A Trip Down the Bosporus 9.13.23

 We had an early morning shoot with several models in Fener.  However, we were so exhausted (old age?) that we opted to sleep that morning.  There was a little something going around the group but it really wasn't anything major, just a feeling of being a little off. That being said, the extra sleep allowed us to soldier on for the rest of the day's activities.

Class filled a large part of our afternoon.  Late in the day we returned to the river to take a site seeing cruise.  Much of the river we had already seen on the ferry.  What made this trip interesting was a pair of the passengers.  A lovely couple in wedding attire was taking the cruise as well.  Little did they know they would become models for our group!!!  They were quite cooperative but the light was really a little harsh.  So after the initial frenzy, they were mostly left alone to enjoy the water.  However, towards the end of the ride the light softened and they again become subjects for our lenses.  They were so nice to allow the intrusions and were beautiful subjects for us as students.




A good portion of the group decided to see if we could get into Hagia Sofia without battling a long line to be admitted.  This time we were able to walk right threw security to enter the mosque.  After removing our shoes, we entered the sanctuary which was preparing for a service.  It was much different from my last visit when it served as a museum.  Barriers were now erected to separate the areas where men are allowed to attend from the area in the back delegated to the women.  It felt unnatural to me since this has never been my experience.  We had to respect their culture and split into two groups.  Their service consists from what I could tell of much movement from standing to folded on the floor to standing again.  I think we were all glad to have witnessed it but also a little uncomfortable with the separation.




On our walk home, three of us stopped at a restaurant with open windows to the foot traffic passing by.  We sat at a low table and had a variety of dips and breads while watching a woman taking dough and cooking it on a flattop grill making something very similar to naan.  It was a fun and satisfying experience.


Tomorrow: The Grand Bazaar

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