The second day of our travels we spent the morning at Sardis, this ruin is made up of an Artemis temple, one that was never finished by the Roman people that inhabited the area. This was really interesting because we were able to see some remains of construction techniques and unfinished stonework. Another highlight was our first Byzantine Church, which we did our first reading from the New Testament. In letter to the church of Sardis found in Revelation 3:1-7. It was really cool to read all of the letters to the early Christian churches in these areas in the places that they would have been read, to engage with the text in that manner is something I didn’t know I’d experience on this trip. Here are some pictures from Sardis…
Here is a view of the Byzantine Church and the Temple of Artemis. Byzantine construction is very distinguishable because it used recycled greco-roman marble combined with bricks and morter.
Here Peter shows the likely method that the temple would have been destroyed by Byzantine conquerors. I think they would have been smiling that much, and definitely donning the same attire.
The Synagogue.
Beautiful mosaics in the synagogue.
The Gymnasium, this is the best example of “Disney Restoration”. It’s also where the idea of a “race in traditional garb” was proposed. Jim halted us with the cold weather, fearing we might catch cold, only after telling me I was “all talk and no trousers.” Little did he know he’d be proven wrong later.
Keaton under the Smyrna Agora, clearly finding it the most extreme.
Kediler Seviyorum. I love Cats. Not really though.
I love seeing the arches, in fact it may drive you mad how many pictures I post, but the construction is incredible. The fact that each one had to be built with the keystone fitting perfectly is seemingly impossible, yet there is no shortage of them.
Some Arabic Headstones. Arabic alphabet was used in Turkey until the Republic under Mustafa Kemal Ataturk switched it to the Latin alphabet in an attempt to help Westernize and Modernize Turkey.
The tram up to the acropolis in Pergamum.
yours truly in front of the Artemis temple.
another view of the Artemis temple, the white marble is really beautiful, little did I know I might resent it at some points during the trip. 
Rachel hanging out, lots to take in.
Dr. Mark Wilson and Ozcan (osjohn) our tour guides.
The theatre, I believe some martyrdoms occurred here.
Snow in Istanbul! 
These were some snowflakes I caught. Some of them were massive which made catching them in your mouth very satisfying, and missing them led to a brief moment of blindness. 
A mosque near our flat. Mosques are not only beautiful on the outside with their domes and minarets, but also on the inside. The feeling you get when you walk into a mosque is really amazing, often still and quiet you can sense the reverence that Muslims have when approaching their worship. It inspires me to think about my own faith and the importance of silence, prayer, and contemplation in my own life. 
New Mosque, just across the golden horn. 
What is the word. “Birrrrd is the worrrd.” 
New Mosque courtyard. 
Domes and Minarets. The Dome comes from Byzantine architects, but when Church’s began to be converted into mosques Muslims added the minarets. This is where the Imam (teacher) would make the call to prayer, which happens five times a day and is truly beautiful.
From inside a Mosoleum, which is a mosque like tomb for royalty. 
The Hagia Sophia…
…and the Blue Mosque right next door. 
Here we found ourselves on a cruise up the Bosphorus. It was not only a beautiful trip, but helped me grasp the geography of the region and the importance of this waterway for not only Turkey, but Europe and Asia. Hint: this waterway separates Europe and Asia. 
Now you can see why this waterway would be so important. $$$$$$$$$$” 
This is a place that once defended the entrance to the Bosphorus and into Istanbul. At one point a giant chain was stretched between the two sides to keep enemy ships from entering. In response ships were portaged over land around the chain and into the waterway. Incredible. 
That would have been one large chain. 
I like to joke about getting the Turkish flag as a tattoo. Don’t worry Mom and Dad, it’s only a joke. 
We were all worn out from school and the cruise. 
I “rest” my case. 
This is my new favorite, a smokey german beer that I wouldn’t have expected myself to like.
I’ll be honest, since being here I haven’t cooked myself a single meal, say for the ekmek and bananas I have for early morning departures, so I guess my statement stands true. However, we all seem to be loving turkish cuisine, especially because here at this favorite restaurant we can stuff ourselfs for ten TL, about $6. 
Plus, the company is nice. 
Dessert at a swanky place called Northshield. Here is Rachel’s desert alternative. I again sampled my favorite. 
Faik (Fah eek), Our newest turkish friend prepares Peter and I some Turkish Coffee. I am not a fan of coffee normally, but sweetened Turkish coffee has a wonderful taste and texture, careful not to drink the last quarter of the cup as it is a sludgey substance, though I must admit I am a bit of a fan of it. Faik is an incredible person, as we spent the next few hours talking to him about many things, politics, religion, love, and it was very exciting to get to know him. We have made plans to have dinner in his shop at some point, and with his hospitality and sincerity I would consider him to be my first turkish friend. 
Peter sips on his Turkish Coffee, made over the coals as it should, as an onlooker looks on jealously. 
This is Faik’s cat named Amiga (spanish for friend). She’s a wiley cat who loves to take your spot whenever you get up and attack buttons and strings. I love her. 
The ferry.
The latest in Turkish news.
Hello Asia.
Rak|, a Turkish alcohol that burns and tastes like black licorice. Mixed with the water next to it and it tastes like liquified licorice and actually tastes pretty good.
Efes Pilsen and hookah. I promise this isn’t the extent of our travels. We’ve also been doing 5 hours of Turkish language class each day and an insane amount of practice and homework. This is just how we’ve found a great way to get to get to know locals and practice our Turkish.
Kebabs…
…and çai (chai).
These are a few of my favorite things.
A special thanks to Continental Airliens and the “Brushes” App. 
…and welcome to Germany.
“When in Germany, do as the Germans do.”
…with friends of course. Perhaps document it as well
At the terminal in Frankfurt, eager for Turkish soil.
Some of us could sleep despite the eagerness.
Perhaps we should have considered that following the air travel white knuckle driving would have to take place before we actually arrived.
We have arrived.
Rose Street.
Rooftop view of the bosphorus. It’ll do for two weeks I guess.