I could've been workin' overtime
Or at home tryin' to make that truck run right
Instead of wadin' out in that stream
All day long barely catchin' a thing...
It was time well wasted...
Thank you, Brad Paisley! Due to Muharram, akin to the Muslim New Year, and the Moroccan celebration of the famed "Green March", school was cancelled for the first week of November, and I had some time on my hands. I scheduled a trip to Istanbul, Athens and Budapest. It was a whirlwind tour, not a leisurely trip. Casablanca is in a pretty good position from which to jump off to South Africa, the Middle East and Europe. I want to take full advantage of whatever time I have to see with my own eyes great world landmarks.
My journey back in time began with an eventful flight from Casablanca to Istanbul. The day at school had been very hectic, and I had literally shoveled some food very quickly down my gullet for what passed as lunchtime. From that time on I never felt particularly great. Not long after the flight began, I knew I was in trouble. The seatbelt sign was on, but I didn't care; I had spotted a barf bag at another seat a couple of rows forward, across the aisle. I jumped up, grabbed the bag from in front of a startled woman, and barely made it back to my seat when I spewed forth couscous with beef. I vomited 6 times during that flight. Unfortunately, only 5 times did I make it into a bag or the toilet. Yup, #5 of 6 went all over the back of the airplane. The flight crew was thrilled. When I arrived the airport later than evening, I had no desire to catch transportation to my hostel, and 'slept' over some chairs in the terminal for about 6 hours until the early a.m.
I caught transportation into the city and used mass transit to get to my hostel. I explained to the very nice guy why I didn't make it in the night before (with visual evidence on my shirt), and he didn't even charge me for it! But my morning was about to get better. I walked to my room to throw my bag inside, maybe catch a few winks before I start the day in earnest, open the door, step inside, and there is a woman in her bra and panties! All lodging should begin this way!!
Istanbul is, in my opinion, one of the most significant crossroads in world history. It is a bridge between Europe and Asia and the largest city in the nation, not its capital, but the country's economic, cultural, and historical center. It is one of the world's largest cities, with a population of approx. 14 million.
It was founded around 660 BC as Byzantium, and reestablished as Constantinople in 330 AD. It served as the capital of four empires: the (Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman Empire). It was crucial in the advancement of Christianity during Roman and Byzantine times, before the Ottomans conquered the city in 1453 and transformed it into an Islamic stronghold and the seat of the last caliphate.
I stayed in a hostel along a charming little street, touristy not tacky, around the corner from Sultanhamet Square, site of a pair of the most famous attractions in the city: the Hagia Sophia and the "Blue Mosque". My amateurish photos from ground level do not justice. Here is two photos of the Hagia Sophia, exterior and interior, from online:
It dates from 537 and was an Eastern Orthodox cathedral for about 900 years, minus a period of about a half-century when it was a Roman Catholic cathedral. It became a mosque in 1453 for about 500 years; it was made a museum in 1935.
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is generally referred to as the Blue Mosque because of the blue tiles that line its interior. I did a tiny bit better photographing this, but again seek help:
The mosque dates to the early 1600s and is renowned for its size and fine blend of several architectural styles. It can hold 10,000 and is still used today for worship.
Istanbul was a very pleasant surprise - much cleaner and friendlier than I had been led to believe, with the exception of the man on the street who tried to 'befriend' me, and when I ignored him as I walked past, said: "Are you deaf?!" I turned on my heel, stomped toward him, and proceeded to explain very loudly and profanely that my hearing was just fine, but he wouldn't be if he said another word :)
Off to Athens!
I recently asked a colleague what he thought of Greece; his reply: "It's like Europe took a big (bleep) and Greece came out". As far as Athens is concerned, I'm now inclined to agree, but I'm glad I went. I wanted to go because as a student of history, I just had to walk in the footsteps of the founders of Western civilization, who gave democracy to the world.
I got into Athens with no problems, and made my way to my hostel. It was in a pretty sketchy area; though, I've read that the area has improved. I do have to say, I only saw one adult movie theatre...
Athens has been home to mankind for perhaps 10,000 years or more, and a site of importance for maybe 3,500 years. Its history as most know it dates to some 2,500 years ago. It sits atop a number of hills and is bounded by several mountains. The primary focus of my trip to Athens was to visit the Acropolis, an ancient citadel that sits on a flat area about 500 feet above Athens, with a number of important buildings, the Parthenon probably being the most noted.
