Search this site

Over six months, we had the privilege of exploring Türkiye; we embarked on a captivating journey through the remarkable country, delving into a diverse array of destinations that offered unique insights and experiences. Our journey through this fascinating country immersed us in its rich culture, history, and traditions. Our travels took us through the mesmerizing rhythm of Istanbul, where we indulged in the city's vibrancy and hidden gems for a generous six weeks. We then ventured to the serene island of Adalar for a restorative brief night's stay, followed by a contemplative two-night interlude in Bursa, allowing us to savour its tranquillity. In the heart of Cappadocia, we were captivated for two incredible weeks, immersing ourselves in the region's ancient allure and otherworldly landscapes. Ballooning and horse rides were the highlight, in addition to the culinary delights. A meandering pause in Feke and Keyseri provided a meaningful contrast, offering a glimpse into a more intimate side of Türkiye. Feke stole a piece of us, and we didn't want to leave. Our odyssey continued with a week in the dynamic capital of Ankara, followed by a spellbinding exploration of Alacati and Cesme, where we revelled in the local hospitality for four enchanting nights. The quaint charms of Sigacik and the serene allure of Kusadasi beckoned to us for a week each, offering intangible moments of peace and reflection. The sun-kissed shores of Bodrum in the Mugla region then unfolded before us, casting a spell that held us captive for an evocative three weeks. Gumusluk was paradise. A fleeting but unforgettable brush with Akyaka and Marmaris provided a glimpse of their distinct character. At the same time, we luxuriated for indulgent days in Dalyan, Gocek, and Fethiye, relishing in the timeless beauty of each locale. In a thoughtful denouement, our sojourn concluded with an evocative encounter with Antalya, offering two days filled with history, incredible dining and natural marvels. Reflecting on our travels, when it comes to security, Türkiye's got your back. You can wander around Istanbul and other parts of the country with a sense of ease and freedom. Safety is high on the list here, so you can focus on embracing every moment of your adventure. Oh, the people! I've got to tell you, the locals are friendly as can be. Their warm hospitality will make you feel right at home, and you'll walk away with stories of heartwarming encounters that'll stay with you long after your trip. Although deliberate, the unhurried pace of travel allowed us to savour each moment and fully absorb the manifold experiences that awaited us. Türkiye's all about that slow and steady pace. Embrace it, my friend! Take your time and soak in every bit of the culture and scenery. It's not just about ticking off places on your list—it's about living those moments to the fullest. Now, let's chat about accommodations. You've got options! Whether you're into the local Airbnb scene or the comfort of a hotel, Türkiye's got you covered. Each offers a unique experience, so pick what suits your vibe and budget. When it comes to getting around, you've got taxis and private cars (shoutout to Tranigo!) at your service. Taxis are convenient, but be ready for potentially long wait times. You do have Uber as an option, too. On the flip side, private cars can offer a more reliable and comfortable ride. Whichever way you choose, remember to factor in those wait times. Timing is everything, and in Türkiye, October-December and March-May are prime months for your adventure. The weather's just right, and you'll avoid the big tourist crowds, allowing you to savour the beauty of Türkiye in a more laid-back atmosphere. Last but not least, tipping etiquette! While it's not expected, a little token of around 10% will make the locals' day. It's a small gesture that goes a long way, showing your appreciation for excellent service and spreading some good vibes along the way. So, there you have it! With these insights in your back pocket, you're all set to embark on an unforgettable journey through Türkiye, filled with amazing experiences, heartwarming encounters, and memories that'll last a lifetime. Safe travels, and we hope you feel the same way we do about Türkiye. For more details on our favourite dining establishments and accommodation in Türkiye, click here.

Secret Garden Restaurant Büyükada - One visit Upon arriving in Adalar on our ferry, we needed a great place for a lazy lunch. After a quick google, reviewing the positive feedback, we were in a secret garden restaurant enjoying excellent Turkish food. It indeed was an escape as it is tucked away in the most magical garden setting. We would have loved to have experienced it during the evening; you can imagine the beautiful lights surrounding you. The setting is very calming and genuinely a hidden garden. You are enveloped in bright flowers and plants, along with enlightening quotes and decorations. The service was excellent, Engin was very friendly and welcoming, and a pleasant surprise to receive a picture of us in a frame. The food was excellent, primarily seafood (obviously being on an island). We started with the delicious fish bites followed by meat dishes, and they were delightful, especially the lamb. Our lazy lunch was a lovely afternoon and a perfect welcome to our one night away on this fabulous island.

