I’ve always found that travelling offers so many opportunities to reflect, to re-evaluate the direction of my life. Unlike the routine churn of home life, travelling allows time and space, a new angle from which to view the world, new experiences to teach you, and different challenges to remind you that there is always moreContinue reading “Reflections: A 2012 Travel Photo Essay”
Tag Archives: Istanbul
For the love of Turkish coffee
Thick, sweet, caffeinated goodness, oh how I love you… especially when served in tiny colourful cups amidst the whir of Turkish culture. For the love of you, I have been led into hidden bookish courtyards, I have whittled hours watching passers-by, and I’ve been persuaded to perform foreign stove-top rituals at the risk of shameContinue reading “For the love of Turkish coffee”
From Istanbul to Barcelona, from there to here
A rising murmur in the afternoon street rouses me from siesta. Eyes open to a sun-streaked balcony of daisies and thyme. Ears focus on the plucking of strings and the zip of motos under echoing sirens. I am warm, tired and utterly disoriented. And then I remember: Barcelona is out there. My head is stillContinue reading “From Istanbul to Barcelona, from there to here”
Travel. Food. Photo. Istanbul.
I’ve become that strange girl who photographs her food. I’m not sure if it’s a natural urge that I’ve previously suppressed through social awareness, or a new habit that’s sprung from a sincere appreciation for finding good, safe, yummy eats on the travel trail. Perhaps it’s because food is so connected to the cultures I’mContinue reading “Travel. Food. Photo. Istanbul.”
A day trip to the Princes’ Islands, Turkey
Rocking gently on the wake of the busy Bosphorus with the sun on my neck and salt air in my lungs, I was sure our adventure to the Princes’ Islands was going to be a refreshing change from the whirling metropolis of Istanbul. I’ve always found that boats evoke that holiday feeling – memories ofContinue reading “A day trip to the Princes’ Islands, Turkey”
The magical world of Topkapi Palace – Istanbul, Turkey
One of my favourite Istanbul experiences is visiting Topkapi Palace in Sultanahmet, Istanbul’s old city. As you walk through the impressive white Gate of Salutation, you are transported to a time and place that seem more akin to childhood make-believe than real-world history. Inside you’ll find the worlds fifth largest diamond sparkling with decadent delightContinue reading “The magical world of Topkapi Palace – Istanbul, Turkey”
Wide angle: a photo walk through Istanbul, Turkey
I am feeling inspired by the rich cityscape of Istanbul: the kaleidoscope of colours, the exotic scents that hang on humid air, the lovely clash and clamour on the streets. Some of my favourite days here have been spent wandering the labyrinth of possibilities, taking time to notice and capture the quirks that collectively createContinue reading “Wide angle: a photo walk through Istanbul, Turkey”
Impressions of Istanbul, Turkey
The thing about Istanbul is, it’s not an easy place to sum up. I’ve sat here scribbling impressions for a hour and my list is long and varied. From the hundreds of ornate mosques that call the city to pray each day, to the high-end fashion and modern bohemian vibe, it is clear that IstanbulContinue reading “Impressions of Istanbul, Turkey”
Exploring Taksim
The day after I post my jeans and jumpers home, the temperature in Istanbul drops from 35 to 20 degrees Celsius. But that is okay, the cool air has been a welcomed change and a popular topic of conversation between strangers on the street. Today has been a day of welcomed surprises. This morning IContinue reading “Exploring Taksim”
Surviving The Mysterious, Inevitable Travel Sickness
After a twelve hour journey from Denizli to Istanbul (two buses, a tram and a long, hot walk), I spent yesterday in various states of laziness. Being the kind of person who always crams as much as possible into a day, laziness is something I still need to think of as constructive to enjoy it.Continue reading “Surviving The Mysterious, Inevitable Travel Sickness”
Braving the Bazaar
I am exhausted (and a little broke) after a day in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. After a hardy hostel breakfast (three black olives, one slice of tomato, a knob of cucumber, a square of fetta, some sour cherry conserve and boiled egg), I set off with nothing but my wallet, walking shoes, a bottle of waterContinue reading “Braving the Bazaar”
Naked In Turkey
I’ve never felt so clean or smooth in my life. For two hours this evening I was soaked and steamed and scrubbed and rubbed (for the bargain price of 50 Turkish Lira)…and now I feel like a new born (in an older, non-newborn kind of way of course). The Turkish hammam is one of thoseContinue reading “Naked In Turkey”
The Colours Of Turkey
I am brimming with impressions of colourful Turkey. After a full day in Turkey, I am now feeling the culture shock I missed when first arriving in Europe. Istanbul is overwhelming. The buildings, clothes and furnishings are brightly patterned; the streets are thick with scents of food and smoke and incense; and there are soContinue reading “The Colours Of Turkey”
Tea In Turkey
Within moments of touching down in Turkey I was overwhelmed by a good feeling. It was one of those mysteriously positive, hopeful, excited feelings. I had already met one Turkish man in Zagreb Airport who had given me the name of a couple of renowned local eateries. After a smooth flight over patch-worked landscape andContinue reading “Tea In Turkey”
The Two Week Mark: Croatia
Thinking back over the last fourteen days, I am amazed to think of how many places I’ve already seen and experienced. To be honest, the whole idea of travelling to another country in just a day still thrills me (as does travelling to another country full stop). And riding on planes still feels like aContinue reading “The Two Week Mark: Croatia”
Nic Freeman 