Istanbul In Pictures

A few weeks ago I had the chance to meet up with my two good friends for a girls get together.  Usually in the Fall a Women's conference is organized for those needing some time of worship, teaching and fellowship.  It didn't happen this year so we decided to get together for fellowship anyway and we met half way (more or less), on the European side of Istanbul.  It was fun to hang out and catch up, be a tourist in my own city, and to lift each other up in prayer.  The time went by too quickly.

I wanted to post these pictures because I think they capture just a sampling of the wonderful art and culture of this old city that one would see as a tourist.  We strolled through the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar just taking our time and we had a few experiences that we've never really taken the time for--like allowing a rug seller to give us his best sales pitch.  It entailed some tea, some time and a very educational experience in the history of rug making here in Turkey. The store owner was good in sales and I see how some people not intending to buy a rug walk out with one--they are beautiful.