Palya Cafe - One visit Palya Cafe (downstairs from Palya Restaurant) is a casual cosy shisha bar and cafe where you can absorb the sunset views of a distant Istanbul over the sea of Mamara whilst enjoying a beverage of your choice, along with a hookah. We were greeted with big smiles and warmly welcomed to take the best seats in the house to make the most of the view. We enjoyed meeting the team, especially a young man who recently arrived from Afghanistan, Hedayat. He is an absolute delight to chat with, exuding positive energy and listening intently to his stories. It was indeed an eye-opening conversation, and we were blessed to meet such a lovely young man and have stayed in touch. The lovely guests from Iran regularly intervened to take pictures together. We had so much fun getting to know each other, taking photographs, switching Instagrams and conversing by Google Translate. Meeting some gorgeous Iranians has moved Iran up on our must-see places to visit. The Iranians are incredibly friendly, hospitable, kind and have an infectious appetite to learn from you and hear all about your experiences. (This continued throughout our stay in Adalar, it was adorable). We were not only popular with the Iranians, but we also made a new furry friend. The resident kitten was very excited to meet new faces and was very playful and craving attention. We very much enjoyed our evening watching the sunset and meeting so many beautiful people from all parts of the world.

Liman Restaurant - Two visits Liman restaurant in Adalar has a great atmosphere, lovely decor and design, great views, and is perfect for people watching. Less of a tourist trap, a hotspot for locals and if you are fortunate to stay overnight, be sure to enjoy the evening live entertainment, a great vibe and energy. The live entertainment was excellent. Expect attentive service from the fabulous team. The team are full of fun, energy and personality. The food was exceptional, traditional fish and steak restaurant, prepared and cooked with care and consistency, after dining for dinner and lunch in 24 hours. The fresh fish was also very popular, so you won't be disappointed if you are a fan. Impressive classic cocktails and a great selection of Turkish wines are also available. Liman is a top choice in Adalar.

Ascot Hotel Buyukada - One night The Ascot Hotel is a boutique hotel in Adalar, Istanbul, modern, pristine clean with stunning views of the sea of Marmara. We booked on hotels.com a sea view suite 15 minutes before checking in. Therefore we were basically a walk-in (no luggage). It was a spur of the moment booking after arriving on the island and realising we needed more time to explore this picturesque island. The suite has an incredible terrace overlooking the sea, with comfortable lounge seating and an outdoor setting. The bed was equally comfortable for a peaceful nights sleep. We received friendly service and a lovely warm welcome, considering we were a last-minute booking. We were there during the offseason, but they have a beautiful large pool which would be lovely in the warmer weather to enjoy and relax. Location was ideal, as in the heart and easy access to all the walking areas and dining establishments.

There are some travel experiences where you arrive knowing exactly what to expect. Then there are those wonderful surprises that completely win you over. Our visit to Ardgowan Distillery, just outside Greenock, was definitely the latter. And here’s the thing: even if you don’t consider yourself a whisky lover, you may very well walk away as one. A Distillery at the Beginning of Its Story There’s something quite special about visiting a Scottish distillery that has been making whisky for generations. But there’s something perhaps even more exciting about visiting one that is only just beginning. Ardgowan Distillery is remarkably young, with its first whisky casked in June 2025. That means its earliest spirit is currently tucked away doing something that simply cannot be rushed: becoming Scotch whisky. The setting could hardly be more Scottish. Originally a traditional farm, the property sits among lush green hills, with its own water source and beautiful old farm buildings now given new purpose. Former horse stables are now home to casks sleeping quietly for the years ahead. Old Scotland meeting new Scotland. And it works beautifully. Meet Scott, Richie and Helmut A distillery can have beautiful buildings, expensive equipment and impressive whisky, but it’s the people who turn a tour into an experience. Scott (who soon became Scottish Scott to us), Richie and Helmut were an absolute delight. Their knowledge seemed endless, covering everything from the whisky-making process to cask selection, maturation, blending and, importantly, what we should be drinking! There wasn’t a hint of whisky snobbery here; just good vibes and great pours. And let me tell you, we picked up a nifty little trick from the pros: adding a few drops of water to your glass (yep, with non-chilled whisky) isn’t just about easing the edge. It’s like unlocking a secret code that brings out the oils, the layers, and all those hidden flavours waiting to shine. Our tour was wonderfully intimate, with just us and another couple from France. They arrived as complete whisky novices and, somewhere between the explanations and tastings, became converts. By the end, they were heading home with two bottles. That probably tells you everything