As promised :) My Istanbul experience!!

"If one had but a single glance to give to the world, one should gaze on Istanbul"

- Alphonse de Lamartine [1790 - 1869]

and that is precisely how I felt and for a multitude of reasons!

- The warmth of the people - always ready to help, their hospitality is second to none!
- The history, the Mosques, the Harem: Topkapi Palace, Aya Sophia Church, Blue Mosque
- One of the best nights of my life: picture this - sitting down on a couch in a terrace, covered with blankets, overlooking the breathtaking view of the bosphorous sea together with the majestic Aya Sophia Church and the Blue Mosque, at night ..what a sight. I remember I didnt want my eyes to blink, as I knew that such a surreal sight is precious!! Of course, whats more important is the company, and I had the honour to have Vladan by my side... to talk about everything....life, love, work, ambitions, dreams, fears...
- One astounding thing happened on Saturday night, Yes, I did run into someone on Saturday night...I thought that that would be practically impossible..... - such a big city... how can I bump into someone I know? Yes, it did happen.....

Prior to my trip to Istanbul, I wanted to meet some people whom I know and live in Istanbul...one of the people that came to my mind was Tugba, but I of course knew that thats impossible as Tugba is finishing her international MC term. Oh I was wrong, so, on my way up to a terrace of a club, I bump into Tugba and I could not believe my own eyes........ whats even better is that she told me that she will start a traineeship in Belgium in June or July!!!! Great great news...I also met the current MC that happened to be partying there together with Tugba


We were a group of around 14 people in Turkey, mostly trainees from DHL



On Saturday night we went to Taksim to party the night away. It was a pleasantly warm evening, streets packed with people, amazing atmosphere, music, food.... good positive spirits


One of our numerous boat rides..... :)



more boat trips :)


The Harem - impressive history, buildings, art and decor....


gorgeous sunset..

Met Nino after 3 years!!!!

I spent most of my time catching up with Vladan..... he is my newly acquired brate (brother in Serbian!!)...Hvala ti for being who you are.... I met Vladan 6 years ago in Spain, so this was 6th anniversary of being super friends!!


A picture of a mosque at twilight

Istanbul was one of my best trips ever..... There is something special about the city, something that you dont feel in any city.....reasons for this? the rich history mingling with the present, the hustle and bustle in the streets, the sunshine and warmth, the mediterranean feeling, the link between asian and europe, the fact that even though its a HUGE city you still feel that the city is organized....the hospitality.....

maybe it is special to me because I am a "southern" girl myself and it really feels like home.....

I cannot end my post without Thanking a few special people such as my adorable Ozler and her perfect friends - Aslisah, thank you so much for hosting us.....

Hvala ti Nino for your patience with me and Vladan and all the group......Cant wait to meet you again!!