Archive for January 27th, 2011

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Nothing New Under the Sun

January 27, 2011

Posted by Kanga.

Byzantine church

Today’s adventure begins with Hagia Eirene Museum. This is a Byzantine church (originally built circa 330 C.E.). Unfortunately, people aren’t allowed to enter the sanctuary. I would have loved to get a view of the dome from directly below.

church sanctuary

wooden stairs inside the Hagia Eirene

In the outer areas of the church was a museum exhibit of artifacts from early inhabitants – the Hittites. Which has led me to conclude that there are no new ideas.

large clay pot with an animal head and mouth spout

Like pottery with animal heads and mouth spouts. (I’ve never felt at ease with liquids that come out of an animal’s orifice.)

small clay tablets

Or palm sized document devices.

clay tablet containing an alimony contract

Or alimony contracts.

clay game board similar to a cribbage board

Cribbage anyone?

clay pitcher with built in strainer

Or a built in strainer.

clay pot with holes in the bottom

Or a collander.

Yep, no new ideas.

Posted in Istanbul | 1 Comment »

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Istanbul Cats

January 27, 2011

Posted by Kanga.

Surely, you knew there would eventually be an “all cat” post. We are those crazy people who stop to photograph and pet stray cats wherever we go.

long haired calico with large orange and black spots

This little calico was behind chain link fence, so no petting, but she was definitely in the mood to play. She gets my vote for most beautiful, so far.

tortoise shell calico cat hiding behind a potted plant

Peek-a-boo. This one was a bit cagy. A picture was all we were going to get from her.

long haired grey tabby

We hit the jackpot outside the Hagia Sophia.

black cat

DaddyBird, cat photographer.

long haired black and white cat

a yellow and white cat curled up on a yellow cab

The longer I stood here taking pictures of this the more cats joined. There was one behind the tree I discovered later.

grey tabby

This tabby has a benefactor somewhere.

grey tabby inside the Hagia Sophia

Even the Hagia Sophia has its own cat. She was happy to get attention and pose.

orange tabby

This orange tabby hangs out in the Hagia Sophia gift shop. He holds his head to the side due to an injury. The shop staff look out for him.

grey tabby peeking through a fence

Another park and another crowd of cats who have someone feeding them.

grey and orange calico

This calico was hanging out inside the tram station to get out of the cold.

That’s not all the cats we’ve encountered, but you get the idea.

Posted in cats, Istanbul | 4 Comments »