One year ago this week I headed off to Istanbul, almost one year to the date.  This was my first venture into a predominantly Muslim country, here is a bit of my story .

View of the "Old City" from The "Galata" bridge

Until this time my experience of the rich ancient Islamic culture has been filtered through art and media that converge into the New York City melting pot Mecca.  Words like “sofa” and “bazaar” come to mind.  The movement of a belly dance, and the texture and sweetness of honey cast chewy pistachio candy.

After arriving in Istanbul, the airport was my last vaguely western landmark. Istanbul is full of the most incredible sounds and smells. Melodic prayer and exotic scents emanate from the hundreds of mosques. Read more…