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…
Tag: Istanbul
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.
Yabancı in İstanbul, part 1
yabancı (tur.) – a foreigner, an alien I believe that everyone has a city that feels like it is part of one’s soul. It is not necessarily a city we were born in. Over the years I have heard people saying that Paris, London, New York, Tokyo, and many other cities are “their cities”. The…
Hamsi Season
Istanbul is my place. I always wait impatiently to pack my bag and land at Ataturk Airport. This is the place that mesmerizes me with its organized chaos, crazy drivers, highly demanding housewives, imams calling to prayers, service and food. Before the trip I plan my meals in the tiniest details, waiting for my taste…
kasiasteps 