Tower of Raghaba - The Sequel

Be Vigilant, for nothing one achieves lasts forever.
~ Tahar Ben Jelloun

Back in February, 2011, I brought you a small story about the tower of Raghaba...  
http://aishabecoming.blogspot.com/2011/02/tower-of-raghaba.html     

Raghaba is a very small village, roughly an hours drive North West of Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia. The most defining bit of architecture of Raghaba, in my eyes, was a graceful tower, reaching for the sky, with a stairway spiraling upwards inside narrowing severely at the top. Unfortunately, rains this year have brought the tower tumbling down, and the village has lost a great piece of it's history. 

I don't have any clue as to how old this tower was, but it was stunning in it's simplicity of design. One could climb up inside the tower, and light would enter through small openings that were spaced all the way up along the staircase. At the time I was there, I was only able to climb partway to the top. I had vowed that I would return to conquer the tower, but I never had the opportunity to return for that climb, and now, sadly that opportunity will never be mine. 

Grab life's gifts when they are offered, my friends. For when we wait, we may very well lose our chance. Nothing lasts forever...

ISTANBUL.....The mere name is evocative of mazes of bazaars, exotic spices, palaces, minarets, and the call to prayer. What I wasn't prepared for was the intensity of color, the absolute vibrancy of life in the streets! 

The sights and sounds of Istanbul are staggeringly beautiful! For years I have wanted to see this gorgeous city, and it was well worth the wait! Istanbul doesn't disappoint!

I had the opportunity to stay in the older part of the city, just a stones throw from Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Impressive architecture everywhere you look. 

Galata Tower in the distance is a medieval stone tower in the Galata/Karakoy quarter of Istanbul, just off the Bosphorus. 

 The Blue Mosque....  It is hauntingly beautiful when the call to prayer begins from the multitude of mosques. each voice echoing and reverberating throughout the entire area. 

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Color surrounds and astounds.... pottery, carpets, towels, clothes, and lights! Everywhere lights!  

Texture...  Absolutely sumptuous! I would love to fill my entire house with these pillows! 

Antique Carpet Market... Yes, I ended up with a couple, and yes, I  probably over paid.... but they are so lovely!

Lights! I simply love all of the chandeliers throughout the city. Beautiful and functional!

Tradition and superstition... Trinkets and jewelry to ward off evil eye. Really taken more in fun.....

Vibrant... Scarves and pashminas are not only colorful and beautiful, but in the cold winter months are a true necessity when walking in the cold wind.