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Travel Dine Stay - Sal Wayne Schmidt

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  • Our Snow Drive in Georgia

    The snow only fell for that one day, but caused havoc on the roads in and out of the mountains, so with our impending departure, we were monitoring the road closures. The highway was opened back up the night before we were due to leave our beautiful Airbnb mountain oasis , and trucks were still forbidden to travel due to risk and safety; the roads were very icy, needed widening, and to be cleared of more snow. If we hadn't made the run on our scheduled day, more snow was coming, and our little hire car with summer tyres and no chains would have presented challenges in getting it back to the capital and down the snowy terrain. Our friendly hosts came to farewell us and, I am sure, wished us lots of luck in Georgian, as we descended the mountain in our little hire car. We managed to get the car from the drive and onto the now one-way road, praying we wouldn’t meet oncoming traffic as we made our way to the main road. As we passed our wild horses, we quickly stopped and left the last feed we had prepared, nourishing them until the grass reappeared from the snow. Arriving at the main road, we were happy to see it was relatively clear; snow had been grated from this section, and the trucks were still waiting to be permitted back. We accelerated out on the road and started our three-hour trek along the icy, slippery and slushy highway. Although the views were spectacular, all eyes were on the road, and we made our way to safety. Wayne expertly navigated the road as we battled the ice on the highway and through the traffic. The Georgian way still existed, and they would still pass in these conditions on risky terrain, and at times, we only had one lane for us all! The tunnels we entered were pitch black, although it was the middle of the day. The higher we went, the blizzard started, and the visibility was limited. Still, we crawled up the mountain slowly, and as we reached the ski resort town of Gudauri, where we had stayed a few weeks before, it was now covered in snow, and a whole new village opened up! We attempted to take a break for a coffee and go, but after attempting to park and nearly becoming stuck, we hurried back out to the road and continued our journey. The trucks were all laid up on the other side of the ski village, miles and miles of semis just waiting to continue their deliveries. After seeing the hundreds of trucks with full loads from all nearby countries, you quickly understand the impact of a few days of delays on the supply and demand chain as they were waiting to cross the border to Russia. As we descended, the skies cleared, the snow became scarce, and we were back dealing with the Georgian droves of horses, sheep and cattle, which was a blessing after the torturous icy roads. We could relax again! In the final hour or so, we continued to our next destination, a cosy little historical village called Mukhrani, located on the outskirts of Tbilisi , where we relaxed for a few nights. Date: 23 November 2023

  • Telavi - Georgia

    Following our getaway in Menavi , we arrived in Telavi, also in the Kakheti wine region of Georgia, which was the perfect stopover as we slowly made our way to the mountains in Georgia. We base our destinations on accommodation, as it is imperative to us as full-time travellers. Telavi presented a stunning, quaint boutique hotel called Communal Hotel in the old town, which we couldn't pass up, so it was on the list. Telavi is home to 20,000 Georgians, and the first settlement on its territory appeared in the Late Bronze Age, and developed in the Hellenistic period. In the late Antique period, a city-type settlement emerged, and according to written sources, Telavi has been inhabited since the 11th century. So, it is a prime spot for history lovers as it is rich in cultural monuments of different periods. The town, surrounded by the beautiful Alazani Valley, is the centrepiece, accompanied by "Batonis Tsikhe", a castle that was the residence of the kings of Kakheti remains, and is the only Royal Palace in Georgia, now called House-museum of King Erekle II, a museum of local lore since 1927. As we arrived mid-afternoon, we quickly checked in and hit the pavement to explore the city with only one night up our sleeve. We wandered by the impressive palace and enjoyed the beautiful boulevard decorating the castle with all the locals soaking up the last of the autumn sun, and continued exploring the city. It was busy with locals being midweek, so the community's energy was flowing, providing us with a local vibe. We busily captured the town's essence and soon found ourselves devouring more Georgian food in a German-themed restaurant, would you believe, which was highly ranked on Google and didn't disappoint. It was a lovely restaurant just outside the hub of the city with warm service and full of locals, so you know you are onto a winner! The evening took us back to the hotel to enjoy the beautiful accommodation and prepare for the next few weeks in the mountains, knowing this would be the last of the larger cities, to ensure we were equipped for the remoteness and knowing we needed to source some layers for the below-zero temps that would be upon us. Telavi, you needed more time to fully explore and appreciate the city, the nearby wineries and the Alazani Valley. Next time, we must arrive a little closer to the high season, as it would have been magical to take a balloon flight over the valley. We only had the option for a private flight at 850 USD, as it was low season, and there were no other customers to form a group flight. Date visited: 8 November 2023