you need to know about the tour. A Modern Distillery With Some Serious Hardware Although the surrounding farm is traditional, step inside the distillery and things become decidedly modern. The gleaming copper stills are brand new, spectacular pieces of equipment that immediately command your attention. Even better, they have names. Lady Octavia pays tribute to a lady connected with the farm, while her twin, Sarah, was named after the founder’s daughter. It’s a lovely personal touch in a distillery where so many details have clearly been considered. Then there are the casks. Ardgowan has enormous 700-litre casks, an extraordinary feature of the distillery and something we certainly hadn’t encountered before. We were told they took around three years to develop and build. This entire project has clearly been created with the long game in mind. A Passion Project With Sustainability at Its Heart Behind Ardgowan is the vision of an Austrian whisky enthusiast who appears to have approached the project with one philosophy: if you’re going to build a distillery, build it properly. No expense has been spared in creating an incredibly modern operation, but what impressed us just as much was the emphasis on sustainability. From the distillery's design to the use of the existing farm buildings and the property's natural resources, sustainability was considered from the beginning rather than added later as an afterthought. This was achieved through initiatives across every element of the whisky-making process. It makes this shiny new distillery feel surprisingly connected to the surrounding land. But What Do You Drink When the Whisky Isn’t Ready Yet? This is where things get interesting. Scotch whisky takes time, and Ardgowan’s own spirit is still maturing. Rather than simply waiting, the team has been busy sourcing exceptional casks and creating the Clydebuilt range, giving visitors the opportunity to explore an impressive selection of single malts and blended whiskies, including award-winning expressions. And explore we did. The tasting was generous, varied and genuinely educational. Instead of simply being handed a glass and told what flavours we should be finding, we were encouraged to understand what we were drinking and why it tasted the way it did. Dedicated drivers are treated to a travel tasting to enjoy once they are safely off the roads. Some were absolute gems. Naturally, a few bottles came home with us. Ardgowan has even managed to get a gin into the bottle already, and there’s a cocktail bar on-site for those who want to venture beyond whisky. For whisky enthusiasts, here’s something pretty unique we stumbled upon: the chance to own your very own private cask. Imagine knowing there’s 250 litres of whisky aging away, waiting for you a decade (or even longer) down the road. It’s not every day you can say, “That barrel right there? Yep, it’s mine.” The Best May Still Be Ahead Perhaps the most exciting part of visiting Ardgowan now is hearing what is planned for the future. The long-term vision includes a striking modern visitor centre overlooking the distillery, complete with a tasting bar, and plans to further develop an authentic corner of the original farm into another tasting experience. It means the Ardgowan you visit today is only the first chapter. We’ll be able to say we visited when the first casks were still sleeping in the old horse stables. One for the Greenock List If you’re visiting Greenock, particularly on a cruise or while exploring this beautiful part of Scotland, put Ardgowan Distillery on your list. You can book your tour tickets online and catch a taxi from Greenock Port for £20 each way; it's only a 15-minute drive. We caught a taxi from the port, and the friendly team called us one after the tour to take us back. You don’t need to be a whisky expert. You don’t even need to particularly like whisky. Go for the setting. Go for the fascinating story. Go to see how a modern Scottish distillery is being built from the ground up. And definitely go for Scott, Richie and Helmut, whose warmth, enthusiasm and extraordinary knowledge made the experience. We arrived curious. We left with bottles, considerably more whisky knowledge and a noticeable bounce in our step. We’re blaming the Scottish country air. The tasting had absolutely nothing to do with it. 🥃

Take a moment. 1.1 million people. That number is almost impossible for the human mind to comprehend. So perhaps the only way to begin is to stop thinking about the number and think about the people. People who had names. Families. Homes. Jobs. Children. Parents. Dreams. Suitcases packed with belongings they believed they would need for whatever came next. 1.1 million walked in and never walked out. Auschwitz Our private journey to Auschwitz-Birkenau with Krakow Direct began with our driver, Konrad, who was excellent from the moment he picked us up. Professional, punctual and thoughtful, he understood the significance of the day and made the journey comfortable while allowing space for the quiet that naturally accompanies such a visit. Then we arrived, and the words on the page became real. Walking in their footsteps. The tour takes you on a journey of approximately two and a half hours, walking through the grounds and buildings where these events actually happened. You are not simply being told a history. You are walking through it. At the beginning of the tour, names of victims are quietly