This is the Dome of the Sultanahmet Mosque in Istanbul. More widely known in the west as "The Blue Mosque." Along with the Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome it is on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. In these countries I find my self neck deep in antiquities. I'm constantly ordering cabbies to pull over so I can get a picture (pictureS). The locals take a more or less blase attitude toward all these places (Yes, Hani, I'm talking about YOU!)
But,
#1. In the US our stuff is at most a couple hundred years old. The "newness" has just started wearing off.
#2. All this stuff built by the Greeks, the Romans, the Egyptians, Phoenicianans, Carthaginians, Moguls, Mongols, Mongrels, etc., etc. lead to the rise of western civilization as we know it. So as far as my international friends are concerned: all the stuff about American Kulture (and Politics) you don't like? It started with you!
(No one hates to see McD's, KFC and so on in your countries more than I. Anyone who knows me knows my view on US politics, too)
I'm still looking to invest in the first McShishtaouk franchise in the US. OK, maybe Shawarma's R Us. "You'll Love Our Lamb 'cause We don't Serve Ham!"
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