  • Kazbegi - Georgia

    After spending the past few weeks in hotels, we were more than eager to arrive at our Airbnb and nest for 11 nights. We had researched the perfect place and crossed our fingers and toes, hoping it truly ticked our boxes, being cosy and warm with breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains region. Our hidden gem of an Airbnb was located in Akhaltsikehe, just 12km from Stepantsminda , perched on a hill, guaranteeing the most breathtaking views in the Caucasus Mountains region. After we were prepped with food, coffee and wine for our stay, we were on the road. We struggled to find butchers locally, so it was going to be a meat-free stay for us, but we were well-stocked on fresh produce from the local store. It was impressive that the lovely store owner still used an abacus. We love these moments as you travel. As we were a little early arriving, we took the opportunity to take a drive and explore the area; we were in the heart of the valley with everlasting views; the house, as promised, was perched high up on a steep hill and was encompassed by not only Mt K azbek (third-highest peak in Georgia) but Mt Shani (4,451m and is on the international border between Georgia and Ingushetia, Russia) , another impressive mountain just on the border of Russia. We were excited to check in, and after arriving, we were only too pleased with ourselves; we were onto a winner. Our dear hosts, a father and son duo, were absolutely adorable. We conversed by Google Translate, and our hearts were full; these guys have created a magical getaway for all to enjoy and escape to Georgian nature. The home was like no other; first and foremost, it was super cosy, warm and designed with floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the majestic 360-degree views day and night. During our trips to the local town to stock up, we loved the morning drives past all the wild horses grazing roadside and swimming in the nearby bodies of water. One morning, we arrived in town, and a herd of horses were in the centre amongst traffic, catching a drink from the fountain. It is not something you experience every day, but it is widespread in these parts of Georgia; we definitely played the tourist that day, with our camera at hand. We spent the next few weeks nesting, catching up on work, enjoying downtime, taking daily walks, cleaning the earth and feeding the wild horses who would come by to graze each day. They soon ate out of our hands and were only too happy to have us in their presence. We couldn't wait to visit our new local produce lady to stock up on apples and carrots to keep our new friends nourished. Time slowed as we nested and took a break from travelling; it was pure bliss. The days would pass, watching captivating sunrises, sunsets, and ever-changing mountainscapes, and enjoying being near all the beautiful horses. One afternoon, we were out clearing the meadow, and a little mishap happened; my iPhone 13 decided it was keen to 'camp out' with the horses in the meadow for the night, and after a few hours of searching, we admitted defeat; it was just below zero, so we retired for the night! Find my iPhone kicked in later that evening, and we could pinpoint the location; brave hubby took to the darkness with a torch from our spare phone (I think we all know how this mishap happened...), but after one hour of searching, as it wasn't pinging, he soon returned! The rain was teasing us with a light shower, then fully invited itself in to settle for the evening; after five hours of torrential downpour, we were confident our phone wished it had decided against a night out in the bush! The following day, we retraced our steps and were guided by Find My iPhone. After a short ping to the phone, it responded and shared its location with us. Albeit it was a little cold and surprisingly steered clear of becoming waterlogged after landing face down on the ground, it was back in our safe little hands, and lo and behold, it was working, undamaged and in perfect condition. The universe was on our side! A couple of other little surprises happened over our stay; later that evening, the first snowfall blessed us with its presence; we love a winter wonderland, so we were over the moon! As morning approached, it was full of silence and pure white fresh snow. The first snowfall was 35 cm overnight, and the world surrounding us was like a painting, a beautiful Georgian winter welcome! Our hosts were lovely and popped by with some freshly caught fish for us. The following day, bread and homemade cheese, and let's not forget the homemade Cognac, we were invited out on the deck to enjoy and savour the moment together of the first snowfall, soon realising it is also a trick to stay warm in the below-zero temps, we got down to -12 in only a few days! Only after the cognac bottle was dry after 20 mins did we realise our work day was over and it was time to sober up before noon, but not before we felt another couple of G&Ts were a good idea! The warmth and kindness of our hosts will hold a special place forever in our hearts; it's moments like this you cherish as you travel; they are truly precious! Our hearts were full, and Stepantsminda, Georgia, you are a true gift! Fun fact: Australia has the world's largest population of wild horses. At least one million “brumbies,” as the horses are known, roam free throughout the continent. Date visited: 21 November 2023

