Bosphorus Bridge

Peaking out from behind the graceful Ortaköy mosque, resting on the waters.

Viewing Istanbul

Looking out over the amazingly un-busy (for the day...), blue Bosphorus.

Shadowing Istanbul

We spent last weekend in Istanbul with some friends - more to come on that!

Legendary Groppi's

Another Cairo of the past.

Bits of life in old Cairo

Just some last looks at what really fascinates me of old Cairo (and what I've tried to show in the last few posts) - life going on among antiquities, shopping, animals, people, and eveything else. It's a hard life, and that probably hasn't changed much, though.

Cairo street dogs!

and a horse.

And other foodstuffs...

including live ones... how does one deal with it at home, I always wonder? Or doesn't one?

Fruit vendors

Seeling fruit in the streets of old Cairo - oh yes, topped with the fluffy pink teddybears, too!

Leaving Tulun

And heading towards Bab Zuwayla on foot.

Inside Tulun

A friend characterized the Tulun as "not making out to be anything it's not" - I couldn't agree more. It's not fancy, but the austeroty really speaks to me.

Tulun

I never get tired of the Tulun. The austerity and linear feel of it really gets to me, along with the calm feeling it inspires.

Through the streets towards Tulun

Walking through the streets of old Cairo - approaching Tulun. An experience in itself, and more to come!











(and this post is kind of historical too - my 1500th ever on this blog!)

Interiors

Some last interior details from the Mameluke city palace of Amir Taz.

Ceilings

Magnificent work on the loggia ceiling.