know. I thought this shot was a good segway...

Onward! To lunch!

2.24.12

Meanwhile, back in the palace's harem...

Just kidding, I got nothin'.

Harem/Topkapi Palce/2.24.12

The first few photos of our day at Topkapi Palace. Just as an FYI: Unlike the Hagia Sophia, where I didn't realize that each audio-tour device had two headphone jacks (needless to say I was very upset that we had paid for two), you must purchase two devices at this palace.

2.24.12

Afternoon apple tea from the terrace of Topkapi Palace, overlooking the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey.

Note: Farther down on the right side of the wall, we saw a few guys sitting on a rock ledge, one who was dressed in full-on scuba gear. Still trying to figure that one out... possible scenarios welcome.

2.24.12

Sniper shot from the top of the Inonu stadium of a street vendor serving deliciousness to departing Bestikas fans below.

2.23.12

Besiktas fans stopping traffic on the street en route to the game. I should have ran to the other side of the street, but I wasn't thinking. Not totally sure what is happening here, but it was photo-worthy.

2.23.12

When in Europe... go to a football match! Besiktas vs. Braga. Our friend Hakan was awesome enough to go pick up tickets and attend the game with us. There was only so much I could shoot with a 70-200mm lens from our seats, but I did what I could!

Besiktas vs. Braga/Inonu Stadium/Istanbul, Turkey/2.23.12

I love travel. Love, love, love travel. And light. I love that too.

This was one of the neighborhood mosques by our hotel. Unsure of the name. Bad blogging form, Alli.

Istanbul, Turkey/2.23.12

Walking most everywhere, we found that there was too much to miss by taking cars and taking trains. Since I'm a sucker for public transportation, we took the train a few times, but I still think we both preferred to walk.

We walked by the Blue Mosque almost every evening under light like this. Besides, it's hard to take photos from a packed train.

Blue Mosque/Istanbul, Turkey/2.23.12

Ahhh yes, and here they are! The worst thing I tasted in Istanbul. Roasted chestnuts in all of their spongy, tasteless glory...

Maybe we just had some bad chestnuts?

This light was so stellar that it was difficult to drag me away from it.

Hagia Sophia/Istanbul, Turkey/2.23.12

Mosaic on the upper floor of the Hagia Sophia/Istanbul, Turkey/2.23.12

Hagia Sophia/Istanbul, Turkey/2.23.12

One of my favorite shots within the Hagia Sophia, because I can't tell if that security guard (left side of bottom photo) knew if he was in the frame. He is smiling, after all.

Hagia Sophia/Istanbul, Turkey/2.23.12

Despite freezing our tails off, I'm pretty sure we spent the better part of four hours in the Hagia Sophia. So much to learn, so much to see.

Ceiling/Hagia Sophia/Istanbul, Turkey/2.23.12

Hagia Sophia/Istanbul, Turkey/2.23.12

Turkish cat keeping warm in a very, very cold Hagia Sophia. I think more people were photographing this cat than the visual treasure trove around them. Clearly, I was guilty of this as well... mainly because... I was envious of this kitty's warmth.

These photos are for Carlo Pitocco. Duh.

Hagia Sophia/Istanbul, Turkey/2.23.12

First a church, then a mosque... then a museum. What a fickle structure!

Hagia Sophia/Istanbul, Turkey/2.23.12

One day I will have a real home to bring light fixtures back to.

I'm going to pretend this is Twitter for a second: #readytomove

Istanbul, Turkey/2.22.12

The delight of Turkish delight. Not a delight for me, personally, but people seem to like it!

Istanbul, Turkey/2.22.12

Dainty little Turkish coffee cups.

Mmmm Turkish coffee. Finely ground, roasted coffee beans boiled with water and sugar, then poured into that delicate cup. No filter is used, so make sure to not drink the coffee-ground sludge at the bottom. Or drink it, if you want, I guess.

Istanbul, Turkey/2.22.12

Throughout the week in Istanbul, I found myself obsessed with the deep blues found in much Turkish pottery. That being said, I ended up buying two bowls of this color and design: one for my Lucky Charms and the other for my Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Nothing says "grown-up" quite like a purchase of this nature.

Istanbul, Turkey/2.22.12

Yes, these pillows, pillow shams and carpets are indeed for sale. I'm sure they could cut you a deal for the cat too.

Istanbul, Turkey/2.22.12

Morning snack, anyone? Corn on the cob? Roasted chestnuts? Some nice across-the-street eye-contact?

Kestane - chestnuts (100 grams - $1.97)

Misir - corn ($0.84)

First photo in Istanbul, Turkey/2.22.12

Women's pole vault/U.S. Open Track and Field/Madison Square Garden/New York, NY/1.28.12

Victory lap/U.S. Open Track and Field/Madison Square Garden/New York, NY/1.28.12

U.S. Open Track and Field/MSG/NYC/1.28.12

The Madison Square Garden crew opening up the track for sprints, mid-event, at the U.S. Open Track and Field on January 28th, 2012 in New York City.