Mosque On My Mind

Was going through some backlog email (LOTS) and read one from a dear friend I met in Mysore. When she learned I was headed to Turkey after India, she told me the most wonderful stories of her trip there. Which made me remember that I haven't posted my mosque photos yet. So here they are.

The one above is not a mosque but a church. Carlos and I found it as we walked. Love the bones so here it is for you too.



Above is the interior of the church landing.




Above is the interior of Sultanahmet, also known as the Blue Mosque. It was actually built to rival the Aya Sophia.

Speaking of which, below are photos of the Ayasofya, former church, mosque and now a museum.




You can see the constant restoration work below.










The walls used to be mosaic until they kept getting stolen. These days, the patterns are reproduced by paint. I know, ngek.

Happy Birthday

This is late in coming as it took so long to upload the photo. Wonder why?

My point being, happy happy birthday to Carlos (November 10) and Bogart too!

Good Food, Good News

Carlos and had a meeting in Quezon City the other day and since it was to be held in a restaurant I hadn't heard of before, I decided to tag along. Now, QC is always a trek for me but I'm glad I did as the place was a lovely restaurant called Adarna. It serves Filipino food BUT as the chef is a vegetarian, most dishes come with not only a vegetarian option, but vegan as well. Wow, right?

Below are some images of the place. This one is of a vinyl collection by one of the walls.

Below is their coffee service. They use these lovely floral ones for female diners, Carlos got a nice blue and white for his.

One wall has a collection of carnival queen photos.

Another wall has photos such like the one below. No need to comment except, where is Didith Reyes now?

Below is the service setting as we sat to lunch.

There's Carlos preparing for the meeting.

Views of the place below.

Bar side.

Entrance.

Click here for a guide to the place. On their card card, Giney Villar is the chef, Adarna decribes itself as, "Adarna Food and Culture is a restaurant that celebrates Filipino culture by showcasing historical, regional, and heirloom cuisine. It is also the perfect setting for functions and intimate occasions for up to 200 people."

Adarna is on 119 Kalayaan Avenue, Diliman, Q.C., telefax (+632) 926.8712, mobile (+63917) 9618113, email adarnafoodandculture@yahoo.com.

Adarna is open from Monday-Saturday, lunch from 11.30-2 pm, merienda from 2-6 pm, dinner from 6-10.30 pm.

Enjoy!