  • Stepantsminda - Georgia

    It's time to continue the road trip to our ultimate destination, the place we fell in love with on Google, Stepantsminda, Georgia. A design hotel called Rooms Kazbegi sits in the depths of the valleys with 360-degree views of the mountains. Rooms Kazbegi One is Mount Kazbek, 5054 meters above sea level; Mount Kazbek is the highest mountain in Eastern Georgia and the third-highest peak in the country. Kazbegi is the second-highest volcanic summit in the Caucasus; the last eruption occurred c. 750 BCE, bearing in mind Australia's highest mountain is 2000m, so we were in awe! Mount Kazbek With only an hour's drive from Gudauri , it should be straightforward as we continue navigating the Georgian traffic up the mountain. The views were simply stunning as we neared Stepantsminda, and we were getting excited with the sprinkling of snow on the peaks. We did come across one section where about 200 trucks were parked on the side of the road waiting to approach the Russian border to cross; this involved two-way traffic sharing one lane, and there were many deep breaths as we were sandwiched between the semis and the oncoming traffic, with a deep sigh of relief as the road opened back up, we made it! We arrived shortly after at the hotel,  Rooms Kazbegi,  and it was perfect, with rooms facing the mountains, breathtaking views of Mt Kazbeg and a cosy atmosphere set up to relax, stay warm, and enjoy local cuisine and wines for the weekend. We were in our element! Every aspect of Rooms Kazbegi felt tailored to ensure we were in our element, immersed in comfort and the natural beauty of the area. A truly exceptional experience for anyone looking to enjoy a serene mountain getaway. Highly recommended! With the Gergeti Trinity Church in view, a quaint church elevation of 2170m located ten minutes from town up the mountain, we took the opportunity to drive up for the views, and they were spectacular. Others had chosen to hike up; kudos to them, it was pretty steep and cold! Not our idea of fun! Drive to Gergeti Trinity Church Drive to Gergeti Trinity Church Gergeti Trinity Church Our weekend was priming us for the elevations, and for the next 11 nights, we had planned to nest in a remote Airbnb ten minutes from Stepantsminda. We couldn't be more delighted with the region and knew we were in for a treat! Date visited: 12 November 2023

  • Gudauri - Georgia

    It was time to embark on the journey to the Georgian Caucasus mountains, and the first leg was an overnight in Gudauri, about 3 hours from Telavi . Gudauri is a ski resort located on the south-facing plateau of the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range in the Stepantsminda District, along the Georgian Military Highway near the Jvari Pass, at an elevation of 2,200 meters above sea level, and only one hour from our final destination, Kazbegi. As we hadn't quite packed for the 0 °C or below temperatures that were coming, we sourced a local clothing shop; there was only one on the way to the mountains (based on Google). So we popped this as a stopover in our nav. As we approached the shop, we were in a residential area, but we did see a small sign on the garage window, so we attempted to enter. It appeared no one was home; as we pulled away, a young lady popped out, and we were in luck. She opened her garage and presented us with a boutique store with an excellent range of items on the racks, something for everyone. We quickly retrieve a few layers to keep us cosy in the mountains. We made each other's day as we walked out with a bag full of clothes between us, and we were eternally grateful for her entrepreneurial skills. Thank you, LIVI Clothing Store in Kvemo Alvani, a small village with a population of 2,500, for keeping the locals and visitors looking their best and staying warm. We were back on the road for Gudauri, embarking on another eventful and fun drive, navigating the hairpins, animals, and traffic. We were impressed with the infrastructure; the roads on this side of Gudauri are well-maintained, providing peace of mind as we travelled. Partway through the trip, it was time for coffee, perfect timing on our behalf as up ahead was Zhinvali Water Reservoir, one of the most beautiful places in Georgia. We were thrilled with the majestic views, turquoise waters and, of course, coffee. We spoke with the store owner, and the reservoir supplies drinking water to approximately half of Tbilisi's population. As we paid, we left a little tip, but he wouldn't accept it, so he loaded us up with a collection of bottled water from the reservoir and a few snacks; he was super kind and made our day. Upon arriving in Gudauri, our trusty Google Maps, although in this case, incorrectly assumed we had a 4WD, not a Camry, took us via the back roads (which were not fit for anything other than a tractor), and we ended up at a chairlift, thanks to masterful driving by my hubby! We pulled into a nearby hotel and asked for directions; they claimed to be unaware of the hotel we were inquiring about, although it was in sight and a few resorts away. We soon discovered we had asked the oldest hotel on the slopes for directions, which appeared displeased with the new neighbouring competition! After settling into our stunning ski resort, Gudauri Lodge (without the snow), as it is still too early in the season, we had the hotel almost to ourselves. So, we sat back and enjoyed an afternoon beverage, followed by a delicious dinner and the breathtaking views. Gudauri Lodge Gudauri Lodge We were in awe of the surroundings, and they were just as impressive without the snow. You have beautiful churches perched up on the mountains, and upon waking and opening the curtains with the clouds capturing the mountaintops, you also have wild horses grazing. We were at peace, and Georgia was showing us her beauty. We were only too eager to get to our final destination, Kazbegi. Gudauri, Kazbegi Date visited: 10 November 2023

