Category: Architecture

Stories and photos about the interesting architecture I discovered in my travels.

Bathing Like a Sultan – Overcoming Naked Inhibitions in a Turkish Bath in Istanbul

Enjoying a hamam, or Turkish bath in Istanbul is a unique experience in Turkey. I wanted to try it on my first visit to Istanbul, but to do so, I would have to set aside my inhibitions about being seen naked by strangers. Could I do that?

I know I have a typical American hang up about public nudity. Hollywood may show a lot of bare skin, but that’s not me on that screen. Plus, at my age, I feel like I am losing both the battle of the bulge and the battle with gravity. I am not sure that I really should subject the world to seeing my body without clothes on.

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Sleeping With the Sultan – Behind the Walls of Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace Harem

The Topkapi Palace harem complex is a beautiful and still slightly mysterious part of the Topkapi Palace which was the home of the Ottoman Empire Sultans.

Paris has the Palace of Versailles. Vienna has the Hofburg Palace. London has Buckingham Palace. In Istanbul, it is Topkapi Palace that was the opulent home to the Sultan rulers of the Ottoman Empire and their female entourage for almost 400 years. Learn about what went on behind the walls of the Topkapi Palace harem.

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Visiting the Historic and Famous Mosques in Istanbul

Not all of the mosques in Istanbul are open to non Muslim visitors. But fortunately, the most historic and famous mosques in Istanbul are open to tourists.

Not all of the mosques in Istanbul are open to non Muslim visitors. But fortunately, the most beautiful and famous mosques in Istanbul around the historic core of the Sultanahmet area can be visited by tourists during the non prayer times of the day.

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Plan a Holiday to Atlantis Dubai – My Resort Experience Like No Other

A prime location, amenities like its own water park and aquarium, elegant yet whimsical decor and award winning restaurants made my holiday to Atlantis Dubai in the United Arab Emirates a truly unique experience. It has become one of my favorite resort stays anywhere.

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PhotoPOSTcard: A Date With Chihuly in Dubai

It is no secret that I love the work of master glass artist Dale Chihuly. So I will admit that the Palm Atlantis Chihuly sculpture in Dubai was, in part, one of the reasons I wanted to stay there. The combination sculpture-fountain is about 30 ft. tall and is made up of 3000 individually hand blown glass pieces. The sculpture took about two years to complete. It certainly is the show stopping centerpiece to an otherwise stunning hotel lobby.

Thanks for visiting

Rose

A Very High Tea at Burj Al Arab – A Unique Dubai Luxury Experience

 

London has Big Ben. Paris has the Eiffel Tower. Chicago has the John Hancock building. For the city of Dubai, its iconic symbol has become the sail shaped Burj Al Arab hotel. Staying at this luxurious and ultra exclusive hotel is out of reach for most of us. But an afternoon tea or high tea at Burj Al Arab was one experience that was a doable splurge for my pocketbook.

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PhotoPOSTcard: Dubai’s Burj AlArab Icon

Dubai’s Burj Al Arab has become the city’s most recognizable icon, which is saying a lot considering that this city has an abundance of uniquely shaped buildings. The sail shaped hotel sits on its own little island, and is the only (self proclaimed) seven star hotel in the world. The only way to experience the inside of the hotel is with a reservation for a room, a meal, or afternoon tea (which is what I did – more about that later).

At sunset, it looks like it is ready to set sail into the distant seas.

Thanks for visiting

Rose

PhotoPOSTcard: The Library Of Congress Great Hall Took My Breath Away

“I cannot live without books” – Thomas Jefferson

When I quickly stepped into the Library of Congress Great Hall for the first time this winter, I was stopped short in my tracks. I expected a dull space with floor to ceiling books, or maybe something like New York city’s Public Library. I did not expect such a bright and subtly colorful space. Despite its grand scale, it has a delicate and airy feel. There is art and color and design everywhere. From the elaborately carved grand staircases, to the many paintings on the walls, to the murals on the ceiling, to the stained glass ceiling, to the mosaic floors. Yet despite the extensive ornamentation, it actually all comes together beautifully in a harmonious and even calming whole.

Next time I will stay longer and sign up for some of the tours.

Thanks for visiting.

Rose