Winter wonderland in Istanbul

Istanbul is normally linked to the beautiful historical and unique buildings, the invigorating hamam, the vibrant and friendly people, the rosary carrying men and to a certain degree, the elegant and colorful scarved women and fezes (tarboosh) hats. Now, throw away your perceptions and try to picture instead Istanbul gone all white, covered with snow! Aha...not that easy,huh?

Istanbul (or rather Turkey) is now experiencing the coldest weather in 35 years! At its lowest, the temperature dipped to -7C degree but elsewhere in Turkey has recorded a biting -25C degree! To some, this might be a norm and i had a friend in Canada who went camping in the forest at -40C degrees, but even at zero degree, i think i'm already having a brain freeze!!

The beauty of winter in Istanbul is that, the temp. do not remain the same everyday. Last Saturday, it recorded a warm 15C degree while the day before,it was -3C degree!Yeah..how could the temp. changed so drastically? Compared to the British weather, it's a bit better. Why? In England, you can have four (4) seasons in a day. The temp. will change drastically within the same day. However,in Istanbul, its pretty consistent. If the day started as raining, trust me...it will be raining the whole day. And if it's sunshine, it will remain that way for the rest of the day. 

And..the weather forecast is accurate,too. You can bet your life on it...at least for the 3 day forecast. 

Thanks to the wonder of technology. I remember when we were students in England, we used to make fun of the British weather forecast. It has an accuracy of maybe 10%. And how we mocked at Terry Wogan (of BBC 2 then) by saying that he just went out of his office, put out his finger to feel the air and made his weather forecast...he he. Good ole Terry,we love you,though.

Istanbul is not affected too much with the freezing sub zero, thanks to the Bosphorus. The cold wind and fronts coming from Russia is normally 'neutralized' by the Bosphorus and hence that explains why Istanbul and the areas closed to Bosphorus is warmer compared to other places. Aha..I know, we blame Russia for everything! 

I was curious to see how the grand Dame Hagia Sophia would look like covered with snow and went to take some photos. I was mistaken in thinking that the place would be tourist-free (in this weather). The tren (train) was jam-packed with tourist though I haven't a clue as to where they were going. I noticed that they are many Arab tourists here now and you can tell them by the dozens of shopping bags that they carry. I think they are here for the shopping as its still a Sales season. They don't seem to mind the cold weather ....maybe they have mink coats underneath their shawl???

Istanbul's traffic was brought to a gridlock during the blizzard. Many people were stranded and schools were closed for a few days. Those who managed to reach their office did so by walking as the cars, busses and trains were not able to continue with their journey. (Photo from HurriyetDailyNews)

Waiting for the buses to take them to work, home or shops. Even then, there is no guarantee that they can reach the destination  on time, if at all. Moments like this, you feel like giving a bouquet of flowers to the bus driver! (Photo from HurriyetDailyNews)

An aerial view of Istanbul (new city) in white. (Photo from HurriyetDailyNews)

My village (Tarabya) is still white and cold, despite being so near to the Bosphorus.  Its eerily quiet,too.

Acibadem ( Bitter Almond) Hospital. It is now owned (majority) by a government-linked company from my country. Been there couple of times and this is one (private) hospital where I don't see many patients or activities going around. When you step into the building, you can't help noticing how 'deserted' and quiet the hospital is. Maybe because its charges are relatively high, starting at TL250 for normal consultation. Oh...and IBO (Ibrahim Tatlises) was treated here before being sent to Germany.

Along the Bosphorus. You'll be surprised to know that there are still anglers doing their favorite pastime, fishing !!

Bosphorus at its quietest.  I had waited for the snow to melt first before making this trip. In doing so, I lost the chance to take the photo when the area was really covered in thick snow..sigh.. 

Modern Museum. Normally a busy venue for many tourists.

Going towards the Old City. Can you see the Topkapi Palace on top of the hill? Its a different scenario now, almost everything is in white. and the sun is sadly missing.....

The Grand Dame Haghia Sophia in winter. It is still majestic, even from any angle or condition she is subjected to. Actually, I now see the rationale behind the quarter dome. It is more efficient compared to pitched roofs. And more beautiful in winter.

The park fronting the Hagia Sophia. The tourists were not many here but they were many in the train. I wonder where did they go during this cold weather? Maybe they all went to the Grand Bazaar.....aha, that makes sense. 

Yeah..I know, she does looks lonely and deserted....for NOW! When the sun comes out and the snow has melted, she'll be the envy of many again.

The Sultan Ahmet Mosque also cuts a lonely figure now. There are no more admirers on the bench to soak in the beauty of this masterpiece. I wish I had come here sooner during the heavy snow so that the view would be whiter and nicer. I had waited for the snow to melt before coming here, for an obvious reason! I could see that it must have been prettier when the snow was thicker.....my loss...opportunity like this don't come often. Will try again when its snows.

The Sultan Ahmet Mosque....still is beautiful, isn't she?

Too cold to stop and admire the beauty.....gotta go to the kebab shop and eat that shish kebab beside the Grand Bazaar...oohh..best in the world !!

Times like this, we must not forget our feline friends...how are they surviving in this weather?

Hagia Sophia...she is still beautiful, yes?

Another take of the Grand Dame, Hagia Sophia. Cool...

More people are beginning to arrive....

This year snow and blizzard has caused lots of havoc in the Eastern Europe region with Ukraine being the worst hit. More than 200 people have died in Ukraine and the temp. is still at -35C degree! Even Spain is not spared. I just find it strange to see palm trees covered in snow...

I still think she's beautiful...even when covered with snow and with the sun missing....but then again, maybe I'm biased.

My neighbor putting on final touch on the Snowman. That's one lovely and cheerful snowman.....Bravo !!

and here goes the hand.....she's good...don't you think?

My son's version of a Snowman (indoor) !!

Frozen garden and frozen swimming pool. wait a little while and I can ice-skate on it..yipee...

the snowman snowed over.....

I'm not sure how long the cold snap will be but as I write this, its has started snowing again. And I could hear the strong wind (35 kph) rattling at my doors and windows. Maybe I'll hibernate for a while till the snow thicken again and go take photos of the Hagia Sophia again. Or..Plan B, I can just hibernate and thaw my brain out of the brain freeze. Err...now, where was I..... 

Footnote :

On a warmer topic, we had steamboat for Chinesse New Year lunch over the weekend and it was great fun. Its so much fun eating steamboat when the temp. is dipping. For those who do not know what steamboat is....its a meal where you dip and cook your own ingredients in the chicken or other flavoured broth which is put in a big pot for you to cook. Its similar to the Japanesse Shabu-shabu but with more and varied ingredients. Its delicious...especially when had among friends....

Keeping warm with Steamboat with homemade fish balls and Rendang and Curry..Afiyet Olsun!