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. 

Beautiful Decay

The old area of any city is automatically my favorite place to go sightseeing. It gives me a window to the past, an idea of what was, and is (in the case of preservation), important to it's people.

The abundance of beautiful woodwork and design shows the expert workmanship of the past.

But while beauty was important to the people of Jeddah, as is seen by the artistry and the craftsmanship of the balconies and facades, it was not the only objective.

The open spaces and the lattice work is a case of form meeting function.

In a time when no modern air conditioning was available, this very beautiful balcony would allow this building's occupants to open doors and windows in order to enjoy a soft sea breeze, while protecting their privacy.

Although we can see the ravages of time on some of these buildings, their beauty remains, eternal.

The next time you see a work of art, whether arcitectural or otherwise, take a close look and see what is behind the design.

There may just be more than meets the eye.   : )