Light in Jerusalem festival

Each year Jerusalem has a festival of light in the Old City. We went this year. There are 3 different routes marked by colored rope lights to guide you from spot to spot. They also give you a map. It was very crowded, but lots of fun. There were about 25 different displays. We didn't see all of them but here are my favorites:

 

Flowers

Prima Ballerina - she twirled and changed color.

 

I think the next two were my favorite. The site was called "Garden of my Dreams". All of the lights and projections worked around the arches on this building. It was cool.

"Stained glass windows" on the ceiling of the cardo:

 

 This was a connector street between 2 routes.

 

 This is the Damascus gate and the title is "The Tree of Life":

We passed by Shaban's shop on the way and he was on his way home, so we gave him a ride. Very nice evening!

Turkey, last day, day 7

Day 7 begins in Iznik - ancient Izmir, where the Nicean council took place. First we visited the Hagia Sophia - not THE Hagia Sophia, but another one. It is part church and part mosque.

 

 

 The carpeted are is the mosque part:

 

 

Then we take a lovely walk down to the water which is the site of Constantine's palace. There we discuss the Nicean creed and the truths WE know about the Godhead and God's plan for us because of the restoration of the gospel. It is a beautiful setting for some inspiring words.

 

 

 

 

 

We head back to Istanbul today, so we take a ferry back to the European side. I always love the ferry rides. :)

 

 

 

The only official stop today is THE Hagia Sophia. Of course of utmost importance is a restroom stop. Want to know where the ladies' restroom is?

Follow the line:

 

Hagia Sophia means "Holy Wisdom." It was originally an orthodox church. When the Ottoman's conquered Istanbul they converted it into a mosque. Today, it is a museum.

Down below these people are some remains from the Christian church.

 

 This is the ceiling above the entrance to the rotunda:

 

This marks the Center of the World - Istanbul in the Hagia Sophia. Who knew? ;)

 

 This column capital is a mix of corinthian [leaves] style and ionic [scrolls] style:

 

This photo shows the interesting mix between Islam and Christian beliefs. Fortunately, the Turks did not destroy the Christian paintings, only plastered over them - which preserved them. :)

 

Beautiful window:

 

 The Sultan's box where he could come to pray and worship and be protected from assasins:

 

 View of main level from second level:

 

Beautiful preserved mosaics:

 

 

 

After the Hagia Sophia closes we have 2+ hours of free time. Kent and I went to see some Sultan tombs next door. The tiles, windows, and woodwork inside each were breathtaking!

 

Tomb #1:

 

 

 Ceiling:

 

Windows and tiles:

 The tombs:

 

 

Tomb # 2:

 Tile work:

 

Windows:

From the outside:

 

 Tomb #3:

 

Carved shutters: 

 

 Windows, tiles, awesomeness!

 

After our lovely tour of the tombs, we just wandered some fun streets, bought some ice cream, and sat in a park! In the past we've done some shopping - not so much anymore - we'd have to figure out where to put it once we got home!

 

 

This is the street we walk up to get to our restaurant for our last dinner in Turkey. Lots of fun!

 

What is NOT fun is the rest of the trip. We get to the airport around 9:00 pm. Our flight leaves at 12:55 am and by the time we land, get our luggage, go through passport control, and drive back to the Center - it is 4:00 am! AAAAAAAGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Can you say "brain dead"? Is it worth it? Ask me in a couple of weeks. :)



Utah Governor's reception - important addendum

I forgot to include one very important fact in my report on the Governor's visit. He wasn't just meeting with Israeli dignitaries, but also with Palestinian leaders. Leaders whose names he couldn't remember and whose city he called Israel. ;(

Turkey Day 4

Better late than never, right?? I just found this and saw that I never finished or published it. So we're jumping back to Day 4 of Turkey and I've stuck in a few pics from this most recent trip. The other pictures are from Winter & Fall 2012. Let me remind you that for Fall semester, I was wearing a removable cast - I had just gotten out of my surgical cast and begun physical therapy. Anyway - moving on.

