Multinational Socializing

Last night I met with a group of masters' students that I taught in May.  We went out for some good conversation about life and economic development here, and how to choose a baby name (among other topics).

I met these Moldovans at an Irish Pub, and they ordered in Russian. I drank Czech beer, while listening to them speak to each other in Romanian, as we conversed in English.  I then ate a Greek salad with American television playing in the background (MTV - mostly R&B).  I spoke to the student on my left about her job working for a Dutch furniture company and her trip to Holland in a few weeks.  All that while waiting for the EURO quarterfinal between Germany and Greece.

Fun times during our last week in Moldova...

Istanbul

I took another great trip last weekend, with Strider, to Istanbul.  It is only an hour flight from Chisinau, so we decided to celebrate Strider's 12th birthday in grand fashion.

Istanbul is an amazing city with centuries of fascinating history from the Byzantine empire through the Ottomans (who expanded their reach into what is now Moldova).

Below is the Hagia Sophia.  It is a beautiful cathedral with an interesting mix of both Christian and Muslim icons and art.

Strider in one of the courtyards at Topkapi Palace.  This was the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans and it sits on a beautiful peninsula that overlooks the Bosphours River, the Golden Horn River, and the Sea of Marmara.

View from the Palace....

One of the many buildings at the Palace.  I find the choice of words in the description of this room quite curious.  Is this really how rare tiles are referred to?

Another highlight was the Archaeological Museum.  It was remarkable to see so many statues, tombs (like the one below), and other works of art from centuries ago.  Strider and  I discussed whether art today will ever rival what was created many hundred years ago.  Will a museum in a few hundred years have what we call modern art today and will it be viewed as brilliant, creative, and timeless?

The spice market (for me) and the food (for both of us) were also highlights.

I strongly recommend Istanbul for anyone interested in visiting what was at one point a city at the apex of western civilization.