ISTANBUL, TURKEY.

"The Blue Mosque"

Oh Istanbul...
Istanbul is such a beautiful city full of vibrant people and delicious food. Today I got to go into the Sultan Ahmed Mosque ("The Blue Mosque") seen above. As I walked in with shoe-less feet and a headscarf, the view was absolutely breathtaking. With stained glass windows and large arched ceilings, the mosque emitted a feeling of excellence. To think that such a building was built hundreds of years ago without the technology and materials that we have today.

My view when first entering the mosque.

The dedication of those participating in this religion is something that never ceases to amaze me. The women wear burqas and headscarves in extremely hot and humid weather, sacrificing their comfort for their beliefs. The men of whom I witnessed in the airport who laid out their kilims and did their prayers regardless of the looks they were relieving.They truly live their faith. Not only are they dedicated, but humble and giving. To allow hundreds of loud, smelly foreigners to enter into your place of worship is an act of true sacrifice and humility.

While visiting a palace today, a group of Muslim scholars stood behind me. Although I could not understand their words, they had a certain essence about them. I know that sounds almost ridiculous, but I felt as if they were thinking on a deeper level. I felt as though they were philosophers pondering the questions life. Now I may be stereotyping, which I try to refrain from, but if you were standing in my shoes I'm sure you would feel the same thing. To think on a deeper level is something I try to strive for. To answer questions that nobody dares to understand, or to ponder things that are often left unspoken is an art. An art that requires practice and time, making life interesting and full of depth. It is an art that truly inspires. 

One of the men, of whom I speak.

I hope one day to master such an art. I hope that when I'm old people may say that I am cultured and inquisitive, thinking on a deeper level -- someone who truly understands the meaning of life. I hope drift off in a daydream answering the questions that nobody dared to ask.