Japanese tourist/bandits in Istanbul, Turkey - August, 2011

Dresses for sale at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey - August, 2011

Fruit stand at night in a back street in Beyoğlu, in Istanbul, Turkey - August, 2011

Window of a key cutter in Istanbul, Turkey - August, 2011

Blankets airing next to satellite dishes on an apartment building in a residential neighborhood in Istanbul, Turkey - August, 2011

Bread lined up in a bakery window in Istanbul, Turkey - August 2011

Pastry chef spooning honey over a massive tower of baklava in a pastry shop window on Istikal Caddesi. Istanbul, Turkey - August 2011

Street doggy asleep on the square, warming her spotty tummy in the afternoon sun. Istanbul, Turkey - August 2011

A sack of watermelon bouncy balls hanging outside a corner shop in Istanbul.

Boats cruising at dusk along the Bosphorus. Istanbul - August, 2011

On of the highlights of the trip - an evening cruise up the Bosphorus on the historic Hiawatha. This elegant teak and mahogany craft with brass fittings has belonged to the American Consulate in Istanbul since 1932. 

The Hiawatha’s most important role remains representational. “Three U.S. ambassadors and 27 consuls general have proudly served as her custodians through the years. Many have fond memories of notable guests and adventures aboard the vessel. Some of the VIPs treated to Bosphorus cruises include first ladies Eleanor Roosevelt and Hillary Clinton (1953 and 1999, respectively), General Douglas MacArthur (1932)… Supreme Commander General Dwight Eisenhower (1952). The passenger manifest has sparkled with artists such as the great American writer James Baldwin, groundbreaking composer Philip Glass and renowned glass sculptor Dale Chihuly”, to name a few.

Istanbul, Turkey - August 2011

A view of Sultanahmet and the Bosphorus as seen from a rooftop on Beyoğlu side. Istanbul, Turkey - August, 2011

View of the naos of Hagia Sophia, as seen from the upper level balcony of the basilica. Istanbul, Turkey - August, 2011

Ceiling view of the dome of Hagia Sophia depicting a 1500 year old mosaic of Virgin Mary and Jesus, flanked by two newer gigantic circular-framed disks with the names of the Prophet Muhammad and Allah. The basilica served as both an Orthodox church and a mosque over time.