A few years ago I had the pleasure of meeting the powerhouse that is Poesy Liang. An artist, jeweller, composer and all round entrepreneur, she was back then involved in the Bald Empathy Movement, visiting Europe, taking breathtaking photos of her long, thick hair in stunning shoots – only to then shave it all off to show empathy for those who have suffered from cancer and premature baldness (and to commemorate her own experience with the disease).
Miss Rosie and I have a travel thing going on. Last year we went to Moscow, this year Istanbul and next year, we want to do Tel Aviv. No one really wants to go with us to these exotic places. Maybe they are exotic but not exotic enough? Or maybe it’s us? In any case, we end up going on our own and the results thus far, have been very positive. Moscow we loved (apart from the taxi situation) Istanbul we loved too (definitely because of the taxi situation).
I’m not really sure if I found anything negative about Istanbul. I’m thinking hard here. Fair enough, some of the vendors were a tad pushy, but you had to give it to them – at least they were talented nation spotters (apparently I have Swedish written across my forehead). And they also knew how to say hot chicks in Swedish. What a gift.
I’m a great fan of lists and it’s been a while since I compiled one. So without further ado, here are my top likes about Istanbul.
1. Turkish breakfast
Since I’ve been together with the Italian (nearly 3 years now), we’ve been going to Ibiza every season. He loves Deep House and I love the sun. He probably loves Deep House more than I love the sun and that says a lot. While I do like the clubs, I just love the vibe of the island. Everyone’s just so happy and it really rubs off on you the moment you land at the ariport. For the record, the airport is a pleasant experience in itself as it too is so relaxed.
Another Monday, another flower show. Hampton Court Flower Show could’ve been a disaster as the rain looked like it was just waiting to pour down, but we managed to stay dry. Miss C admittedly got some mud up her legs, but what can you do when there’s soil everywhere?
I much preferred Hampton Court from Chelsea Flower Show. The installations were more interesting and had a whole different agenda, sometimes even political.
My colleague Miss C is teaching me the ins and outs of English life and customs and today she introduced me to Easter biscuits. I didn’t get to try them, they were reserved for her ‘boy of the moment’, but I must say they look very appetising.
still or sparkling? 