Prague 2

Because Prague was a communist state for a while, the metro looked just like the Moscow Metro. Super steep and fast escalators into stations, and old metal subway cars.

The city has many Baroque churches with all this over the top decoration. Really gorgeous. The town has both Baroque style decoration and the bare style Gothic churches which is cool because you see both periods of architecture.

Prague, Czech Repubic

For my last Ramadan getaway I headed to Prague. Another great city that has cheap beer, bratwurst, and historic sites galore; more of my people. The weather was great all four days that I was there- in the 70's and no humidity. Also, I got lucky and the flight was overbooked on the way there so I got a complimentary upgrade which was stellar because it was a 6.5 hr flight. When I first got there, I was put on edge a bit by the graffiti- it was everywhere, and that the streets were really complex but after a few hours it was all better. My first full day there I took a 6hr group walking tour which was the best. I got to see a little of each of the 4 areas of the city, included a boat tour, "real" Czech lunch, and a bus ride up to the Prague Castle. For lunch I tried the local Goulash. It was ... not what I assumed it would be- and potato dumpling which are basically just a loaf of bread sliced into pieces. It was a great four days overall. Loved the city, all the different quarters, and the prices were sooo cheap compared to Dubai- it was like the vacation paid for itself!

Basilica Cistern

Funny thing- my first time here I had a guided tour with Matt the marketing guy. Our guide took us to the two Basilica's and then to this tourist trap rug store where we saw "a cistern" (water reservoir). When the franchise group asked how we liked the basilica cistern we were like "eh- it was ok." and they were totally shocked that we weren't in AWE of the Cistern. Turns out, he did not take us to "THE BASILICA CISTERN" he took us to this mud pit under the furniture store. So, this trip I found the real one, and it was absolutely the best site outside the Hagia Sophia that I've ever seen. The Cistern is vast with over 300 columns which are lit with red lights which creates a surreal environment. At the far end of the cistern there are two Medusa Head's on the bast of the columns. There is a lot text about it online and in the guide books, but no real conclusion as to where they came from, or why they were used.

Hagia Sophia Mosaics

Again, love this new camera. Pictures of the Mosaics up close which are some of the most beautiful in the world, and are from 400ad. Outside the Hagia Sophia the tree's are blooming with the sweetest smelling blooms. The whole area between the two basilica's smells like skittles.

Hagia Sophia again

For being in Istanbul as much as I have been the past year, I've only been to the Hagia Sophia once. Shame Shame Shame I know. This weekend I went back on my own. Having a guided tour is nice once in a while, but having all the time you want to just stare and walk around to the most boring corners was great. I spent three hours there and just enjoying the building and the mosaics. With my new camera the zoom and pixels are SOO much better than my previous pictures so thought I would share these as well.

Weekend Getaway

This weekend I had to get out and have some fun, so flew back to Istanbul. I stayed in a new part of town called Etilier on the north end of the European side. New hotel, new neighborhood, and new experience. It was fantastic and just what I needed. I learned how to use the tram system as this is on the far end of town, and got to be a tourist which I haven't done in a long time. Hotel was only 2 months old, and part of starwoods group so I got to use up some points for my stay and my room and view was stunning!

Ramadan, Again

Well I have waited long enough to post about it- but it is Ramadan again here in the Middle East. Luckily I was in Turkey for the first 10 days, eating and drinking like a ravenous animal knowing that I wouldn't be having any of it when I got back to Dubai. I was ok when I returned- for about 3 days, and then I was online trying to find flights to anywhere in Europe that I could go using my points. Luckily I have secured 2 long weekend trips that will help me get through the final 20 days of Ramadan. It is also the hottest months of the year here, so with the no eating, or drinking, it is 110-120 degrees out, and to top it off there are sandstorms- almost everyday!! A particularly bad one hit yesterday when I was driving from my office to Dubai Mall, so attached are the pictures from the car. It was sooo sandy that you almost need goggles because sand gets in your eyes, mouth, and it gets in your hair, and clothes... it's gross. The other piece of Ramadan is "alcohol free". I live in a free-zone as it is called, where expats can run a-muck with our normal sinful activities, and so I was shocked when I went to the pool my first night back and the bar was closed! WHAT? How am I supposed to enjoy the pool without a Peroni? So I got back to my room and ordered a bottle of wine from Room service- and the guy comes to my door with it hidden in his suit jacket! I mean really?? It was like I was doing an illegal drug deal- in a five star hotel, in the freezone, I would never imagine I would have to go to such lengths to have a drink... reading this back- I assume a person might have said "I'll just have a diet coke", but it has been a tough week at work- I'm not an alcoholic- really-- really. :-) Looking forward to my weekend in Istanbul coming up- only supposed to be in the 80's, and no sandstorms. :-)