  • Lisbon - Portugal

    A week in Lisbon was the perfect warm-up for our five-month adventure, which began with  sailing along  the west coast of Africa with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Lisbon, the largest city and capital of Portugal, is spread across seven hills and boasts over 500,000 inhabitants. The city offers the quintessential European experience, complete with winding cobblestone streets and a skyline punctuated by medieval castles. We chose to stay in a very central location at the beginning of the beautiful Avenida da Liberdade, a tree-lined avenue that runs straight through the heart of the city. Our unique lifestyle hotel, Locke de Santa Joana , was just a few months old. Originally a 17th-century convent, this restored gem now hosts 370 serviced apartments, coworking spaces, meeting rooms, a courtyard, an outdoor pool, restaurants, and bars. The flat terrain of the area made getting around effortless, unlike the rest of Lisbon's hilly landscape. As an aparthotel, it was perfect for preparing a few home-cooked meals before embarking on our 24-day cruise down the coast of Africa. Locke de Santa Joana To celebrate visiting our 81st country, we dined at the hotel's restaurant, Santa Joana, on our first night in the country. Renowned chef Nuno Mendes delivered a world-class Portuguese gastronomic experience. Although the atmosphere and service were still finding their feet, the quality of the food made up for it. Later, we enjoyed a meal at Santa Marta , the all-day dining restaurant where both the service and the food were impeccable, easily among the best we had in Lisbon. Lisbon is the ultimate hangout for anyone who adores wandering around, camera in hand, ready to snap away. The city's breathtaking architecture, spanning centuries, means that every twist and turn in its cobblestone streets presents a new opportunity for a fantastic shot. It's as if the whole place is a living museum, with every little alley and building front whispering stories, inviting you to delve deeper and soak it all in. Each picture you take feels like pocketing a little piece of Lisbon's soul, making it the perfect spot to roam and uncover its beauty, one photo at a time. Our week was a blend of work and exploration. We enjoyed stunning views, service and food over Lisbon from the beautiful rooftop restaurant, Rossio Gastrobar . We overindulged in their excellent selection of cheeses; it soon became a favourite after a few visits over the week. At  Red Frog,  a speakeasy cocktail bar, also a 50 Best Bar, and Monkey Mash , we mingled with locals over bespoke drinks. We were grateful for the last-minute reservation and having the opportunity to enjoy the exclusive Red Frog and exquisite cocktails. One of our culinary highlights was Michelin-recommended Prado , a farm-to-plate restaurant focused on national, seasonal, and fresh ingredients. Every dish was delicious, and we even considered ordering some twice! Prado also introduced us to Portuguese wines, which we now greatly appreciate. We experienced the historic charm of the 140-year-old Glória funicular, a staple in the city's vibrant tapestry. However, it is with deep regret that we acknowledge the recent tragic incident involving this iconic tram . Our thoughts are with the victims and all affected by this sorrowful event. As we reflect on the memories of our journey, our hearts go out to those impacted by the tragedy. Glória funicular, Lisbon Following our tram ride, we ventured into the vibrant Bairro Alto neighbourhood, where we admired its historic architecture and cobblestone alleys. A visit wouldn't be complete without sampling the renowned Portuguese tarts, a must for any visitor to the area. All these experiences highlighted the richness and diversity of the local culture. We stumbled upon an Italian restaurant called  Leonetta  in the Bairro Alto neighbourhood for our final dinner in Lisbon, where we were fortunate to score a table and enjoyed the atmosphere and food as we reflected on the five months ahead, travelling the world. Lisbon is a city that demands more time to be fully appreciated, but we loved our brief visit before we embarked on our cruise on the stunning Splendor with Regent Seven Seas . We are looking forward to returning in March to explore more of this wonderful country. Date visited: 11 November 2024

