The Blue Mosque

Spring 2011 - Istanbul

This spring, the family trip was to Istanbul. Being someone who is interested in ancient history, (interested enough to be starting an MSc in Archaeology in the fall...) Istanbul was such an exciting place to be!

The Blue Mosque was our first tourist destination. Known as the Blue Mosque because the inside is covered in blue Iznik tiles, the Mosque is definitely worth a visit. The Blue Mosque sits opposite the Hagia Sofia, the Roman/Byzantine Church then Mosque now Heritage Site. As the design of the Hagia Sofia helped to influence the building of many of the great Mosques around the world, I love that these two famous buildings face each other, as if reminding us.

 

Holiday Lights

Winter 2011 - Berlin

One of the main streets in Berlin, the Unter den Linden, (which ends with the Brandenburg Gate,) is completely lined with trees, that were covered in these lights. I love the way these lights bring out the shape of the trees in a more geometric manner than Christmas lights normally do, yet still look winter-y.

Charlottenburg

Winter 2011 - Berlin

These photos are from of the Charlottenburg Palace in Germany and it's surrounding Christmas markets. The family of one of my closest friends from high school are from Berlin, and when we told them that we were going to be there in December, they told us not to miss this market. Though it's a little bit of a trek, (probably a 20 min U - Bahn ride and another 15 min walk,) the trip was definitely worth it. 

This market is huge, with a wonderful range of food stalls and other great items. I am not sure if the palace is usually lit up so beautifully, but I can guess that there's usually not a snowflake present! 

The Sights of Berlin

Winter 2011 - Berlin

Of course while in Berlin we tramped all around to see the sights. The Brandenburg Gate, of course, and then this bridge. I actually took the first photo on the way to the Pergamum Museum, and the second one on the way out! Great difference in light.

 If you've ever looked at my blog before, you can probably tell that I really love taking photos of the locks on bridges, and really just locks in general. So obviously I had to stop. I actually love the locks on this bridge specifically, as there's something really poetic about them being on the arms of the bridge angel.

Munich - Around Town

Some sights from around Munich: 

I love this guy

Munich - Traveling

Munich - Winter 2010 

On our way there

Our first night exploring:

My mother and a giant smoker.
Under the giant smoker was a food stand :)

Getting Home

Winter 2010 - Train Ride

Getting home at the end of my first semester in Dublin was... and Adventure. Many people studying abroad had trouble getting back to America, but there I was, having just as much trouble getting back to Holland.

My flight out of Dublin was canceled due to a huge snowstorm in The Netherlands and they were projecting that the Dublin Airport would be shut the next day. So, I flew to London on a flight that was delayed due to snow in London, arrived at about 1:30am, took the Gatwick Express into London, then took a too expensive taxi to the Hotel I was supposed to stay in overnight. By that time it was 3:30, and I had to be in the station ready to catch the Euro Rail at 6:30. I took a nap. The Euro Rail took me through France and Belgium, where I transferred to a local train to The Netherlands. Finally, exhausted, but amazed at the sights outside my window I pulled out my camera.

 Less than 24 hours after I left, and after traveling through five countries, (Ireland, The UK, France, Belgium, The Netherlands,) I was home. The next day, I got on a plane to Germany.

Thanksgiving In Holland - Friends

Some photos of the lovely people I spent Thanksgiving with:

Sarah & Monica

& Kato the Cat 

Thanksgiving In Holland

Fall 2010 - Holland

Whilst we were all abroad, my family invited my friends to come over to Holland for Thanksgiving. 

They were here for four days, and we hit as much of Holland as we possibly could.

Amsterdam

Leiden  -

Over one hundred poems are printed on the sides of buildings :

St. Pieter's Kerk in Leiden -

 The Pilgrims went to church here during their time in Holland

Edinburgh - Greyfriars and Around the City

Fall 2010 - Edinburgh

From Greyfriars Graveyard:

From the Royal Mile:

The toe on the statue of David Hume -

 Rubbed shiny by University of Edinburgh students for good luck on exams

Edinburgh.

Visiting Edinburgh

Fall 2010 - October Study Week

Flew over to Edinburgh to visit Lauren and Julia, and of course, took some photos while I was there. 

These are mostly photos from in and around Edinburgh University. The final one is of the lovely Lauren herself! 
More to come later - the Greyfriars Graveyard and some other city sights.

October Bank Holiday - The Rest

Fall 2010 

 The Anglo-Norman Trim Castle

From the ruins of a monastery up the street from Trim Castle 

October Bank Holiday - Glendalough

Fall 2010 - October Bank Holiday 

The ruins of the 6th century monastic settlement Glendalough

The Grounds

 

That's my mother in the black&white shot. I loved it so much I went back in the Spring. 

I'll get there eventually :)