Sunday, December 29, 2013

Happy New Year Istanbul

2013 was a tough year for the city but I hope all the good wishes written on the hang-tags in Nisantasi streets come true in 2014: change, friendship, peace and harmony. Sound of music and joy fill the streets instead of violence, tear-gas and water cannons.



Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Bebek

Going to Bebek on a weekday morning was one of highlights of my short break from work. It was quiet and peaceful, far from being the poshest neighbourhood of Istanbul. Luckily the sun was generous and I spoiled myself with a nice breakfast at Mangerie. 


Sunday, December 22, 2013

One Fine Evening

One good thing about Zorlu Center- the latest huge ‘luxury’ complex in Istanbul - is its Performance Arts Center. I hope it can fill the halls with music and art and pay back to the city for invading the green land and hurting the skyline. 
Last evening was a fine one with London Concert Orchestra’s brilliant performance of John William’s greatest film scores. Star Wars was dominating the play list but my favorite one was the emotional violin solo of Schindler’s List. 


Saturday, December 21, 2013

Longing For...

Sometimes small pleasures are not good enough to keep the life bearable; you need a solid base to look toward a brighter future. You want to raise your children where there is no corruption in almost all areas of life. You long for justice, integrity, transparency and accountability. You long for clear and blue skies. 


Monday, December 16, 2013

Istanbul in Watercolor

I like Istanbul most in Isil Ozisik’s watercolour paintings. The city looks fragile and soft but you can feel its great energy and liveliness. Humble and splendid at the same time...




Sunday, December 15, 2013

Oldies but Goldies

It’s a good feeling to go to a place and find it the same of your memories. Everything was so familiar after a long time in Haci Abdullah; pickle jars, friendly staff, variety of food choices and irresistible sweets. I asked to myself ‘why don’t we come here more often?’ and then remembered the reason: it’s too expensive. Yes you expect to pay a premium for being in one of the oldest traditional restaurants of Istanbul but you don’t want to feel cheated.



Friday, December 13, 2013

Well Done ezobee

I really did enter my 30th post! It made me happy and proud to press the 'publish' button every time and this is what matters only for now. I am being kind to myself today and allow some show off…

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Sound of Silence

Snow finally came and created picturesque scenes in almost every street of Istanbul. I tried but the strange yet amazing stillness was hard to capture with the camera.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

F.R.I.E.N.D.S

How many times can you watch the same thing over and over again? And how can you laugh more each time? It is endless for me if we are talking about F.R.I.E.N.D.S. I coincidentally discovered that there is a scientific fact behind this behaviour: A new study finds that watching repeats of our favourite TV shows can actually help us feel more in control and happier. I’ll continue until I find my own Central Perk in Istanbul…


Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Boza

I get really sad every time I hear the voice of the boza seller calling in the dark, cold Istanbul nights. Somehow I imagine a very poor man struggling to survive - kind of the Turkish version of the Little Match Girl; he is out there in the cold while we are sitting comfortably at our warm homes…





Monday, December 9, 2013

Mother and Daughter

Since she was 2, it was obvious that my younger daughter would turn to a devoted Sebnem Ferah fan. Now she is 14 and I enjoy her company to every concert this amazing woman has in Istanbul. Most probably we relate Sebnem’s heart-felt songs to different things in life but this doesn’t stop us from creating a unique bond and screaming together.


Sunday, December 8, 2013

Luna Park

Wish we had more of these parks in Istanbul and in much better quality. I realized it’s been years since we last went to the one in Bostanci;  it looks shabby but still full of laughter and screams.


Saturday, December 7, 2013

A Cup of Coffe

What I like most about winter is that you don't need to push yourself to go out and do something fun. Home itself can be quite fun with only a cup of coffee and protects you from Istanbul's cold and biting wind.



Friday, December 6, 2013

Suit & Tie

One good reason to look forward for 2014; Justin Timberlake's concert in Istanbul  on May 26th. Can't wait to see his superstar evolution live.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Nomads

Good Lebanese food, oriental atmosphere and belly dance show; not to miss if you are looking for an Arabic flavor in Istanbul. I have been there twice, first with colleagues and then for a birthday party and was amazed in both times with the performance of the goblet drummer. He played will.i.am and Queen songs and really really well.


Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Small is Beautiful (Too)

If the one in Akmerkez is the tallest Christmas tree in Istanbul


the one I have at home is the smallest. And it is good enough to cheer me up.


Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Missing the Snow

If you are not sitting at home warm and safe, snow is usually a pain in Istanbul since the city has no proper infrastructure to cope with it. But I really missed its beauty; time to take the gang out of the closet.






Monday, December 2, 2013

Burger

Why can’t we resist a burger even in an Italian restaurant?
Safe choice for taste? Good price/performance ratio? Like the guilty feeling?  I assume everyone has a different point of view but it was again the winner of the evening.



Sunday, December 1, 2013

Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word

Seeing Blue in their Istanbul concert was much more fun than I was expecting, Didn’t regret being a part of the screaming teenage crowd, especially while listening to Elton John’s great song.




Saturday, November 30, 2013

Are You a City Person?

Contrary to many people I become more and more a city person as I grow older. Can’t remember exactly what I was thinking while watching the awakening of Times Square from a hotel room but most probably comparing the life in NYC to Istanbul.


Friday, November 29, 2013

Black Friday in Istanbul, Really?

Are we importing only bad habits from US? Now the Black Friday, another temptation to spend money and related to something we even don’t celebrate. Hmmm...Having said that I fell easily into the trap! One cardigan and one shawl!


Thursday, November 28, 2013

Little Budgies

Life has a way to rearrange your plans, even for these little budgies...They were thinking to visit Istanbul just for a couple of weeks but unexpectedly became part of family. Findik and Fistik, thanks for bringing fun to our lives and we'll do our best to keep you happy and healthy.


Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Macrocenter

Don’t like supermarket shopping but Macrocenter is an exception. Yes, it is expensive but there is no doubt on quality and no alternative to variety. Also congrats to their agency for designing the best insert; macrostyle. I love the branch in Akmerkez most among all in Istanbul. Santa has arrived there too and in one thousand versions…