  • Tbilisi - Georgia

    Tbilisi in Georgia is a melting pot of music, food, cocktails, wine, and inspiring architecture. This European city sings all day and night. You have pianos scattered throughout the old town, with pianists entertaining nearby restaurants, street bands passionately playing and singing to locals and visitors passing by. Most bars and restaurants also feature talented artists' performances each evening. You are full of life and joyful energy. Our days were filled with indulging in the local cuisine in Tbilisi, Georgia's capital, which is home to just over 1 million people. Georgian food is full of surprises, and it's unlike anything we've tasted. Think cheese toasties, but in a whole new format: Khachapuri, a cornbread baked full of cheese. We couldn’t get enough. OtsY was full of charm, a welcoming energy from the owner-chef, and the food was exceptional. We also received a few tips on how to pronounce thank you in Georgian. Another favourite dish for the Georgians is Khinkali, dumplings filled with meat, fish, vegetables or cheese; yes, cheese is everywhere! They were an experience, and one that required an empty belly, as the portions were enormous, unlike the Chinese dumplings we are accustomed to! Barbecue grills are another typical dish of all meats, often covered in red onion, but a delight. Tbilisi soon became a favourite for trying new dishes, the Georgian food was delicous, and the dining experiences were very memorable. After researching the best places to dine, we came across  Barbaresta , a truly traditional family restaurant offering a dining experience inspired by the legendary 19th-century Georgian writer and chef, Barbare Jorjadze. Here, you can explore authentic and timeless Georgian cuisine. The restaurant's décor transports you back to another era, with a charming blend of soft lampshades, delicate lace tablecloths, and vintage crockery. The architecture in Tbilisi was stunning as we explored our 74th country, Georgia, and the beautiful Georgian homes and buildings were a sensory overload, especially with the Autumn hues decorating the city. We stayed in the old town, and it was full of charm. Our hotel, called  The Blue Fox Hotel,  was a 100-year-old mansion that had been recently restored; it was beautifully designed and was the perfect base. The safety of the city was comforting; we found ourselves getting lost in the steep little alleys at times and were always greeted with smiles and warmth as we walked on by. The cocktail bars were plentiful and kept us entertained; we soon made friends and were super impressed by the quality of cocktails and the selection of drinks. We soon became barflies at Gastrobar Barbar`a , The Gin Corner , enjoying conversations and swapping life and travel stories with the staff. We would often find ourselves in neighbourhood bars, where we loved the local ambience and atmosphere. The staff were all full of warmth and positive energy; we couldn’t just stay for one! Five nights were only a taster of this beautiful city, and we look forward to closing our Georgian travels in a few weeks, back in Tbilisi to continue discovering more gems. Date visited: 5 November 2023

  • Lisbon to Cape Town - Regent Cruises

    Embark on a remarkable journey with us as we sail across the high seas from the historic city of Lisbon to the picturesque vineyards of Cape Town. Our voyage aboard the Seven Seas Splendor with Regent Seven Seas Cruises traces an exquisite route that introduces us to a tapestry of cultures, from the aromatic allure of Morocco's Tajines to the joyous spirit of children in some of the world's most remote communities. Our vessel, the Seven Seas Splendor, is a testament to nautical artistry. Her sleek design, from bow to stern, encapsulates luxury and comfort. The ship's ideal capacity made our voyage particularly exceptional. It balanced spaciousness with intimacy, hosting 746 guests with attentive service from 548 crew members. Every detail on Regent Seven Seas Cruises is finely curated to enhance the travel experience. The Splendor is perfectly designed to ensure guests never feel crowded, allowing each individual to savour their journey as though on their private vessel. With three specialty restaurants offering exquisite dining options and a selection of bars featuring live music, the ship offers many choices catered to every taste. Lisbon to Cape Town - Regent Cruises Our all-inclusive experience onboard the Splendor was transformative. The convenience of an all-inclusive lifestyle where one does not need to worry about the little things, like taking out a key card, adds luxury to the cruise that we quickly grew to adore. A highlight of our cruise experience was the extraordinary treatment we received when our laundry was returned, not merely clean but presented in beautiful boxes enveloped in tissue paper—a touch of elegance that did not go unnoticed. Above all, the crew of the Seven Seas Splendor amplified our journey to new heights. Skilled and passionate, each member showcased why they are the best in their field, turning exceptional service into art. Lisbon to Cape Town - Regent Cruises This cruise from Lisbon to Cape Town is not just a journey across the ocean; it's an exploration of varied landscapes, cultures, and the human spirit. As we sailed from the bustling bazaars of Morocco to the tranquil wineries in Cape Town, what stood out were the universal warmth and smiles of the people we met—memories that will remain with us long after our splendid voyage.

