![In our first mosque: the Sultanahmet Mosque! In the Sultanahmet Mosque!](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_card/public/blog/images/10/10917098_10205219479678380_4219846185445706346_n.jpg?itok=p5Kcn-tZ)
Here is my first blog about my stay in Istanbul! It includes trips to the awesome tourist sites (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topakapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar, etc), and a general overview of what the program has been like so far. In my first two weeks I made tons of new friends, discovered just how much Istanbul loves cats, drank so many cups of Turkish tea, and learned how to order a dürüm or baklava in (far from perfect) Turkish. I have already fallen in love with seeing the stunning minarettes everywhere, the breathtaking bosphorus at sunset, the incredible food, and the colorful and friendly people.
I am convinced that Istanbul is one of the greatest cities ever, and I hope you agree!
In addition, here are a few of my favorite pictures from the first few weeks:
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Naomi Everhart
<p>I am originally from beautiful Boulder, Colorado, but I am currently a junior at the University of Rochester double-majoring in Film and Honors Anthropology. While growing up, I lived in Shanghai for three years, but I have never been to anywhere in the Middle East before - a fact which I am very much looking forward to changing. I love exploring different cultures, making movies, eating delicious food, and being outside. While in Istanbul, I intend to extensively taste-test Turkish food, delve into the city and culture, and learn what it is like to go to a local university. I honestly have no idea what my future job will be, but I am passionate about eliminating institutional discrimination and hope to one day change the world for the better in some way.</p>