Nanny Nicole

Istanbul 2010 European Cultural Capital

I am extremely lucky to be able to experience Istanbul the year it was named the European Cultural Capital! I know a lot of what I am able to see is because of the increase of tourists this year. Often, though, I miss a lot because I am unaware of things and am still trying to figure out how the city works (transportation, locations, etc.). But, I am still amazingly in awe of everything that this city has to teach.

Lately, I have been noticing various performances around the city. I may be walking to the mall or some store and will see a crowd of people circling an area. This is what I have found in the middle.

Videos of these performances to come...

Turkuazoo and Forum Istanbul

One of the places that I really wanted to go with the kids this summer was the Turkuazoo Aquarium. I love taking kids to see animals. I don't think I know a kid that doesn't like some kid of animal. So, I've been pushing for the Istanbul Zoo, but have been told many times I would be greatly disappointed compared to what I am used to. Considering I had a hard time seeing the animals in small cages at the National Zoo in DC, I think I may avoid the Istanbul Zoo...unless I become a millionaire and am able to take all of the animals that I consider to be in poor living environments and care for them myself.

Turkuazoo is in the largest Mall in Europe, Forum Istanbul. I am in love with this mall and have even ventured the 2 hours (by public transportation) there myself, just to see a movie and shop! It even has a grocery store in it that would put any Super Walmart to shame!

One entrance

One side street of the huge complex!

Anyway... and now, back to Turkuazoo!

An Octopus!!

Pretty fish!

Crab attack!

I liked this orange striped one.

Shark Attack!

Finding Nemo...There he is!!!

A blowfish??? Maybe???

An Eel!!!

Can you see the 2 fish?

There are starfish on the rock...but also, the flat fish (from above) are swimming all around.

Swimming with the Sting Ray

Atatürk Statues

I read somewhere, or maybe I was told my someone, that in every town square there is a statue of Atatürk. I decided I would hunt out these statues to see how many I can find.

To begin, this statue is not of Atatürk, but of a Sultan. I, currently, do not know which Sultan, but will stop by this statue in Beşiktaş again soon and read more about who it is.