The alarm ripped me from sleep at 4:45 AM in Bukhara and the pre-dawn chill sept through the hotel walls. It was way too early to get up but I had had quite an adventure waiting. By 6:30 we were at the train platform, clutching tickets for the 07:01 Bukhara – Khiva and waiting patiently…
Tag: Culture
In the heart of Silk Road, part 1
Uzbekistan is a captivating blend of history, culture, and flavors that hits you like a whirlwind of turquoise tiles, fragrant plov, and relentless carpet sellers they could sell sand to a camel. I recently returned from this Central Asian jewel, clutching four cashmere shawls I did not know I needed until the bazaar vendors worked…
Yabancı in İstanbul, part 2
Living in Istanbul as a foreigner is a constant exercise in embracing contradictions. One minute it is serene, the next it is a full-blown street party. And after over 2 years living here, just when I thought I was getting comfortable, Istanbul decided to throw in an earthquake for good measure. Because, you know, why…
Lale Festivalı – More Than Just a Pretty Bloom
Every spring, Istanbul transforms into a living painting. The city’s streets, parks, and public spaces become awash with the brilliant colours of tulips – lale as they’re affectionately known in Turkish.
Montenegro Road-trip, Day 2
The second day in beautiful Montenegro started with sun, coffee and planning what to see next. For a country of this size, Montenegro is full of places to see, and picking only few of them may be a challenge. We spent wonderful morning in the café in the same building as our rented apartment, and…
Montenegro Road-trip, Day 1
The idea of visiting Montenegro had been circling in my head since “Casino Royal” was released. I wanted to visit the casino where mr. Bond won over the international criminal, and hopefully sit at the famous table. Imagine my surprise when I learnt that the actual casino, or the building where the casino in the…
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