Istanbul is one of my favourite cities

Spring action around Aya Sofya, Istanbul

It feels wonderful to be back in Istanbul, one of my favourite cities in the world, if not the favourite.

Since landing here less than 24 hours ago, I have walked Sultanahmet (the old city), had a family-style dinner in a local koftecisi, reconnected with – and drank tea, naturally – with some of my long-time friends, found a long-lost Canadian friend, had an amazing cooking experience with world-renowned Turkish cuisine expert, Engin Akin, bought fresh strawberries from a street vendor (just $1.77 per kilo) and bought some beautiful, hand-woven organic textiles! And that’s just day one …

Tonight I’m off to Beyoglu with one of my Turkey partners and her hubby.  I can’t seem to sit still in this super-friendly and hospitable city.

Gule Gule.