Speaking in Whispers

Categories: Istanbul · latest · muddledTags: · 3 Comments

Recently, I read an article about how being an expat changes people. While living abroad, people tend to become better listeners and to take a step back. When you don’t speak the language and aren’t with the people that know you the best, I think this seems normal enough. And in many cases, you are just hoping for the best. You hope people are being fair and kind because you have no idea what they are saying. I will give you an example. When I first arrived in China, I took a taxi home at night and to make a…

Beauty and Geometric Art

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Within Istanbul there is so much design and beauty. When I first arrived, I fell in love with the geometric design patterns. So when I saw an advert for a workshop regarding Islamic Geometric Design (IGD), I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to learn more about this form of art. Eric Broug, the instructor, is quite an interesting person in and of himself. He is Dutch and when he was at University, he studied Middle Eastern politics. He realized it wasn’t his passion, quit, worked in a bookshop, and then started studying IGD. Now he lives in England with…

Banksy in Istanbul

Categories: images · Istanbul · latest · walking around IstanbulTags: · · 2 Comments

As a person who likes street art, Banksy is a bit of name. For me, his work can be thought provoking and as a marketer, he is second-to-none. I knew there was an exhibition about his work in Istanbul, but it was a happy accident when I stumbled upon it yesterday morning in Karakôy. There are many things to write but I think I will just let the images speak for themselves. Enjoy!    

Happiness

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The attack here in Istanbul last week left me a little shaken. I love this city but I also want to live in a place that is safe. However, as I look at the world around me, no place seems safe… just less dangerous? Is it time to head out of Istanbul before it gets worse? Will it get worse? To be honest, I don’t see how it could get better at this point. Many of the countries close to or around Turkey are hot messes. It’s already spilling over. It is with these heavy thoughts running around my mind…

A Walk On The Beach

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One of the benefits of living in a city for a long time is that you get to know the secret spots. Especially in a city with heavy tourism, it’s fun to go off-the-beaten path. One of those places for me in San Diego is Imperial Beach. Imperial Beach (IB) is literally right next to Mexico as it is the most southwestern city in the States. You can see the border from the beach; put your foot just over it and be in two places at once! Slowly but surely, this beach town has been growing and expanding. However the…

Not For the Faint of Heart

Categories: latest · moving images · walking around IstanbulTags: · 2 Comments

On Saturday, I visited Eminönü. In Istanbul, if you have visited the Spice Bazaar, you know where it is. Eminönü is what I refer to as ‘The Maze of Mass humanity’. This place is crowded. Not only is Eminönü a transportation hub (think buses, trams, cars, and ferries), it is also a massive shopping area where a person can buy just about anything. I am not exaggerating when I say this. It’s my go-to place for baked goods but that is the very tip of the iceberg. So if you come to Istanbul, Eminönü is a place to see. However, try to get…

Photos and a Night Walk

Categories: eating out Istanbul · images · latestTags: · · · 3 Comments

Tonight I went on a photography night walking tour with Monica Fritz. We covered the streets of Eminönü and in some ways, it felt like a new city. I guess the night had a lot to do with it but also, it was just men out and about. No joking, we probably saw about ten women walking around. It was just a bunch of dudes. We ended the walk in Balat and having a tasty dinner in a restaurant called Forno. Below are some of the photos I took with my 35mm lens. I have been looking forward to using this lens at…

Beautiful Börek

Categories: eating out Istanbul · Istanbul · latestTags: · · 2 Comments

I love Börek. This Turkish dish is simply delicious; I have never had a bad börek. Essentially, it is phyllo (noodle layers) filled with cheese, spinach, or minced meat. The cheese (peynir) is my favorite, but all will do in a crunch. My friend Pia recently took me to Sinem Börek located on ‘Sadri Alışık Sokak’, right off İstiklal Caddesi. If you are like me, finding a place to eat when traveling can at times be stressful. Places are unfamiliar and knowing if it is safe to eat can be a gamble. Whether you live here or are just visiting, this…

I Want To Be a Foodie

Categories: eating out Istanbul · Istanbul · latestTags: · · 5 Comments

I don’t have a natural appreciation for food. Growing up, my stomach only liked plain food and it was quick to dismiss any other types. So even though there are foods that I love, I would never, ever consider myself an adventurous eater. In my opinion, this trepidatious beginning with my finicky insides has soured me on many of life’s tasting pleasures. However, I believe the time has come to change this about myself.  As I begin to get out there and develop my palate, I am hopeful that at the very least, I will be able to develop a…