announced. One after another. Names of people who once lived, loved, worried, laughed and dreamed. It is a small gesture, but standing there listening, you realise why it matters. Because the Nazis tried to turn people into numbers. The memorial gives some of those people their names back. Stripped of everything. As we moved through Auschwitz, the enormity of what happened began to reveal itself through the belongings left behind. Behind glass were thousands upon thousands of shoes, of all sizes. Then suitcases, Cooking pots. Spectacles piled up; personal possessions and jewellery had been stripped from them and sold. Then you are taken aback by an enormous quantity of human hair that had been cut from prisoners and collected by the Nazis for use in their war economy. To put it in perspective, the display revealed two tons of human hair. You stand looking at these objects and realise that every single item belonged to someone. A suitcase represented a person who believed they were going somewhere. A child’s shoe belonged to a child who should have been running through a playground. A cooking pot belonged to someone who thought they would need to prepare another meal. Glasses belonged to someone who needed them to see. And the sheer volume of these possessions becomes a devastating visual representation of how many human beings were stripped of everything they owned. Not just their possessions. Their identity. Their dignity. Their humanity. From people to numbers Prisoners were tattooed with identification numbers, reducing human beings to something resembling an inventory system, or being branded like livestock. It is difficult to stand there and comprehend how methodically people were dehumanised. Names became numbers. Families became groups to be separated. People became categories. And eventually, for millions, people became statistics. Yet every statistic represented a human life. The selection Perhaps one of the most confronting parts of the history is learning what happened when deportees arrived. Many were transported here believing they were being relocated or taken somewhere they could start again. They arrived by train directly into the camp with their possessions, their families and whatever hope they had managed to hold onto. Instead, they faced a selection process. Doctors and SS personnel assessed people as they arrived and directed them into different lines. One direction could mean temporary selection for forced labour. The other could mean almost certain death. For many women with children, young children, elderly people and others considered unable to work, there was no meaningful choice at all. They were generally sent directly to the queue, which they did not know led to the gas chamber, but just a shower and a better life. There were horrifying exceptions. Twins, for example, were sometimes selected for medical experimentation because of the Nazis’ interest in conducting racial and genetic experiments. Imagine arriving at a place you believe may be the beginning of a new life, only to discover that someone standing in front of you can point left or right and determine whether you live or die. That single gesture could decide your fate. Every building tells another story. Every building, corridor and display revealed another layer of unimaginable suffering. The preserved belongings, the cramped barracks, the punishment cells, the death block, the gas chamber and the remnants of the machinery of genocide transformed history from words on a page into something painfully real. Seeing these places with your own eyes feels profoundly different. You can read about overcrowding, starvation, punishment and systematic murder in a history book, but standing inside the cramped barracks and punishment cells gives those words a physical reality. The buildings are silent now. But the silence feels heavy. The journey to nowhere Perhaps the most haunting aspect is understanding the deception. People were often encouraged to believe that they were being taken somewhere safe. They were told to mark or remember their luggage. They arrived with belongings that they expected to reclaim. Instead, they were led through a process designed to strip away every last possession and ultimately their lives. The journey they believed might lead to somewhere better became their final journey. And walking through the buildings and grounds today, knowing what happened next, makes that deception almost impossible to comprehend. Birkenau Then you reach Birkenau. The scale is overwhelming. Birkenau, with its vast expanse stretching into the distance, was perhaps the most confronting part of the visit. Standing beside the railway tracks where families arrived, often unaware of the fate awaiting them, it became impossible not to imagine the fear, confusion, and heartbreak so many experienced. The railway tracks stretch into the camp, bringing thousands upon thousands of people directly into the machinery of mass murder. Standing there, looking across the enormous grounds, it is difficult to understand how this could have existed. But perhaps the hardest thing is not the scale. It is imagining the individuals within it. The mother holding her child’s hand. The father carrying a suitcase. The elderly person trying to keep up. The child who didn't understand what was happening. The person wearing the shoes you saw behind glass. The person whose name was quietly spoken at the beginning of the