Back to school

I've had four days off in a row, and now it's time to get back into the swing of things. I had my normal two days off on Tuesday and Wednesday, then Thursday was closed because it was a national holiday, then I learned on Tuesday all schools in Istanbul were going to be closed in order to sterilize them for the swine flu! It's a little rough thinking I have to go back - I've enjoyed these days off shopping, cooking, going to the Spice Bazaar, reading and so forth, but it's good to get back into a routine. Let me show you some things I've cooked and seen:



Chicken with onions, tomatoes, and chickpeas. A little boring but it ended up feeding 5 hungry guys and me.



I thought this was a good although the guys weren't as excited about it - there certainly wasn't much flavor. I made bulgur kofte, pretty much just some fine bulgur with tomato and red pepper paste and an egg. You make the shape by squeezing some of the "dough" into your hand and then you boil them. The best part is putting garlicy, salty yogurt and then butter with paprika on it. Next time I'll make them smaller and use more salt.



The weather has been soup weather so I tried to make some. This is red lentil and bulgur soup. I don't think I'll ever crave it but it was okay, not bad for a first time.



I've hardly done anything cultural the last couple months which is quite a shame - I live in Istanbul! So although the weather was windy, rainy, and cold I decided to go out to the Spice/Egyptian Bazaar to pick up some things to bring home when I go home in a couple of weeks. I like it there more than the Grand Bazaar because it is easier to navigate and the sellers don't harass you as much. The selection isn't as good and I think another day I'll go get lost around the Grand Bazaar. Anyway, just near the bazaar is the Yeni (New) Mosque, a pretty impressive mosque. I popped in for a few seconds to snap a few pictures.



A man performing his ablutions (I don't know how to use that word) in front of the mosque. I don't know why people go there to pray, it's so touristy. It is quite magnificent though, I suppose I might go there if I was religious!









There are some great colors in the Spice Bazaar. It's hard to capture it but you might get the idea.