Boy taking in the wonders of Hagia Sophia!

I came across this scene at the famous Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.  Hagia Sophia is one of the world’s most reknown treasures.  Built around 530 BC, it was first a church then, when the Ottomans took over Istanbul, it became a mosque.  It is gorgeous, full of history, [... To Game Boy or Not to Game Boy, That is the Question!]]]>  

Boy taking in the wonders of Hagia Sophia!

I came across this scene at the famous Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.  Hagia Sophia is one of the world’s most reknown treasures.  Built around 530 BC, it was first a church then, when the Ottomans took over Istanbul, it became a mosque.  It is gorgeous, full of history, and this boy played on his game boy for the entire time that I saw him.  His brother was there, too, doing the same thing.  When his family moved on, he followed; barely taking his eyes off of his game.

Sure, he was quiet.  He didn’t disrespect or deface any of the ancient history, but he also didn’t see it…at all. 

I’m sure his parents think that they are providing some type of education for him and his brother.  I mean they did pay for him to get all the way to Istanbul from where ever they live.  They took him to a World UNESCO Heritage Site, and paid the high price of admission.  They walked through and reverently, in hushed tones, saw and discussed each important artifact or mosaic.  They, however, did not seem to mind that both of their sons saw and experienced none of it.

As a teacher and a parent, I find this to be what is wrong with our society as a whole.  Constant stimulus and a laissez-faire attitude to history and education are the norm.  Buy a new car and have a TV and DVD player installed in the back.  If you do happen to bring your children along with you, you don’t have to talk to them.  Just pop in a movie.  They’ll be quiet and not bother you.  Do they see the countryside, learn to read a map, calculate the time and miles to their next destination.  No, they do not? 

We have taught our children that they can and will be “entertained” at all times.  All they have to do is begin to whine, and in the movie goes or the Game Boy is handed back.  We don’t want to deal with it.  Unfortunately, a lot of the time this translates into the child holding no interest in school.  They don’t value the education, and they certainly don’t want to have to work, or even to sit quietly so as not to disturb someone who does want to learn.

I love to travel, and I love to teach, but I think scenes such as this should be a wake up call to us!  Take an interest in our children.  Talk to them.  Expect them to sit quietly.  Teach them to sit still, to listen, to read, to be patient, to be responsible, to value education, and to be contributing part of society!  Take the game boy, but let them use it sparingly.

Istanbul – the only city to span two continents, spreads charm as thick as hummus in all directions.  Situated on the Bosphorus bridging two major bodies of water, Istanbul has  been a trading center for centuries.  On the edge of both Europe and Asia, everything about Istanbul is a little confused.  [... Intriguing Istanbul]]]>

Throne room in Topkapi's harem.

Istanbul – the only city to span two continents, spreads charm as thick as hummus in all directions.  Situated on the Bosphorus bridging two major bodies of water, Istanbul has  been a trading center for centuries.  On the edge of both Europe and Asia, everything about Istanbul is a little confused.  Desperately trying to join the European Union, it defies letting go of its Asian side, its quirky side.  For  a look into the past as well as a splash right into modern life, the European side has plenty to offer, but if you want take a glance into Turkish life, Asia is where it’s at.

Whether you’re looking for history or just a night on the town, Istanbul delivers.  Experience life of the sultans at Top Kapi, enjoy a dondurma right in the middle of Sultan Ahmet, explore one of the oldest and most important religious buildings of all time -Hagia Sophia, and discover other treasures such as the Blue Mosque and Rumeli Hisari.

After a semi-restful night on the train from Ankara, we arrived, had some breakie, dropped off our bags, then headed out for one of those touring days that just never ends.  Istanbul is one of the most exciting, exotic, diverse, friendliest places on earth, but argh…is there ever a lot to see and do….and we wanted to show the girls it all!

After living in Turkey for almost one year, I have to admit the entry fees and constant barrage of touts was wearing thin quick.  You just don’t really experience that too many places, and it’s sooooo unnecessary.  The best way to deal with them is not to engage them in any way. 

The girls were impressed at the deals I was getting in the Grand Bazaar since I could speak some Turkish.  At one stall, the vendor kept lowering his prices on t-shirts, and we kept walking away until in Turkish he said he would sell me two for 15 tl. , a “special” price.  Of course, I took him up on it.  He did try to weasel out of it later, but I didn’t let him. 

Boys in the circumcision costumes.

Here are a few pics of our few days in the city.  To see more, please visit www.reflectionsenroute.com .