Constantinople, Halki, and Horsecarts

The Patriarchal Monastery and Seminary on Halki is perched at the top of the island, this is where we’re staying till Monday

Well, we made it! I’m currently writing from the marble staircase at the Halki Seminary/Monastery since this is the only place where I can both sit down sort of comfortably and get a wi-fi signal. It’s been quite the adventure already, and things are just beginning.

Our flight from J.F.K. was delayed by about two hours, so we didn’t arrive to Constantinople until after noon today. The flight itself was pretty good, I was actually able to sleep for a couple hours. The only upset was the small child sitting in front of me threw up during the landing, otherwise the little tyke was fine. Once at the airport we spent quite a while getting through passport check as the lines were ridiculous, but we got through just fine.

Boarding the ferry

Our tour guide met us at the airport and we took that to the ferry. Since we were early to the ferry, some of us went and sat around on a patio and had some tea. The ferry ride over to Halki was stunningly beautiful. Nothing like salt spray and sunshine to wipe away ones weariness from traveling. Once we go to Halki we took horse carriages up to the seminary since there are no cars allowed on the island (I’ll be uploading a video of the trip up the mountain soon). The accommodations are amazing. Huge rooms, ancient icons on the walls, peacocks strutting around the gardens. It’s quite the place to be. I’m going to go explore for a bit before dinner and take some more pictures for your enjoyment.

Fr. John heaves luggage into the carriage

That’s about it for now. We’ll be having dinner soon and then probably crashing and going to bed a early to rest up for a full day tomorrow. Aghia Sophia, the Bazaar, and other museums are on the docket for tomorrow so there should be lots of pictures of those. In the meantime, here are some from today’s travels.