When you travel, go to Istanbul

J.J. Nelson, who is in the eighth grade at The Branch School, has traveled to many countries but was particularly inspired by his recent family trip to Istanbul.

Our tour guide walks us through the narrow streets. We come to a park with imposing, time-worn walls standing in stark contrast to the magnificent fountains and a colorful multitude of budding flowers. All this? This is what made my Istanbul trip special.

I’ve been to several different countries, including Germany, England, Ireland, Africa, China and, now, Istanbul in Turkey! Istanbul was the first trip in which I took everything in. In the past, I hadn’t realized how rare the opportunity to travel can be.

For my family, London is a second home. We stayed there for a few days, then headed off on our trip. We went to Istanbul, where East Asia meets Western Europe, and it was a beautiful mash-up of old and new. Classic art, buildings, statues and relics exist alongside newer buildings and cutting-edge technology.

Then there were the mosques. The mosques are awe-striking structures, examples of superior engineering, completed by masterfully stained glass, stunning art work, giant marble columns and intricately patterned prayer carpets.

I especially enjoyed The Blue Mosque. Six castle-like towers line the outside. Two massive domes and many smaller ones are visible inside the walls. As you walk in, be sure to take off your shoes. The women don long skirts and head coverings. A floor of sprawling red carpet and blue tiles greet you as you enter.

Look up and you will see a giant chandelier of candles, hundreds of windows, and thousands of blue tiles with messages written on them. The technological prowess of the builders, using density and expansion to build arches, is impressive.

The trip was brilliant, from the gorgeous sights of the mosques and flowers to the beautiful streets leading down to parks. I also can’t go without mentioning the exquisite food. I personally recommend the Turkish pizza. Istanbul was definitely an eye-opening experience.

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