So, I did not write a post the entire time I was in Istanbul and I somewhat apologize except for the fact that the reason I never wrote one was because I was enjoying it as much as physically/emotionally/spiritually possible… well not quite true… I didn’t even keep up in my diary because I was so busy… or maybe just because I am not that big of a writer… anyway here is my blog, perhaps the only blog from Turkey.. just think of it as an introduction… I hope there is much more to come as I know I will return one day. (keep in mind this was from the middle of my trip…)

Turkey is amazing! I don’t want to leave…seriously though… it is incredible. At least Istanbul was. For those of you who don’t know, I am on an overseas seminar program with my school for 3 weeks in Turkey exploring the energy situation, from energy transit through Turkey (especially the Bosphorus) to the renewable energy potential in Turkey (geothermal and solar thermal specifically). But of course along the way we have gone on several energy and water related trips like a day cruise on the Boshporus (to see all the oil tankers going through the Bosphorus…) and a trip to the Roman Hierapolis with the famous Pamukkale or Cotton Castle which are geothermal pools that would deposit calcium as they flowed over the rock, creating ‘cotton’- like white deposits that look just like clouds from a distance. We also got an exclusive tour of a current excavation, a town where St Pierre was born and huge city on the road to Syria and the Middle East. Neadless to say, this trip has been pretty amazing. 
However, as with any travel experience, most of the learning happens outside the classroom. Istanbul is a very European city although you can constantly see signs of the Muslim/Islamic influence from the architecture to the many woman who wear headscarves and cover their entire body, to the call to prayer heard from every minaret placed throughout the city (one of the most shockingly beautiful sounds I have ever heard…) From the first moments in Istanbul you could tell how incredibly diverse and ancient the city is.. just driving in from the airport we went under a Roman Aquaduct that is still standing proud against time. The people were friendly and helpful from the very beginning… we got help just getting to our hostel from quite a few strangers. We stayed in Beyoglu… the hip artsy part of town that used to be and still kind of is completely run down… but I love it. We had a perfect view of the Galata Tower that is constantly surrounded by clouds of swirling sparrows that are lit up at night by the lights on the Tower… 
After this I probably fell asleep…so I will continue now that I am home and longingly looking back on Istanbul. 
I want to go backI’ve never been to a city like it. I guess it was not only because the city but also the people that were so welcoming and the other students in the program. I really gained some close friends and I feel so lucky to have shared this incredible experience with them. It is impossible to sum up the trip but I will share a few highlights over the next few days as I remember them…