 

This beautiful place is Assos. Paul went here on his third missionary journey. Getting to the top of Assos, requires walking through a charming little town - but it is all cobble stone and uphill - way uphill. I was nervous about trying this, but Kent stayed with me and helped me over "scary looking" spots. It was good for me because I realized that I could do most of the sites without fear. :)

 

One of may gorgeous views from the top:

 

 

 

 This is from May 2013 - reflecting on my last time in Turkey. :(

 

I mentioned that we walk through a little village to get to and from Assos. We pass many shops on the way. I thought these table cloths were so beautiful!

 

 

 

This is the theater is in the lower part of the city and we only took the students there in Winter 2012.

 

This next place is called Pergamum. Pergamum is mentioned in the book of Revelation as one of the seven churches of Asia.
Pergamum was built on a steep hill that rises 1000 feet above the valley floor, so we took trams to the top.

This is what remains of the Temple of Athena

 

This runs under the temple platform:

The theater, built on the steep slope of the hill, provides a spectacular view of the valley below and contains around 10,000 seats—the steepest seating of any known theater in the ancient world. When we got to here, I opted out and went the easy way around. I do that anyway, even without a cast because it cascades straight down the side of the mountain!

This is from the most recent semester - it was very hot and windy up there! Kent never lost me, though. :)

This is a LOOOONG day of driving on the bus, so these are the only 2 sites we visit. We end up at a very nice hotel where we can relax a bit.

Utah Governor's reception - April 25, 2013

You probably were aware that Governor Herbert came to Jerusalem with the Trade Commission. Zions Bank sponsored the trip and the Center was asked to host an evening. The evening consisted of a high-class stand up dinner/reception. The kind where you wander from station to station and get little plates of delectable foods to "sample". Shishkebab, soup, salads, drinks. It was meant for the Governor to mingle with Israeli dignitaries and spread good will. The problem? He and his wife were 50 minutes late and spent the last 10 minutes hobnobbing not with the Israeli dignitaries but with President Uchtdorf.  Strike 1.

Following the reception, we moved into the auditorium for a concert. Zions Bank was supposed to schedule bring with them from Utah, some great performers. They didn't. Strike 2. Our amazing Neomi Weinstein had 4 days to find some world-class performers who were available on that date. She came through unbelievably well! Neomi puts together our weekly Sunday concerts and the biannual art display here at the Center. She is very good at what she does.

To begin the concert we had short remarks by Jim Kearl - the Assistant to the University President over the Jerusalem Center; then Scott Anderson - from Zions Bank; last and definitely least [he referred to a city in the West Bank as "Israel". among other fopahs] - Governor Herbert. Strike 3.

However, let's move on to the real high-light of the evening. The concert:

Hila Baggio - Soprano

She is one of the most successful, critically acclaimed Israeli sopranos. She has sung many leading roles with the Israeli Opera, and with many of the leading orchestras in Israel. She sang 5 short numbers - each one more incredible than the one before. Each one showing the range and ability of her voice. Awesome!

Dan Deutsch - accompanist

 

He has established himself over the years as a recitalist, chamber music player and accompanist in several countries. He has won numerous prizes and awards for outstanding pianist. This guy was phenomenal! I wish I could have seen his fingers better!! I thanked him afterwards and he looked surprised. His friend told me that no one ever comments on HIS abilities - only on the singer that he plays for. Made me sad.

Dorel Golan

 She has performed with leading orchestras in more than 40 countries. She is 1st prize winner of numerous national and international competitions. She is 19. Again I wish I could have seen her fingers better. Actually I could see in her face, the emotion she was putting into her fingers. She did 3 numbers. Breathtaking!!

Alexander and Daniel Gurfinkel

These two are twins and carry on a great family tradition. Their grandfather, Arkady Gurfinkel, was a well-known clarinet player, teacher, and arranger. Their father, Michael Gurfinkel, is among the leading clarinet players in Israel. The twins began their musical education at the age of 8 and when they were 12 they were invited to appear as soloists in the annual concert for young musicians with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. They are really entertaining because they play off of each other and to the audience. Not to mention they are fabulous clarinetists!!

Remarkable program, followed by remarkable dessert tables. My mouth is hanging open in amazement. :)

The evening was a huge success - thanks to our wonderful team of people here at the Center. They are all so glad it is over.