Colors of My Heart

The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, two of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, stand as magnificent testaments to the intersection of history and culture.​ ​​The Blue Mosque was built in the 17th century by Sultan Ahmed I of the Ottoman Empire. It is renowned for its stunning blue İznik tiles, which give the mosque its popular name. With six towering minarets, a grand central dome, and intricate stained glass windows, the mosque creates a mystical and awe-inspiring atmosphere. Although it remains an active place of worship, it is also open to visitors.​​​​​​​ The Hagia Sophia was originally constructed in the 6th century by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I and served as a Christian cathedral for centuries.  In 1453, after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, it was transformed into a mosque, with four minarets added to its structure. Inside, golden Byzantine mosaics coexist with Islamic calligraphy, symbolizing the blending of two great civilizations. After functioning as a museum from...

The Church of St John the Baptist, rising proudly in the heart of Cirencester—the principal town of the Cotswolds—is renowned as a quintessential “wool church” of the Church of England. Its origins date back to the Norman period in the 12th century, and during the prosperous 15th and 16th centuries, it was extensively rebuilt in the Perpendicular Gothic style.  Facing the town’s market square, the magnificent three-tiered south porch, constructed around 1480, is richly adorned and once served as the town hall. Its impressive scale and intricate craftsmanship have earned the church the nickname “the Cathedral of the Cotswolds.” Inside, visitors are greeted by delicate fan vaulting, angel-carved capitals, and a series of chapels dating from the 11th and 12th centuries, including St Catherine’s Chapel, the Lady Chapel, and the Trinity Chapel. Among its many treasures are the distinctive “wine-glass” pulpit from around 1435 and the silver goblet known as the Anne Boleyn Cup. The tower,...

A particularly soothing village in the Cotswolds is Bourton-on-the-Water, located slightly north of the central Cotswolds, and known as Little Venice. Houses line the beautiful river, and the green grass and waterfowl swimming around are soothing. There are five small bridges over the river, entertaining tourists passing by. The village was once ruled by the ancient Roman Empire, and many old buildings from around the 17th century remain, giving you a glimpse of history.​​​ ​​Bourton-on-the-Water is a beautiful village with a clear stream, stone bridges, trees drooping over the water, and houses made of the pale honey-colored limestone that is unique to the region. The village name "Bourton" comes from the archaic words "Burgh" (fortress) and "ton" (village) and originated as a waterside village near a Saxon fortress.​​ ​​​The beautiful scenery has earned it the nickname "Little Venice," and you can see people relaxing on the grass along the rive...

​​The Cotswolds is said to be the most beautiful countryside in the UK. It is located in a hilly area 200km west of London. The name "Cotswolds" is said to be derived from "cot", which means a sheepfold, and "wold", which means a gently rolling field. It is one of the most beautiful places in the UK with its typical English countryside and is called the "Heart of England".​​ ​​The beauty of Cotswolds is characterized by the rows of stone houses made of honey-colored limestone. There is a layer of limestone underground in this area, which is a type of stone, and the honey color of this stone is the symbol of the Cotswolds.​​ St. Edward’s Church is located in Stow-on-the-Wold, in the Cotswolds, and is particularly renowned for its ancient north door. This door is said to resemble the hobbit doors featured in The Lord of the Rings films, creating an enchanting and almost magical atmosphere for visitors. ​​​Many tourists from all over the world visit...

Old and New in the UK  From the London Eye, you can see Big Ben, which is located on the north side of Westminster Palace. It is a clock tower approximately 96 meters tall. Its official name is the Elizabeth Tower, and it was completed in 1930. The building is designed in the Gothic Revival style.  On the other hand, to the right of the London Eye, you can see the Golden Jubilee Bridges. These pedestrian suspension bridges were completed in 2002 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne, flanking the Hungerford railway bridge. The London Eye is a Ferris wheel about 135 meters high. On a clear day, you can enjoy a panoramic view of London's major sights, including Big Ben. From the observation capsules, you can see Westminster, Hyde Park, St. James's Park, and even the distant cityscape. Big Ben is positioned slightly to the left when viewed from the wheel. On fine days and during nighttime when the tower is lit up, you can appreciate t...