Saturday, January 31, 2009

Don't Play With Me, Istanbul!

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While some parts of the world still in deep sleeps of the winter that's cold, wet and grey there is the first sign of spring in some parts...


As promised, dear friend of mine Liz sent me very lovely photos of the first snowdrops
(Turkish: Kardelen) in her garden. Their delightful early blooms have been appearing for several weeks, confirming that Spring is on its way. I love these milk-white flowers very much because representing 'hope' and 'light in the darkness' in the language of flowers. In the meantime, did you know one of the best snowdrop is called as giant one, Galanthus elwesii on its Latin name, found on the sunny hillsides of Turkey?

If snowdrop is truly first pop-ups of the waken nature and early sign of Spring, I think I'd love to call it as springdrop:) Yes, this is much nicer.

And, snow is really about dropping here, mamma mia...! We were enjoying an early spring in recent weeks, but Mr Rain and Mr Cold together made a sudden surprise to us. Surprises are nice? Yes, they are nice but not cold ones;)

What a freezing air, cold, very cold Istanbul! I began frantically searching for my Scotch blanket, long boots, winter hat and blue wool scarf in an effort to survive!
I'm again back in a cat mode at home, dreaming Liz's corner in Harwell of UK where spring moved in...


God is the Light of the heavens and the earth;
The likeness of His Light is as a niche
With a lamp in it -
The lamp in a glass,
The glass like a glittering star.

(The Qur'an, Sura 24: ''The Light'')



Thank you so much, Liz.




8 comments:

  1. Ha, we have them in our garden and they are almost the same size. The temperature is around 0 degrees.

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  2. Nihal, the green of my snowdrop stems have pushed themselves about three quarters of an inch out of the soil, I noticed just this week. But spring is still at least a couple of months away from here.

    Stay warm and comfy!

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  3. I, too, am awaiting spring with a hopeful heart. And, my heart is always drawn to the light which is God. It is such a comfort to my soul.

    Stay tuned, spring will be here soon.

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  4. The flower photos are delightful and I agree they should be called 'springdrops' ;) Nihla, thank you for visiting my blog and your 'Howdy'(love your humor;) I am happy to see and read your beautiful blog. You have a marvelous way with words;) be well,be happy, Pam

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  5. Oh, beautiful!! I don't have snowdrops, but your pictures of them are the perfect counterpart to my pictures of snowflakes!!!

    Funny how Turkey and Southern California have such similarities in climate!

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  6. Wish I was there!

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  7. @ Pam: How wonderful to see you in Istanbul, Pam;) You're so, so kind with your lovely words about my little work on this big space:) Will be waiting your future visits w/pleasure.

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  8. Coucou Nihal, it has been a long since I've passed by your blog. I've been very busy.
    You are a lucky if spring is in Istanbul. IN Provence , it has been very very cold

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