  • Manavi - Georgia

    It was time to leave the capital, Tbilisi , and explore rural Georgia. So, we hired a car for a few weeks and plotted an itinerary to provide us with a sample of Georgian nature, as the mountains were calling us. Don't miss our Georgian driving tips below. Aware of our leisurely pace and the finite window of our month-long visit, we acknowledged that not all of Georgia could be explored this time around. Thus, we decided to focus on a specific region that held the promise of unforgettable experiences, leaving the rest for another adventure. Our sights were set on Stepantsminda, nestled in the northeastern part of Georgia, a 3-hour drive from Tbilisi. After researching and following recommendations, this was precisely what we had been looking for. We can't wait to share more on this soon; love at first sight! To keep our travel days short and sweet, we planned several stopovers en route, including a stay in the famed winery region. After all, who could resist the allure of waking up in a vineyard? Our first stop brought us to the Giuaani Winery in the historic village of Manavi, situated in the heart of Kakheti, Georgia's premier wine region. This boutique winery provided not just a serene place to rest but also an inspiring workspace. True to our hopes, it was the perfect introduction to the Georgian countryside, complete with delightful culinary experiences and the freshest breakfasts. As we navigated through Georgia's wine culture, our palates began to show a keen interest in Saperavi, a vibrant red, and a selection of aged Qvevri wines, particularly the esteemed orange wines. Driving in Georgia Before we move on to the next destination, let's talk a little about driving in Georgia, which differs significantly from what we've experienced before. Our two tips: Always assume the car behind you is already overtaking you It is to realise that the oncoming traffic is also overtaking. Too often, three cars are alongside each other on a two-way road. The oncoming traffic will overtake you in the near distance or on a bend, so you don't see them coming. You often have to slow to a stop to let them back into their lane. This gets even more daunting as you take on the mountain roads and hairpins at 2000m elevation. Assume traffic entering your path from the crossroads will always jump out. It's best to be fully aware, and there are no rules; it's quite the experience, but one you soon become all too familiar with, and it's just the Georgian way. In addition to navigating the Georgian drivers, you'll also encounter wandering animals like horses, cows, sheep, pigs, and dogs sharing the roads. This experience is in itself entertaining, and our drives become the highlight of the day with so much activity! And if this isn’t enough to keep you entertained, you have passengers hanging out the sunroof at 2000m high, nothing like respecting other drivers trying to navigate all the above and the tight hairpins too! Kudos to Wayne for keeping us safe on Georgian roads, after a few weeks he is now driving life a local, with the exception of the risky overtaking due to wanting to stay married! As we delve deeper into Georgia, echoes of our three months in Morocco resonate, from roadside butchers to the simple, square architecture and the vibrant life in small villages. This journey not only connects us with the landscapes and flavours of Georgia but also with the rich tapestry of its culture and traditions. Date visited: 8 November 2023

  • Babel Cafe Restaurant - Istanbul

    Babel Café Restaurant - Two visits Babel is an authentic cafe restaurant with impeccable cocktails and Turkish cuisine from Hatay, Antakya, located in a beautiful cobblestoned alley in Beyoğlu , Istanbul. Hatay is a province in Southern Turkey that borders the Mediterranean Sea and Syria. UNESCO recognises it as the "World City of Gastronomy". A friend in Belgrade recommended us Babel, and he was definitely on point. We were warmly greeted by the lovely team and enjoyed an afternoon devouring the most delicious food and cocktails. We loved this dish called Gül Böreği (Rose Pastry) so much, we ordered it twice. It is a pastry filled with minced meat and spices, topped with yoghurt. The flavours were like nothing we had experienced, absolutely divine. Babel is a cosy and comfortable cafe with eclectic decor, perfect for people watching and enjoying the local life around you. Highly recommend a visit to enjoy the atmosphere and sample new cuisine.

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