Tuesday 27 May 2014

Travel Diary: Istanbul

Istanbul has easily made its way to the top of my list of favourite cities and if you've been there I'm sure you feel the same way. From the beautiful scenery to the mouth - watering delicacies, there's something for everyone. 

After a long and tiring plane ride from Saudi Arabia all I wanted to do was get to my hotel and hit the bed but unfortunately that wasn't possible. Passport control at the Istanbul airport was a nightmare, I must've waited for about 3 hours in the queue but it felt like 3 months! Anyway, we eventually made it to the hotel and settled in just in time for dinner and being the typical Durbanites that we are, we searched for an Indian restaurant hoping to satisfy our craving for home food. We managed to find a little Indian restaurant called Taj Mahal which is situated in a small alley off Istiklal Street. Four dishes and 45 minutes later we were ready to see Istanbul by night. The atmosphere is amazing, no matter what the time, there's always someone on the street! 

I'm not much of a history enthusiast but I do enjoy the odd tour, I didn't get to see all the sights that I had planned to see but honestly I was so exhausted (and bored sometimes) I don't regret not visiting every sight in the guidebook. I did however manage to see the Eyub Sultan Camii, Fatih Camii, Sulemaniye Mosque, Ayah Sofia, the famous Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Museum. The architecture was astounding, it's mind boggling how they designed the intricate details and patterns. I took a few snaps, learnt a few facts and made my way to the famous Grand Bazaar. I don't think I've seen the whole Bazaar because it's huge but I didn't mind because I wanted everything I set my gaze on which left me broke by the time I left. 

Lastly, the Turkish Hamam is a must-do! you cannot leave Istanbul without experiencing it. I wasn't sure what to expect as I heard that they scrub you until you're raw and bathe you in boiling water which was so far from what I experienced. My bath was quite a pleasure actually, they placed me on a hot marble slab, gave me a massage, scrubbed me down then poured hot and cold water to open and close my pores. By the end of it I wished to take one of the ladies home with me so I could get a weekly scrub down. 

There's so much more I could say about this magnificent city but I'll cut it short. Here's a few of my favourites from the city -


  • The street food -  roasted chestnuts, simit (bagels) with nutella, turkish ice cream, roasted corn.
  • The nightlife especially on Istiklal street and in Nisantasi
  • The Sahlep (hot drink made with goat's milk and cinnamon) at Mado 
  • Mabel chocolate which I searched Istanbul to find
  • Apple tea and pomegranate turkish delight

Replicas of the Blue Mosque are all over the city
Building on Istiklal Street
Flower Market in Taksim
The Best Chocolate Ever

Roasted Chestnuts
Street Art
Fatih Camii
Drinking Natural Spring Water
Replica of the Blue Mosque
The city is full of cats!
They say you can see a man's character by the size of the tree that grows above his grave -
outside Eyup Sultan Mosqu
e


Arabic Calligraphy on the door handle 
Traditional lentil soup eaten before meals as a starter especially in winter with Lemonata (lemonade) and Ayran (made by diluting yoghurt with water and adding salt. Best served chilled, as an accompaniment to any meal or a refreshing drink in the summer time)
I was excited about my ice cream
Souvenir



Topkapi Palace



Entrance of the palace

Street vendor making sticky sweets


Outside the Blue Mosque

Blue Mosque courtyard

Grand Bazaar


Apple Tea
Come visit me, I give good discounts
Ayah Sofia

Mosaic of the Emperor, Lady Sofia bestowing gifts upon Jesus


Pink Bomber Jacket - Stradivarius
Blue Icon tee - River Island



Thursday 15 May 2014

Travel Diary: Makkah

Makkah - the city that never sleeps! The last time I visited Makkah was before the Haram (Mosque) renovations had begun so being there this time was quite fascinating, seeing half the Haram stripped away and the cranes filling up the horizon. The crowd was unbelievable, everywhere you look there's people, spilling out from every avenue. Unlike Madinah, there is always a buzz in the city, people are always on the go, racing against time to complete their Umrah (pilgrimage) or trying to get into the Haram in time for the next Salaah (prayer). I stayed at The Fairmont in the clock tower which was amazing. Everything from the room to the service was spectacular but the cherry on top was my view! From my room I was able to see the Ka'bah, I just spent my time in my room admiring this phenomenal sight, with a view this good how could I not?









Travel Diary: Madinah


A couple weeks ago I was blessed with the opportunity to go for Umrah (a pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah). It was not my first visit but I think every opportunity should be savoured. That being said, the first sight of the Haram (Mosque) still brought a tear to my eye as if it was my first visit. My spiritual journey commenced in Madinah for three days thereafter Makkah for another two days. I've always said I prefer the bustle of Makkah but this trip changed my mind. Madinah is so tranquil despite the millions of people passing through the streets at any given time, it truly is God's miracle. My days were spent visiting the Haram and enjoying some of my favourite treats from the local supermarket, Bin Dawood (the greatest store ever in my opinion). One of the Mosques I visited was Masjid - al - Quba. Millions of people come here on a Saturday to perform prayers as it was customary for our Prophet (pbuh) to do so. Outside the mosque are street vendors selling fresh produce and souvenirs. I purchased the sweetest dates ever, enough to send my sugar levels through the roof but it was well worth every Saudi Riyaal.