The Workshop Begins 9.9.23

 I failed to mention the purpose of our trip to Turkiye.  Per most of our trips of the last few years, this one is a photography trip with Liza Politi and Ari Espay and Joe McNally.  We knew a majority of our fellow workshop participants which is part of the reason we enjoy these trips.  Good friends and good instructors make for a good trip for all.

Our workshop didn’t officially begin until later in the afternoon which gave us time to wonder the streets eventually making our way to The Grand Bazaar.  This behemoth shopping complex houses several thousand stores in a historic setting.  Different alleys specialize in specific items such as scarves, rugs, Turkish delight(, and jewelry.  Need a fake Rolex, you’ve come to the right place.  












After dropping a few dollars on gifts, we wondered back to our hotel for a little afternoon siesta.  We met our group for our workshop orientation before heading to our first photography location: The New Mosque.  Just minutes from our hotel, the plaza surrounding the mosque was teaming with activity.  A long washing area was filled with men cleaning their feet before entering the nearby mosque.  Street vendors lined the plaza tempting guests with roasted corn and chestnuts.  Kids romped while parents chased.  Some lounged on the steps enjoying the weather and the view.  Such vibrancy made for good photo opportunities.











Dinner at Sarnic was wonderful.  The setting, a very old cistern, was both romantic and interesting.  A band serenaded us with American classics while we dined on a multi-course Turkish meal.  It gave us a chance to catch up with our friends before the real workshop work started the next day.



Tomorrow: First full day in the city

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