Monkeys...May 2009

Yes, we are in the cedar forest...

Moms with babies.

Look at that guy jump!

Rabat, Morocco ~ 3. March 2009

Shopping, walking.....the life! Rabat is an interesting city. Here I am taking time out for TEA.

My friend, Duncan, agrees to smile for the camera! (Sale in background.) The Rabat trip was mainly to complete doctor visits, but we got a chance to look at a few things. I am super grateful that Duncan drove through the city and not me!

This is the Kasbah des Oudaias.

Kasbah in background...

Behind this gate is the remains of the ancient Roman city of Sala Colonia. It is enclosed by the walls of the necropolis of Chellah--built in the 13th c. Photos of the inside follow...

I am not positive, but I THINK that my Monica stood in this spot at one time.

I read that infertile women come here with peeled boiled eggs to give to the eels...

My first slug! At least the first slug I have seen in Morocco. My mind just wanders back to Portland, Oregon, Multnomah Falls and all of that.

It is difficult to imagine that you are in the city of Rabat, when you wander about these ruins!

Istanbul, February 2009

Merhaba! I had always wanted to go to Turkey, so when Monica and Greg Sturgess issued an invitation to visit them in Istanbul, I did not hesitate to say YES! Here I am in front of the Blue Mosque (Saltanahmet). Although I have grown accustomed to the call to prayer---- perhaps because there is a mosque on every street corner and all mosques have loud speakers---the call to prayer was OBVIOUS.

I am inside the mosque, admiring the ceiling.

Photo of the Blue Mosque.

Enjoyed the local shopping. I bought scarves and jewelry for my Monica and hats for my neices.

Topkapi Palace was amazing: jewels, thrones, clothes, relics. I liked the 10th c. BC swords. Does that surprise any of you?

For my Monica--who loves anything Egyptian! This oblisk was brought from Luxor in 390AD.

Closer view.

I liked this lion.

I'm telling Greg, "No more photos!" Behind us is the Galata tower, which was built in the 14th c.

Again, a photo for my Monica--who loves all things Roman. This cistern was built in the 6th c. by....Romans.

I'm still in the cistern standing next to a Medusa head. Obviously someone had a sense of humour way back when.

This is the view from Monica and Greg's flat. They live in cimberlatas--which is right in the historical district.

I like water, boats, fishing, and enjoyed the views from their flat, of the purse seiner fishing vessels.

Each day, we walked the cobbled streets to the tram line--above. There are 12 million people in Istanbul and the transportation system (tram, metro, bus, ferry, taksi) is quite efficient and easy to use with the akbill.

Monica and I have tea at Molly's Cafe.

I'm so glad to have friends who help me DRESS. Trying on clothes...and having a blast.

Monica teaches at Kader Has University. She graciously allowed Greg and I to help out in her class one day. I really loved the students--but then, I usually love students! (Monica is on the left; I'm on the right.)

Having pomegranate tea and poppyseed cake (yum) at Java Studio. Love those cute tea glasses.

FOOD. Greg and Monica spoiled me with scotch, wine and great food!! Of course, we had to go to the markets to get the food... See below.

My family will be shocked to see me in a candy store BUYING candy. I wonder WHO loves chocolate--and it ain't me!???

Here, a man sells roasted chestnuts. Other stands had roasted corn on the cob and bread pretzels.

Loved the presentation, whether at the fish market (above) or with fruits and vegetables.

This man is cooking and selling mussels.

Didn't have a coin, so the glass of scotch is next to this shrimp guy (note the blue tips)---and Monica cooked up a whole batch of 'em.

Monica made this Turkish dish of mushrooms, yogurt and butter---with secret ingredients. (That means that I can't remember!) Delicious.

A fortune teller. Also can't remember the significance of the rabbit and chicken....but could probably think of something.

Noticed the drawing on the side of a building on our way to a British pub.

Turkey is certainly more European than Morocco--and Istanbul is really rather clean. Oh yes, and I am now used to police/military on every street corner. Someone getting a drink at a kiosk--with a sub-machine gun in his left hand--no longer surprises me!

A huge thank you--tesh-eh-kir to Monica and Greg for their hospitality!

Guess the volcano. I really don't know, but I was about an hour out of Turkey, heading for Morocco. Ah yes, and speaking of Morocco, Royal Air Maroc did not have my e-ticket reservation (problem) BUT when I finally got on a bus at the Casablanca airport to go from the terminal to the airplane, the bus driver could not find our plane. Although that is SO MOROCCO, I do love this place!! B'slamma!