Summer 2010 in Istanbul

While gathering some materials for my master thesis on Istanbul, I have some time to wander around and appreciate this gorgeous surroundings. When walking through Istanbul I always have this feeling of regretting not to be able to be in all places at the same time. I want to move fast, see everything, be everywhere, notice every person, every ship crossing the Bosphorus, every prayer at every mosque, every seagull screaming piercingly from perfectly balanced domes of Aya Sofya, every frantic driver at Barbaros or Sirkeci, every Simitçi at Üsküdar. That’s why I run fiercely here and there, trying to blend into the city, but I’m never successful.

A scanty grasp of Istanbullites

I am given the chance to stroll Istanbul once again. One of my loves.
It seems that beginning of Ramazan on August 11th is the perfect time to observe people. Some look the same as the day before, some are more contemplative. And it’s always nice to come closer.

Images from Tusheti

Ra lamazia Tusheti…
‘How beautiful is Tusheti’ says the traditional Georgian folk song.
Ra lamazia Tusheti by Lela Tataraidze

Few impressions from Kili (2)

How can you describe perfection?
Well, I guess you can’t. That’s why it’s so difficult to describe the feeling that accompanied me at the top of Uhuru Peak, after the nightmare of 8 hours ascent to Gilmans’ Point and after the final struggle at the crater rhim when step by step, sometimes one step forward and half step backward, I was coming closer and closer to the dreamed-of summit.

It’s priceless to be there at down, to see the glaciers dazzling in the morning sun, to see Mt Meru covered by mists and to have that feeling, that unforgettable feeling, that here you are, standing at the roof of Africa, the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
Its also priceless to see your younger sister already descending as she made it to the top one hour earlier in the pair of old jeans at the temperature of -15°C.

Few impressions from Kili (1)

So this is it. The moment I dreamed of  finally came true. I am at the entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park, looking at the final preparations for the trek. Soon the whole equipment and food will be packed and the whole group (22 people in total, 6 trekkers) will be ready to set off. Difficult to talk about the feeling down there. I guess it’s the strangest mixture of excitement, fear, high hopes, curiosity and impatience you can imagine.

Although considered to be the least scenic of all, our Coca-cola route is stunning anyway. While admiring the views I already think of coming back next years. After some time, we can finally see the summit. It’s simply beautiful.

Vashlovani