These are a pair of (borrowed) pics, looking up to the Acropolis, and looking out from up on high:
I had some pretty cool views! I also visited the Agora, which was the center of ancient Athenian society, plus, the stadium that was the site of the first modern Olympic games in 1896. I also saw the changing of the guards at the Parliament building; the ceremony is noted for the unique manner in which the guards walk:
I have to admit I'm missing the American autumn, and while Christmas night in Rome last year was amazing, it would've been nice to have been home. Though only the first week of November, I loved seeing this (SELFIE ALERT):
Now, there is a thing of beauty, and the statue...
I kept up my streak of threatening to beat someone going when I went to buy a subway ticket and a guy offered to 'help'. Of course, he would then want money for his assistance. This ain't my first rodeo. He moved in very aggressively, and I immediately went to Def Con 5. His eyes were like saucers, but I think he was too stunned to move. When I stepped toward him with a fist cocked, he got the message. Why this happens to me all the time is a mystery to me.
Finally, to Budapest!
Almost a century-and-a-half ago, west-bank Buda, Obuda (old Buda) and east-bank Pest became the unified city of Budapest, an absolutely gorgeous city split by the Danube River that is the capital of Hungary. It has a wild history that I don't even know where to begin to tell it, that has produced an interesting culture, and a language that is exceedingly difficult to speak. But it sure is a beautiful place!
While at my hostel in Athens I had a private room, so that was a step down in excitement from Istanbul. I was in a dorm room again in Budapest. There were a few females in my room, but, alas, a group of pleasant middle-aged ladies :(
I took one of those "Hop On, Hop Off" tours that included a boat segment. The bridges were all very different, but all nice to see. The major attractions in Budapest are perhaps the Royal Palace atop Castle Hill in Buda and the Parliament building in Pest, along with St. Stephen's Basilica and the Great Synagogue. Here are respective photos of the latter four:
Whew! What a wacky week that was - it was exhausting, what with 6 flights in 9 days (the last 2 with a pair of colleagues who were certainly the worse for wear ;) but it was worth it.
Christmas break can't get here soon enough - the travel itinerary is set...
And there's no way I trade a few more dollars in my pocket I could've spent
For a day that I'll never forget
No, I didn't get a thing done
But I sure soaked up every minute of the memory...
And I count it all as time well wasted...
Or at home tryin' to make that truck run right
Instead of wadin' out in that stream
All day long barely catchin' a thing...
It was time well wasted...
Thank you, Brad Paisley! Due to Muharram, akin to the Muslim New Year, and the Moroccan celebration of the famed "Green March", school was cancelled for the first week of November, and I had some time on my hands. I scheduled a trip to Istanbul, Athens and Budapest. It was a whirlwind tour, not a leisurely trip. Casablanca is in a pretty good position from which to jump off to South Africa, the Middle East and Europe. I want to take full advantage of whatever time I have to see with my own eyes great world landmarks.
My journey back in time began with an eventful flight from Casablanca to Istanbul. The day at school had been very hectic, and I had literally shoveled some food very quickly down my gullet for what passed as lunchtime. From that time on I never felt particularly great. Not long after the flight began, I knew I was in trouble. The seatbelt sign was on, but I didn't care; I had spotted a barf bag at another seat a couple of rows forward, across the aisle. I jumped up, grabbed the bag from in front of a startled woman, and barely made it back to my seat when I spewed forth couscous with beef. I vomited 6 times during that flight. Unfortunately, only 5 times did I make it into a bag or the toilet. Yup, #5 of 6 went all over the back of the airplane. The flight crew was thrilled. When I arrived the airport later than evening, I had no desire to catch transportation to my hostel, and 'slept' over some chairs in the terminal for about 6 hours until the early a.m.
I caught transportation into the city and used mass transit to get to my hostel. I explained to the very nice guy why I didn't make it in the night before (with visual evidence on my shirt), and he didn't even charge me for it! But my morning was about to get better. I walked to my room to throw my bag inside, maybe catch a few winks before I start the day in earnest, open the door, step inside, and there is a woman in her bra and panties! All lodging should begin this way!!
Istanbul is, in my opinion, one of the most significant crossroads in world history. It is a bridge between Europe and Asia and the largest city in the nation, not its capital, but the country's economic, cultural, and historical center. It is one of the world's largest cities, with a population of approx. 14 million.
