Violet Red and the Orient Express! { Sheryl }

Sirkeci Train Station, Istanbul Turkiye.  

Front view of the Sirkeci Train Station

Right clock tower 

Detail view of the small icon between the windows

Right porch 

Left entrance 

I am only guessing but I think this is the name plate for the restaurant 

Right porch and entrance to the restaurant 

Today this is schedule 

 Last Tuesday I spent the day in the old part of the city called SultanAhmet.  I got on a tour bus there and found this treasure on the way.  I couldn't believe my eyes when the color matched my sample of Violet Red.  (My dear friend Melissa has inspired me to keep a sample with me!)  After the tour, I met a friend for lunch in the sun.  Then she walked back down to the station with me.  I enjoyed getting to see this building close up.  Inside we checked on a train schedule, which you can see has our color on it also!  As we walked to the tram, to make our way home, we discussed our options for getting on board a train here and going on an adventure.  I was very serious and hope she was!

This station was actually built to receive the "Orient Express".  The Train of Kings, the King of Trains" was the motto.  This was a train that ran from Paris to Istanbul starting in 1889; a journey that took three days.  The station officially opened in 1890, even though the "Orient Express" had already been coming here for over a year.  This train ran until 1977 when service was stopped.  Now,  the "Orient Express" runs one time a year.  I am hoping to make the trip myself one day.  A few year ago,  I did read the book "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie.  I highly recommend this classic!

I am so excited that blogger is open again in Turkey.  I want to thank Brooke for helping do my posting during this very frustrating interruption in my fun!  I understand we are opening up for questions.  I would love to answer any questions you might have about me, Istanbul or anything; anytime!  Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to link your fabulous photos!  (which I will be able to see now!)  Love, Love!