Pardon that Extended Interruption...

Westmont in Istanbul is back!

Please forgive the lack of updates recently.

Here's what's been going on:

-Students mostly stayed around Istanbul for the four-day weekend. Most posted up in hotels around the main attractions of Istanbul and played tourist for a few days. Much needed rest was achieved (for the most part)...

Leah Sadoian shows off some of her favorite parts of the (Kapalı Çarsı) Grand Bazaar.

Shea Werner does her best to impersonate the locals of the Archeology Museum (credit: Leah S.)

A typical sunset as seen from the Bosporus ferries (Leah S, again!)

-We spent a saturday at an inter-faith dialogue with students from Sabancı University - one of Istanbul's premiere colleges - and delved deeply into doctrinal discussions. Pictures can be found here, on Teri Murphy's (the professor from Sabancı who helped put it all together) facebook: Photos are here!

-Westmont professor of Religious Studies Dr. Helen Rhee came into town and showed us the magnificent mosaics in the Chora Church, while explaining their significance.

Incredible mosaic captured by Annie Hausler

Peter, meet Peter (Thanks again, Annie).

-This weekend has been marked by a visit from President Gayle Beebe and Trustee Roy Goble!

Mr. Goble and Dr. Beebe enjoying a Bosporus cruise. (Credit: Keaton Hudson)

Students have taken the pair around Istanbul and showed them the great sites in their study groups:

This group specialized in the Hagia Sophia (from L to R: Keaton Hudson, Annie Hausler, Dr. Beebe, Emilie Whitman, Ben Siverly, Leah Sadoian, Mr. Goble).

And after a long day, the guys relaxed at a 400 year old Hamam (Turkish Bath):

Back row: from L to R: Keaton Hudson, Kurt Walker, Sam Fearer, Mr. Goble, Ben Siverly. Front row: Peter Harmon, Dr. Beebe, Joe Bagdanov, Benjamin Bisson

 Clearly, we've been keeping ourselves busy!

Now, students are finishing their classes here at Yeditepe University, with finals next week.