tour. Suddenly, 1.1 million is no longer just a number. It becomes 1.1 million individual lives. A place you don’t leave unchanged It is difficult to describe the emotions that accompany this visit. It is heavy. It is confronting. It is heartbreaking. The overwhelming feeling is not simply sadness, but disbelief that human beings could inflict such calculated cruelty upon other human beings. The complete disregard for life, dignity and compassion is almost impossible to comprehend. Walking the grounds where so much cruelty occurred, seeing the conditions people were forced to endure and witnessing the sheer volume of belongings left behind is something that stays with you. Our on-site guide was informative, knowledgeable and respectful, helping us understand the history without sensationalising it. That's precisely why visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau matters. The memorial is not about dwelling on the past. It is about understanding it. It reminds us where hatred, prejudice and dehumanisation can lead when left unchecked. Every visitor becomes part of the promise that these stories will keep being told. That is why Auschwitz-Birkenau is not simply somewhere to visit for its historical significance. It is somewhere to remember. To learn. To confront. And to understand what can happen when prejudice, hatred and dehumanisation are allowed to become a system. This is not a destination you leave saying you enjoyed. It is a place you leave carrying with you. And perhaps that is exactly how it should be. 1.1 million walked in and never walked out. Take a moment.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the buzzing capital of Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands off the northwest coast of Africa. Santa Cruz was our third destination on our 110-day Cunard World Cruise aboard the divine Queen Anne ship. Tenerife reveals its hidden charms when you leave the main roads behind. Our day began aboard a rugged 4x4, ready to explore an island of contrasts: golden and volcanic beaches, misty mountain viewpoints, and centuries-old villages steeped in history. Our first stop was Playa de las Teresitas, a breathtaking stretch of golden sand framed by palms and the turquoise Atlantic. The calm, sunlit coastline provided a gentle start to the day, a perfect moment to breathe in the fresh ocean air and admire Tenerife’s softer side. The journey then climbed through the winding roads of the Parque Rural de Anaga, where the scenery became increasingly lush and dramatic. Deep ravines, jagged ridgelines, and dense vegetation unfolded around us, creating a sense of travelling through a hidden, almost primeval world. The 4x4 handled the narrow, twisting mountain roads with ease, allowing us to fully absorb the grandeur of this protected natural area. From there, we ventured inland to a dramatic contrast: the volcanic black sand beach of Almáciga. Here, the dark, coarse sand and crashing waves offered a raw, elemental beauty that spoke of the island’s volcanic past. Standing on the shoreline, it was impossible not to feel the power and history of Tenerife beneath your feet. Next, we stopped in Taganana, a quaint coastal village perched on the hills. Here, we sampled locally made wine while taking in sweeping ocean views (the views were much better than the wine). The village exudes charm and authenticity, offering a glimpse into a quieter, slower-paced side of Tenerife life that feels untouched by time. Continuing higher into the mountains, we reached Mirador Cruz del Carmen. At this lofty viewpoint, the air turned cooler and the breeze brisk, reminding us of the altitude, and we regretted leaving our jackets behind. We quickly walked to the viewpoint to take in the panoramic vistas of forested peaks and distant coastline, the mist and chill lending a mystical quality to the scene, albeit briefly, as we were soon back to the warmth of the jeep, admitting defeat. Our final stop was San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a treasure trove of history. Wandering through its cobbled streets, colourful colonial buildings, and lively plazas offered a perfect contrast to the natural landscapes we had explored earlier. La Laguna’s charm, culture, and stories provided a thoughtful and memorable conclusion to the day before we returned to the port. From golden sands to volcanic shores, winding mountain roads, and historic streets, this 4x4 journey revealed Tenerife in all its contrasts and beauty. It was a day filled with dramatic landscapes, quiet villages, and unforgettable views a true window into the island’s soul. Date visited: January 2026

