Merhaba Istanbul!

Instead of getting over jetlag the traditional ways by catching Z's, yesterday I decided to pretend that there was no 7hr time difference between Istanbul and NYC and had the most amazing first day in Istanbul!
After I got dropped off at my dorm, I went on a walk around Bogazici University where I am staying. Bogazici University is situated on a hill overlooking the Bosphorous and in Bebek, which someone told me is the richest region in Turkey. The scenery explains why. According to one Bogazici student, Bogazici is the best university in Turkey.
Because this week is Yale Week in Turkey, the Turkish alums organized a beautiful dinner cruise on the Bosphorous for us and performers from YSO (Yale Symphony Orchestra) and YSOD (Yale School of Drama). We passed by the Wall of Constantinople, Hagia Sophia, and lots of other cool architecture structures that I didn't recognize.

A view from Bogazici University of Bebek


Our fancy Yacht party on the Bosphorous

Ortaköy Mosque



Yale Drama School performance