In the misty chronicles of higher education, few places can claim the sheer gravitational pull of the University of Oxford. Teaching here dates back to at least 1096, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world. It exploded in popularity after 1167 when Henry II, in a classic medieval hissy fit with the French,…
Tag: Culture
In the Heart of Silk Road, part 2
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…
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…
kasiasteps 