. OnHiatus.com > Journal 1 > Day Index > Journal Entry: February 23, 1998

Monday, February 23, 1998
Ruse, Bulgaria to Istanbul, Turkey
Turkey's FlagIstanbul's Flag

Map
Istanbul, Turkey:
Latitude: 41° 1' 12" North
Longitude: 28° 58' 41" East
Altitude: 1334 feet
From Seattle: 7436 miles
Lodging: Hostel - Orient Youth Hostel

Map
Today's Travel:
Country: Turkey
Region: Istanbul
Route: Train: Ruse-Istanbul
Path:Ruse, Bulgaria - Istanbul, Turkey
Linear:270 miles
Weather: Sunny

Available Photos:

Blue mosque Istanbul, Turkey

Ayasofya Camii Istanbul, Turkey

Faithful preparing to enter mosque Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey

Main entry to mosque Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey

Interior walls Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey

All photo images © 1997-2000 Anthony Jones - Images may not be used without prior written approval.

Click on map to Zoom in...
Map
Trip Stats to Date:
Day: 319
Linear Dist: 94467
Countries Visited: 27
Regions Visited: 105
More stats...
Hotels: 52
Friends / Family: 98
Camping: 35
Hostels: 105
Transit: 29
Beers: 1344
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Journal Entry:
I got to Istanbul, got lost trying to find the hostel (as usual) and had my first view of the Blue Mosque. The Blue Mosque is probably the most beautiful building ever built. It has perfect visual harmony, it was literally stunning.

Got checked in to the hostel, and set out to get my mail at American Express office. After chasing all over for the American Express office (the guide book had the wrong address) it wasn't there. Not sure what I'm going to do if my new credit card doesn't get to me...

Went back to the hostel for an uninspiring (but again, cheap $1) dinner. Afterwards I wandered down to the hostel's bar to see the free belly dancing. Ran into Malia and Kathy who I'd met in Budapest. Of course the belly dancer picked on me (actually she picked on almost everyone) and I had to get up and make a fool of myself. After the show it was a good crowd and there was lots of dancing.


Related Sites:
The Orient Hostel, Istanbul
CNN: Current Weather in Istanbul
US State Department Consular Information Sheets: Turkey
CIA World Fact Book: Turkey

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