Istanbul Sunset

The keen eyed, the twitter followers and the instagram followers, and those waiting for my posts on Berlin will no doubt go – HEY – what happened to Berlin? Well, here is the deal, I can’t write about Berlin while in Istanbul?

Why? Because I am so absorbed in this right now that it is all that I can think of, and because Berlin was so (and in its own wonderful way) different. It will make more sense to write about Berlin when I am back in northern Europe (Amsterdam), at the weekend. (If you are curious though, you can take a peek at instagram where I post everything as it happens, it is best used as an app on your phone, I love it).

I am working on a 6 city commission for Housetrip, writing recipes and content for their site, and some content for here too. It is wonderful hopping from city to city and exploring vastly different cultures back to back. I have had to split the trip in three to accommodate my bacon masterclasses next week and a few other things, but that extends the pleasure.

The only things I have arranged in each city are some tours to help me dive right in, everything else I am discovering as I go and planning when I arrive. I like to travel like that sometimes, when I have time to be a bit more relaxed. I love fine dining but don’t always feel the need to do it, these trips are more about uncovering the local flavour, the markets and how to cook it yourself in your own kitchen.

Istanbul? Charming, gorgeous and full of flavour. I am still discovering so will save the detail for a bit. But here is my postcard, enjoy it.

Lamb chops at Asmali Cavit

All calm after sunset on the Bosphorus

Istanbul roof tops (from my roof terrace)

Playing football by Galata tower

Borek Café (haven’t eaten here but like the look of it)

Love the street food carts in Istanbul

Ottoman Pit Roast Lamb at Siirt Şeref Büryan Kebap Salonu – part of the highly recommended Istanbul Eats food tour

Galata Tower, Istanbul – my apartment is right next to it

Fishing on the Bosphorus, Istanbul

Istanbul bread seller- delicious bread he was selling too, just by the blue mosque

Turkish coffee, some of the best in the city, still roasted over wood (part of the Istanbul Eats tour)

Time for tea! This guy has been growing his moustache for 4 years. Isn’t it awesome?!

Street shoe shining in Istanbul

Uber food guide, Angelis, hanging out with some locals drinking tea

… lots more soon!