I�ve traveled from the European side of Istanbul to the Asian side and back again, and I�ve seen signs of spring in all its glory everywhere I look.
Trees are blossoming with white and pale pink flowers.
A few daffodils are blooming near the Dolmabah�e Palace.
Then, last week I happened to stroll by the Ihlamur Kasri (Pavilion of the Linden Tree) in Besiktas, and I saw the tulip (lale) trees in the park. The trees� pretty pink buds are just starting to open, which seems a bit earlier than last year. (I took similar photos last April in the park.)
That may be because we�ve had a fairly mild winter here except for a few snowfalls that blanketed Sultanahmet and the rest of the city as you can see in this photo post: Istanbul Covered in Snow in Instagram Photos.  |
| This park may be small, but it's a delight to walk through. |
I love the flowers, but my allergies don�t. For the last week or so, I�ve had itchy, watery eyes and I�m often sneezing. Such is the price I pay for springtime beauty.
Oh well.
I can�t stay cooped up in our apartment. The weather here really has been gorgeous with a little springtime rain here and there. I�ll take the rain and early blossoms over snow any day!
If you�re in Istanbul, get out there and enjoy spotting the flowers around the city like I have.
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| A Turkish cat sunning herself against the vibrant turquoise background. |
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| The peacocks have returned to the park in Besiktas. |
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| More lale blooms in the park. |
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| Purple wildflowers spotted around the city. |