Istanbul!

Dear readers,

As said in my previous post, for me, Istanbul was MAGICAL!!! I loved the diversity you see in the streets...it's a combination of modern and traditional. You see these amazing mosques and quite close to it these amazing architectural modern buildings. And of course, the Bosphorus which divides the Asian part of Istanbul from the European part, CRAZY...where else in the world can you find that?! EXACTLY...NOWHERE :P At night, Istanbul is simply a portrait of the image I have when thinking of 1001 night...the shadows of the mosques, the Bosphorus, the twinkling of lights and a serenity which you can only feel and which is really difficult for me to describe here. I think it's better for you to feel it yourself :) I can highly recommend a city trip to Istanbul! Istanbul offers you everything you need, from shopping in Europe's 2nd largest shopping mall, having a culinary experience at one of Istanbul's finest restaurants, exploring the culture of Turkey and Istanbul in particular, being amazed by the kindness and hospitality of the Turkish people to getting pampered in a traditional hamam...Istanbul has it all!

Here are some pictures of my 5 day citytrip to Istanbul. I hope you like it!



Blue Mosque

 

Me in front of the Blue Mosque



Inside the Blue Mosque with my friend

Inside the Blue Mosque

Me posing with a palm tree :)

The Aya Sofya mosque

Sushi at Sunset Grill & Bar Restaurant

The amazing view of Istanbul by night from the Sunset Grill & Bar restaurant

YEAH...we bought the same shoes! Aren't they fab?

Uh oh...I did it again! ;)

Ok, this is HEAVEN @ Cevahir Shopping Mall

Haha, look at the enormous bread they gave us...YUMMY!

Just before going to bed @ White House Hotel Istanbul

View of Istanbul by day from the cab

I tried to show you the diversity of Istanbul with these shots...I hope it worked! :)

Has any of you ever been to Istanbul? Did you like it?

Love, Melissa

Colombia & Istanbul!

Dear readers,

Don't you just love it when you can look forward to an amazing trip? Or better yet...TWO amazing trips?! Travelling is really one of my passions and this time I chose Istanbul and Colombia. HUH? Yeah well, in February I will go and explore Istanbul during 5 days with one of my closest friends and at the end of March I will go to Colombia for 3 weeks. I have to go there to baptise my nephew, because I am not only his aunt, but also his godmother! :) Anyway, since I am already there, I thought it would be nice to see some other parts of the country as well, especially since I hear so many good stories about Colombia. They have everything you can wish for: culture, architecture, museums, supernice beaches, jungle, big cities...only downside is that it is unfortunately still not 100% safe, but I am sure I will live to tell LOL! I have been there once before, so I should be allright!

So, I collected some great shots from both destinations, hope you like it!

Istanbul shots:

Hagia Sophia Mosque

View of the city

Bosphorus river

Colombia shots:

A sculpture from the famous Colombian artist Botero in Medellín

Monserrate in Bogota



Tayrona Park



Cartagena

These are just some shots for you to get an impression. Of course, when I am back from these trips I will upload my own pictures, just like I did last time when I was in the US.

Have any of you been to these places or does any of you live there? I am always open for some great tips, so share, share, share! :)

Love, Melissa