Revolters

Spotted in Istanbul

Istanbul Harbour

It seems my dear friends in Toronto are experiencing some snow in the early days of Spring so just wanted to post this to keep them hopeful for a beautiful Spring. It's just around the corner! If it doesn't come soon enough well tomorrow's Friday! Something else to look forward to!

Istanbul Leaves

Let there be light...

A glass a day keeps the doctor away...

Why not start the week off with a nice glass of white wine?! 

The Blue Mosque, Istanbul

One of the most peaceful and beautiful places. The architecture is just incredible with so much history attached. Hope you find your happy place for a moment of peace this Sunday.  

Where's ÇAĞRİ?!

Spice Bazaar

Hope you are all having a calm Sunday. I have two friends in town visiting from Germany and I woke up realizing why I stopped partying so much....I feel so useless the following day. But you only live once (or so they say) so might as well have fun with the people you love. These pictures were taken at the spice bazaar in Istanbul. So the key thing I learned that day is negotiate negotiate and even when the price is reasonable negotiate and then pretend to walk away. It's like dating really. Playing hard to get. My dear friend bought some caviar and as a present the shop owner gave the product seen in the last photo. We came to buy spices and I guess this will spice up our lives.

In between Europe and Asia: Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul definitely has a special vibe and still stands out in my memory from all my travels. It has this unique mix of European and Asian influences unlike any other city, perhaps due to the fact that the city lies on both continents. Random thought: I don't think I've ever seen so many strayed cats in my life.
Istanbul was one of the nominated cities of culture last year and there is no doubt why. Although I didn't appreciate the 45EUR tourist tax at the airport and the immigration officer that flipped back and forth through my passport comparing my hair styles over the course of 5 years. Yes it started short and then I grew it and then I cut it. Naturally. This happens over time dear officer.  Fotos from another great city tomorrow. Enjoy your Sunday! p.s. can you guss what this is?

The Spice Bazaar 

Istanbul blues...

Oh how I love Fridays!!! What's not to love?! I'm looking forward to a fantastic weekend ahead. Hope you've got something special planned. These photos were taken in Istanbul earlier this year where we rented a gorgeous apartment in the centre. This penthouse had the most spectacular view which you can see here. 

Istanbul, Turkey

Out trip to Istanbul was something quite extraordinary. I had no idea what to expect. Istanbul was one of two cities labeled with the title 'City of Culture' this year. To enter this country, most nationals have to have a visa...and it's not free. It cost me 50 Euros for a sticker in my passport and five minutes of questioning at immigration. They were shocked that a Canadian would visit Istanbul and they carefully examined my passport photo. Even having another colleague see my photo. He noticed I had long hair...what an observation. And in my photo (which was taken in 2006) I had shorter hair and looked a bit younger. 10 points for spotting that. I made sure I got my stamp. Otherwise it could be a serious haggle (and even a crime) upon departure. We soon enter the taxi area and it is HOT and we are soon escorted into a taxi and the man who kindly pointed us to our taxi asked for money for his hard work. We soon arrive to our apartment and we are speechless. It is incredible. The flat is owned by an architect and her brother manages the rentals. She has an office on the main floor where we were invited for a coffee. She was very talented. You could tell she paid a lot of attention to detail; from the walls to the furniture. It was carefully thought out. But one thing that puzzled me was that the washroom in our flat had no walls. Well there was something...clear glass. How romantic to see your loved one taking a dump while you read a book on the luxurious bed with egyptian cotton sheets. Priceless. The picture here is the view from our flat. Absolutely beautiful. 

I took this photo because I had a friend who was completely obsessed with woman in boots. I guess we all have our fetishes.

Looking down from our flat. The terrace you see is the one belonging to the architect studio downstairs where we had our coffee. 

Another view from our apartment. 

The other side of our apartment. Traffic jam! Also the reason why I was late getting to the airport at the end of our trip.  My driver knew how to talk his way and convince the truck behind us to move. 

The historic tram. 

The city center...5 minutes from our flat. This street is lined up with embassies and consulates and of course tons of shops and cafes. 

Swissair flight to Istanbul (don't mistake it for something else). All OK? I sure hope so. Taken while boarding flight in Zürich.