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NETC Team Visits Istanbul

May 5

Written by: Neil E. Traveler
Wednesday, May 05, 2010 10:31 AM

"For me, the most impressive site in Istanbul is the Basilica Cistern. From the moment I walked down the stairs into the surreal red light I felt as if I was no longer in Istanbul, but rather, in another world. I was engulfed in the moist chilly air and eerie quiet of Basilica Cistern, a place that for years was hidden under part of Istanbul's water supply. It left me moved. I'm not sure if it was the fish swimming in the dark water or the two medusa heads of unknown origin, but when I returned up into the daylight I knew I'd seen something unique, ancient and monumental. I had an experience that I would get nowhere else in the world.

"Another vital part of Istanbul are its two famous bazaars, the Spice Bazaar, dedicated to Turkish spices, sweets and teas, and the Grand Bazaar. When I first entered the labyrinth of the Grand Bazaar I was bombarded by noise. From the babble of shoppers, the back and forth of bargaining and the shouts of vendors tempting you to their stalls, I was overwhelmed. Unlike the other worldliness of the Basilica Cistern, I felt the Grand Bazaar was a vibrant display of Turkish culture. Getting lost in the aisles, I looked at jewelry, religious paraphernalia, scarves and rugs - rugs as far as the eye can see. I enjoyed both the quick chats with shopkeepers as I passed by and the aggressive bartering as I bought myself an imitation designer handbag. In the Grand Bazaar, I felt I experienced the true pulse of Istanbul.

"Istanbul is unlike any city I've ever been. The history, the sites, the entire experience, you'll be immersed in the culture from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave. I was, and I enjoyed every minute of my unforgettable journey."

-Erin Blanton, Tour Consultant

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Hi, I'm Amy! Avid traveler and social marketing guru at NETC. I'm also the editor of NETC's Educated Traveler blog, where you'll find all kinds of information about travel and education, tips, NETC news, classroom lesson ideas and more! Subscribe above!

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NETC Team Visits Istanbul

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