Now, I am going to long-awaited Istanbul.

1. It takes about 4 hours to travel by express train from Ankara to Istanbul.

2. I met Mr. Berker at Ankara station who got vacation leave and came to the station. I introduced Mr. Berker in pilgrim’s diary several days ago.

3. Again, I listened to his detailed story about the cancer ordeal of his family. I gave him my thanks, and asked him to let me know about Chernobyl radiation disaster at coastal areas of Black Sea.

4. The police was suspicious of my behavior. After my explanation, they smiled. I took a selfie with them.

5. The scenery which I saw during my trip to Istanbul.

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7. I met a cute baby.

8. I drank chai at kitchen carriage.

9. The Black Sea appeared and I arrived at Istanbul.

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11. This is the picture of Istanbul which I saw at subway station.

12. This view is seen from the very famous station, Sirkeji which was the destination in cinema “Murder on the Oriental Express.”

13. This is Bosphorus Strait which connects Asia to Europe.

14. I was walking with baggage along the coast.

15. The Istanbul citizens who were enjoying swimming and fishing, waved to me.

16. I will stay three days at the guest house which is near from downtown and commands a fine view. A Korean couple manages the guest house.

17. I looked at the ships passing Bosphorus Strait from the European side of the strait. This large freighter is going from Black Sea to Mediterranean Sea.

18. The geographic harmony of Istanbul and Bosphorus Strait is fantastic. The main current is flowing out from Black Sea to Mediterranean. A tributary is joining main current from the West as if it flows backwards. Three land masses run toward main point of Istanbul with circular trace. The point where the characters ‘Istanbul’ are located on the map is the historical center of the earth. This kind of terrain where three land masses and two water-flows meet together is commonly seen in Korean peninsula. This point is called ‘Best earth and best water’. Kyeongju and Hanyang are known to have this famous terrain. Istanbul has a good location which can command sea and land together in terms of geomantic principles. There are few locations which is similar to Istanbul.

19. From the balcony of the guest house, I can see this view of Bosphorus Strait. Far away. Bosphorus bridge is seen.

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21. I looked at the strait early in the morning. The Osman Turk with great power controlled this important strait.

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23. The center of Istanbul is seen.

24. Ms. You is smiling.

25. I took a selfie with the passengers of commuter ship.

26. I landed on the other side of the strait, European side.

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28. I took a selfie with the policeman, who was suspicious of me.

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30. It seems to be a nice place for fishing.

31. I went to the St. Sophia Cathedral, which is a mosque at the same time.

32. An Explanation of St. Sophia Cathedral, which is the most famous tourist attraction in Istanbul, may be found at the address below.

https://photo131.tistory.com/m/894

http://m.catholicnews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=7762

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39. The history and grandeur of the Cathedral overwhelm every tourists.

40. On my way back by tram, this little girl greeted me by saying “An-nyong!”

I was surprised and delighted at the same time. I found out that her mother was an enthusiastic pan of K-Drama.

41. I took a selfie with the boys and girls around.

42. A tourists asked me to take a selfie with him.

43. Prof. Lee posed at the place where there were many fishermen.

44. Again we crossed the sea, and got on bus to see the streets.

45. Then, we crossed the Bosphorus Bridge by bus.

46. The waterway seen far away goes up to Black Sea.

47. I arrived at Taksim Square where there was a terrorist attack two years ago.

48. Today I met a gentleman of distinction. His name was Seo Dong Yoon. I have known him on line, at the ‘Structurism Club’ which I have participated for a long time. He was a medical doctor who was working at the field of Environmental Medication. He was on vacation at Istanbul, and we met at restaurant. We had a long conversation.

At last, tomorrow is the day when we meet Archbishop Bartholomew of Orthodox Church.

Categories: 14. Turkey, Course and Diary