Crossing the Beautiful Bosphorus, Istanbul

A ferryboat waiting at the dockside in Kadiköy.

Last Thursday I took the ferry over to the European side to attend the 2010-11 opening session of the International Women of Istanbul (IWI). I love travelling on Istanbul's ferries. There is something so calming about being out on the water, and the views are spectacular! Of course, for the Istanbullu, they are a normal means of transport for commuting back and forth. I looked around me and the commuters were sitting, like commuters everywhere, lost in their reverie and oblivious to the beauty around them.

I could see the Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofia, and the Topkapı Palace, 

in one panoramic view. (It's a pity about the pollution.)

I travelled from Kadiköy to Beşıktaş, and in that short distance I saw the Blue Mosque, Aya Sofia and Topkapı Palace, in a single amazing panorama; the Galata Tower, with the little Maiden's Tower opposite; and the beautiful Dolmabahçe Palace, looking just as a Sultan's palace should look. I am so lucky to be living in Istanbul. The reason I decided to join the IWI is so that I can join their touring groups, and take lots more photographs of Istanbul. I want to develop my photography techniques, and I have even joined a photography club, so here's hoping!

Here is a cruise ship leaving Istanbul for the Mediterranean. Obviously one of the causes of pollution in this city.

Saturday night was Counter Tenor Rudi Romeri's farewell concert, held at Christ Church, the Crimean Memorial Church, in aid of the rebuilding of the organ at St Helena's Chapel in the grounds of the British Consulate. The chapel was badly damaged during the bombing in November 2003, which killed our Consul General, Roger Short. Rudi is returning to his native Holland after many years in Istanbul.

Rudi warming up before the concert.

We saw this evil-looking cat in the rectory garden, 

while we waited for the concert.

This gave us yet another opportunity to ride the waves across the Bosphorus. Afterwards, we took the tram up Istiklal and caught the dolmuş back from Taksim. Being a Saturday night, Istiklal was  a seething mass of people. I'm really glad we were on the tram and not trying to fight our way up the street. It was an amazing sight, and extraordinary that the tram managed not to run anyone over!