It was founded around 660 BC as Byzantium, and reestablished as Constantinople in 330 AD. It served as the capital of four empires: the (Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman Empire). It was crucial in the advancement of Christianity during Roman and Byzantine times, before the Ottomans conquered the city in 1453 and transformed it into an Islamic stronghold and the seat of the last caliphate.
I stayed in a hostel along a charming little street, touristy not tacky, around the corner from Sultanhamet Square, site of a pair of the most famous attractions in the city: the Hagia Sophia and the "Blue Mosque". My amateurish photos from ground level do not justice. Here is two photos of the Hagia Sophia, exterior and interior, from online:
It dates from 537 and was an Eastern Orthodox cathedral for about 900 years, minus a period of about a half-century when it was a Roman Catholic cathedral. It became a mosque in 1453 for about 500 years; it was made a museum in 1935.
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is generally referred to as the Blue Mosque because of the blue tiles that line its interior. I did a tiny bit better photographing this, but again seek help:
The mosque dates to the early 1600s and is renowned for its size and fine blend of several architectural styles. It can hold 10,000 and is still used today for worship.
Istanbul was a very pleasant surprise - much cleaner and friendlier than I had been led to believe, with the exception of the man on the street who tried to 'befriend' me, and when I ignored him as I walked past, said: "Are you deaf?!" I turned on my heel, stomped toward him, and proceeded to explain very loudly and profanely that my hearing was just fine, but he wouldn't be if he said another word :)
Off to Athens!
I recently asked a colleague what he thought of Greece; his reply: "It's like Europe took a big (bleep) and Greece came out". As far as Athens is concerned, I'm now inclined to agree, but I'm glad I went. I wanted to go because as a student of history, I just had to walk in the footsteps of the founders of Western civilization, who gave democracy to the world.
I got into Athens with no problems, and made my way to my hostel. It was in a pretty sketchy area; though, I've read that the area has improved. I do have to say, I only saw one adult movie theatre...
Athens has been home to mankind for perhaps 10,000 years or more, and a site of importance for maybe 3,500 years. Its history as most know it dates to some 2,500 years ago. It sits atop a number of hills and is bounded by several mountains. The primary focus of my trip to Athens was to visit the Acropolis, an ancient citadel that sits on a flat area about 500 feet above Athens, with a number of important buildings, the Parthenon probably being the most noted.
These are a pair of (borrowed) pics, looking up to the Acropolis, and looking out from up on high:
I had some pretty cool views! I also visited the Agora, which was the center of ancient Athenian society, plus, the stadium that was the site of the first modern Olympic games in 1896. I also saw the changing of the guards at the Parliament building; the ceremony is noted for the unique manner in which the guards walk:
I have to admit I'm missing the American autumn, and while Christmas night in Rome last year was amazing, it would've been nice to have been home. Though only the first week of November, I loved seeing this (SELFIE ALERT):
I kept up my streak of threatening to beat someone going when I went to buy a subway ticket and a guy offered to 'help'. Of course, he would then want money for his assistance. This ain't my first rodeo. He moved in very aggressively, and I immediately went to Def Con 5. His eyes were like saucers, but I think he was too stunned to move. When I stepped toward him with a fist cocked, he got the message. Why this happens to me all the time is a mystery to me.
Finally, to Budapest!
Almost a century-and-a-half ago, west-bank Buda, Obuda (old Buda) and east-bank Pest became the unified city of Budapest, an absolutely gorgeous city split by the Danube River that is the capital of Hungary. It has a wild history that I don't even know where to begin to tell it, that has produced an interesting culture, and a language that is exceedingly difficult to speak. But it sure is a beautiful place!
While at my hostel in Athens I had a private room, so that was a step down in excitement from Istanbul. I was in a dorm room again in Budapest. There were a few females in my room, but, alas, a group of pleasant middle-aged ladies :(
I took one of those "Hop On, Hop Off" tours that included a boat segment. The bridges were all very different, but all nice to see. The major attractions in Budapest are perhaps the Royal Palace atop Castle Hill in Buda and the Parliament building in Pest, along with St. Stephen's Basilica and the Great Synagogue. Here are respective photos of the latter four:
Whew! What a wacky week that was - it was exhausting, what with 6 flights in 9 days (the last 2 with a pair of colleagues who were certainly the worse for wear ;) but it was worth it.
Christmas break can't get here soon enough - the travel itinerary is set...
And there's no way I trade a few more dollars in my pocket I could've spent
For a day that I'll never forget
No, I didn't get a thing done
But I sure soaked up every minute of the memory...
And I count it all as time well wasted...
