Slipping Through My Fingers

I had this great Abba song in my head during all weekend; 

  Slipping through my fingers all the time 

  I try to capture every minute 

  The feeling in it 

  Slipping through my fingers all the time 

  Do I really see what's in her mind 

  Each time I think I'm close to knowing 

  She keeps on growing 

  Slipping through my fingers all the time 

Time really flies and the difference between the two cakes tells it all, doesn't it?

Thanks to cookiestore - best cakes in Istanbul!! 

Where Have You Been HRC?

Going to the zoo and Hard Rock Cafe were the two must do touristic activities when we were travelling abroad with our young kids. It may sound cliché but we always had fun memories for both. Whether you hate or love HRC concept I always thought a city like Istanbul should have it. And now it does…Most of the people I know are not huge fan of chain restaurants but there is no harm to enjoy the service of the friendly staff and the rhythm of the loud music. Make sure you are hungry when you go there because the portions are big and you don’t like to see your overpriced food is wasted… oh and please ignore Katy Perry’s bunny mask :)

Live to Eat

Italian food has always been popular in Istanbul dining out and it is not a surprise to see Eataly at top of the list quickly. Its concept that combines eating and food shopping is a novelty and time will tell if it will keep its charm among locals and become a must stop for visitors or will wear off after a while. La Pasta e la Pizza is the restaurant we tried and liked with its good food, reasonable prices and cosy location. 

Tough decision you have to make is to select between two classics: tiramisu or gelato?

One City Classic

Politicians must be thinking that pavement stones are the one and only problem Istanbul residents have hence renewals started as we approach to the local elections in March. Somebody should tell the mayor that waking up people at 8:00 am on holiday/weekend mornings is not very clever. 

My Little Red Hat

I like to wear something funny in New Year’s Eve. This year’s stuff is from Atlas Passage, one of the most colorful shopping areas for gift ware and accessories in Istanbul. I had no intention to create an optical illusion but couldn't ignore this match. Wish to look at the whole year through the eyes of the young one :)

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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...

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.

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…

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.

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…

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.