Istanbul - The Best of East and West

When my best friends kidnapped me for a surprise trip to Istanbul I didn't really know what to expect. My thoughts immediately went to fears and misgivings. The political climate there is not so great, I though. Not to mention the Turks are not fans of Isreali tourists these days and honestly, Istanbul?! whats wrong with Paris, Rome or Barcelona? 

However, three days later I can honestly say: boy, was I wrong. Istanbul turned out to be one of the best cities I have ever traveled to and here is why. 

Besides its geographic proximity to Israel (a mere hour and a half plane ride away)  Istanbul turned out to be a lively, one-of-a-kind city that seems to capture the best of East and West. It is strategically situated on the banks of the Bosporos strait, connecting it to both Europe and Asia. This "prime" location has made Istanbul an important economic, social, intellectual and cultural hub since its foundation under the Byzantine Empire and to this day. 

Due to its geographical vantage point the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires made it their capitals leaving the city rich with history, architecture and art dating back to the 4th century AD. 

The culture is a fabulous mix of East meets West. You can walk through super chick and hipster neighborhoods with narrow cobblestone streets stopping to have a cup of Turkish coffee with a Turkish delight and from there head on for a pampering afternoon at a 500 year old traditional Turkish bath (Hammam) right next door. You can go to fancy restaurants looking over the Bosporus and from their head over to the many hustling bustling Bazaars where you can find anything from textiles to fresh herbs and spices. Be sure to check out The Egyptian Bazaar and the Grand Bazaar for a magnificent and breathtaking walk through all the goods Turkey has to offer.

If history and architecture are your priority, you can easily spend a couple of days exploring the many architectural marvels from the Hagia Sofia to the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. If food is what you are looking for you are in for a treat. The Turkish cuisine is rich and varied. They take pride in using only fresh and seasonal vegetables and products. The street food is also a treat and you can enjoy an entire day of strolling and tasting the many delicacies the streets have to offer - from fresh corn on the cob, to the many pastries and boreka or balik-ekmek. 

Don't pass on a Turkish must  - a strong cup of afternoon coffee. And finally, don't miss a tour of the more rugged Asian side. Take a boat ride to the Asian side (on the boat yon might enjoy live Turkish music) where you can stroll in a mouth-watering food market. Istanbul is a city to get lost in - every  turn you take you can find something to see, do, listen to or eat. And of you get lost - just look for look for the Bosporus, which will surely give you a sense of direction.  

    

D.Y. College Students - Take a break and visit Africa

It's the same routine, every single day, over and over again - Go to class for 90 minutes, take a short break for 15 minutes, and again - Go to class for 90 minutes, take a break

for 30 minutes, and again, and again, and again... And during your break you have to decide:

1. Should I go and grab a coffee before Elizabeth arrives? (Oh great!)

2. Should I go and heat up my boring dish to exhaustion to eat at Leo's? (Oh, you dare!)

3. Should I run away home before Aliza spots me in the hall? (Oh, Netflix is calling!)

4. Should I go and breast feed my daughter before Julia is here? (O.M.G!)

5. Or... should I go visit Africa? ( Oh, wait a minute, WHAT???)

Now, I know, you will probably go for no. 1, and later during the day for no. 2, then give a thought to no. 3, and I wouldn't even dare to think about no. 4! But, have you thought about no. 5 or you just came up with the thought about this creepy blogger again? Can you really imagine yourself traveling far far away to Africa during recess or if it's even possible?

Well actually, yes, it is possible! For an interesting break need look no further than Binyan Alef's second floor, where after this Passover vacation, David Yellin College will be hosting a unique photographic exhibition, called "In The Heart of Africa". Eleven photos of African children will be presented. The children were captured on camera during their day to day chores, at home, at school and in their surroundings, including one heart. One red heart.

All the photos were taken on a two months journey from South-Africa to Zanzibar, covering 8,000 km across 7 countries, giving you an opportunity to get a sneak peak to some real African life, while holding cappuccino ( no. 1 right? ) in your hand as the break goes by.

The exhibition will continue at least until the end of June, right around the corner and right under your nose. So, if you already got the chance to cover those first 4 options mentioned above, take the 5th for your next break in D.Y College.

Have a safe journey.

Full disclosure - The photographer is actually, me :-)

Istanbul, Heaven on Earth

Three years ago, I went to the most interesting city in the world, Istanbul. I enjoyed every second of my trip, and I think that spending one week in Istanbul is not enough. I would like to live in Istanbul for a year in order to explore it and fall more in love with it.

Perfect London

For me London is the perfect city to travel to there is a good vibe and people there are nice and polite. London is a city that combines great culture, musical shows, endless things and places to see, great night life, and, of course, last but not least, shopping!!! Here are a few tips for a perfect trip to London:

Heaven on Earth

When was the last time you took a break and went on a vacation? If the answer is "too long ago", let me tell you a little bit about beautiful Thailand- the perfect place for the perfect vacation!

Before you come, don't take a shower!

For most of us, a waterfall is a relaxing place to sit by and perhaps have a romantic breakfast next to, however, the Iguazu Falls are for the adventurers among us.

The most beautiful sunset in the world

Imagine yourself sitting leisurely on a balcony facing west, a glass of excellent Assyrtiko white wine in your hand, as you look at the sun slowly descending into the Mediterranean Sea, painting the sky all sorts of pinks and oranges. Bliss.