Djurdjevica Legat, a piece of heaven in Ključ, the Serbian Countryside; hidden amongst rolling vineyards, fruit orchards and sweeping valleys, delivering one of those unforgettable experiences that reminds you why we travel in the first place; not for ticking boxes or rushing between attractions, but for genuine connection, peaceful surroundings and the people who welcome you as if you’ve known them forever. Arriving at the property, we were immediately captivated by the views. Endless green meadows stretched across the valley below, framed by vineyards and orchards that seemed to roll on forever. The setting is incredibly peaceful, offering the perfect escape from the pace of everyday life. Djurdjevica Legat - Serbia The accommodation itself is only a year old and beautifully executed. Modern, spacious and thoughtfully designed, it strikes the perfect balance between contemporary comfort and rural charm. Everything felt fresh, immaculate and inviting, making it easy to settle in and simply soak up the tranquillity of the surroundings. Our private terrace quickly became our favourite place to unwind. As the sun slowly disappeared behind the valley, painting the landscape in shades of gold and amber, we found ourselves completely immersed in the beauty of the moment. Yet while the scenery is spectacular, it is the people who make Djurdjevica Legat truly special. From the moment we arrived, Radiša, lovingly now known to us as Tata, welcomed us with an authenticity that cannot be taught. His warmth, kindness and infectious energy created an atmosphere that immediately made us feel at home. Although our Serbian language skills left a lot to be desired, Tata’s wonderful daughter Ivana was always happy to assist with translations via a quick call, ensuring that nothing was ever lost in conversation. One of the highlights of our stay was enjoying traditional Serbian hospitality around the table. The local food was delicious, prepared with care and showcasing the region's flavours. The wines, produced by the family winery, were equally impressive and perfectly complemented the experience. What stood out most was that this never felt like a commercial accommodation. Instead, it felt as though we had been welcomed into someone’s home. Every conversation, every glass of wine and every shared moment carried a genuine warmth that is becoming increasingly rare to find. Before leaving, we couldn’t resist visiting the winery shop and selecting a few bottles of the family-produced red wines to take home with us. They now serve as wonderful reminders of a truly special weekend. Breakfast is included with every stay. While we were still wonderfully full from the previous evening’s feast and only managed coffee, we have no doubt it would have been exceptional, featuring the freshest local ingredients from the surrounding region. We opted for the peaceful wander through the lush vines before hitting the road for our next Serbian adventure. As we packed our bags and prepared to leave, there was a surprising sadness. Not because the weekend had ended, but because it genuinely felt as though we were saying goodbye to family. For anyone seeking a peaceful countryside escape, exceptional hospitality, beautiful wines and some of the most breathtaking valley views Serbia has to offer, Djurdjevica Legat in Ključ is a destination that deserves a place on your travel list. Some places offer accommodation. Djurdjevica Legat offers belonging. Thank you, Radiša (Tata), Ivana and the entire family for creating such a special experience.

Adalar, Princes' Islands - One night It all started with 'Let's get lost in Istanbul'. It was Friday at noon on the 22nd of October. This weekend reminded us why we travel. Found the first ferry, and two hours later, we were in Adalar, one of the nine Princes' Islands of Istanbul. We thought it was about a half-hour cruise... Our ferry ride with Beşıktaş Iskelesi Ferry Very comfortable and spacious ferry to Adalar, one of the Princes' Islands, in just under 2 hours, you arrive. You first board in Beshiktas and make a few stops along the Bosphorus, where you can enjoy beautiful views of Istanbul before heading to the island. It all started with 'Let's get lost in Istanbul' You also have a catering service that offers juice, coffee, tea, and a snack. Beware, these are chargeable and quite expensive at 50 TRY for a juice and a basic toasted panini. The ferry ticket costs only 15 TRY (AUD 1.60), making it a very cheap way to reach the island. You can spend a day easily strolling around and enjoying the dining on Adalar. However, our story was a little different. The island was a nice, calm escape from the intensity of Istanbul, with only electric transport, think Hamilton Island, QLD, Australia. Time for lunch. After a quick Google search, we found a secret garden restaurant called 'Secret Garden Restaurant Büyükada', where we enjoyed excellent Turkish food. After lunch, we found Palya Cafe, a cosy bar where we enjoyed a Shisha and soaked up the view before our ferry home. It all started with 'Let's get lost in Istanbul' We started chatting away with our delightful waiter, Hedayat. He recently came over from Afghanistan, listened intently to his stories, and talked about the power of positivity. After meeting a few couples/families from Iran (along with our new furry friend) and taking some happy snaps, chatting via Google Translate, we decided to book a hotel, AscotBBüyükadayukada, which we did instantly via Hotels.com. Checked in, and it was time to try Liman Restaurant, where we had passed earlier. With live music and being a Turkish grill, we were not disappointed. It all started with 'Let's get lost in Istanbul' The next day,y we were up and about (in the same clothes) to explore the beautiful architecture and views of the island. Found a lovely boutique to purchase new clothes, as it's starting to get chilly, so it's time to stock up on winter clothes. Another delicious lunch back at Liman Restaurant, the same restaurant from the night before, to the ferry home (connecting with more lovely Iranians) during the sunset over the Bosphorus A perfect getaway to Adalar, one of the nine Princes' Islands in Istanbul. It all started with 'Let's get lost in Istanbul'