Anyone can take a trip, a vacation, however the art of travel and escape is enhanced by exploring hidden places of a region or city, meeting local people, enjoying private visits to landmarks with no other tourists about, savoring traditional food and drink, and ultimately create a lasting unique memory for oneself or your family.  Layers upon layers of cultural experiences are what truly define a well-enjoyed journey.

Spend a bit of time over the next few weeks and meet a few of the delightful and interesting craftsmen, chefs, artists and even an Imam whom I met while roaming the exotic cobblestone streets, restaurants, mosques, and waterways of Istanbul. One of the most fascinating historic cities, filled with treasures and very welcoming people, just as in Eastern Africa, I was thanked by a few for ‘visiting my country’.

And… finally, I was allowed into the sacred mosque!  I am still attempting to master the path of professional gypsy, more practice is necessary; but until then, please enjoy my latest adventure to the beguiling city of Istanbul. Call me when you are ready to escape!

Love the street scenes, ordinary food presented in such lively fashion: round chips on a stick, grilled corn on the cob, the common pretzel, puffed up  and served from a roving gourmand!