My Life in Kazakhstan...: The Rest of the Story

Finally, a month later, the rest of the Turkey story. Well, there's not much more of a story, but there are pictures. We spent the next few days after the marathon doing some touristy things around Istanbul, and then a couple of days shopping, sipping tea in cafes and reading. The relaxation was blissful. We spent a few nights in hostels at the beginning and end of the trip, but spent one week with the family of Hannah's friend Cigdem, whom she met during her study abroad in Ireland. Cigdem's family was so extremely hospitable and we had a great time with them.

Hannah and I also had 2 nights in Almaty before catching our train back up to Kokshetau, so we stayed with Org and Hannette - a couple from South Africa teaching at the Almaty International School. They took us up to Kok Tobe our second day there and we had some fun with them.

Istanbul!

Another view of Istanbul...

Istanbul at night

A mosque in Istanbul.

We were interviewed at the marathon expo while picking up our bibs and shirts.

We're famous in Turkey now.

The spice bazaar!

The Blue Mosque

Denise, Hannah and I at the Blue Mosque

Us inside the Blue Mosque

Inside the Blue Mosque

Aya Sofia

Inside Aya Sofia

Denise, Hannah and me in Aya Sofia

We saw these "workout parks" all over the place. Different workout machines made for two people to use at once. Genius!

Awesome workout.

If I remember correctly... this is at Kadakoy bay. The metro station in the distance was built to look like a German castle.

Top Kapi Palace

Top Kapi palace

Shopping at the Tuesday Market -- Olives!!!

Coffee and Hot Chocolate (tasted like a cup of melted chocolate bar. De.Lic.ious.) break before going to Prince's Island with Cigdem's family.

Denise, me, Turkish Momma and Hannah before going to Prince's Island

We had lots of time while waiting for ferries, buses and the tram so... we read. Because we were definitely over talking to each other by that point.

A view from Prince's Island

Hannah, Cigdem and her niece on our horse-drawn carriage ride around Prince's Island.

Denise and Me

Carriage ride around Prince's Island

Hannah and I were super excited about this banana split. And then we took a bite and were not so excited anymore. Disappointing!

Hannah took this photo. Love it. We stopped in this park one evening to sip some Starbucks, read and enjoy the warm weather.

Delicious orange tea. The fruit and flower teas were so beautifully colorful! And we loved these cute Turkish tea cups. They definitely rival the Kazakh piala in tea presentation.