My first visit to Turkey in 2005 had been near the top of my wish list for many years.  I didn’t take a laptop with me then, but I did keep a journal of that first trip, where all my senses were piqued and my mind like a sponge.

Since then, I have worked in the travel industry and made it my business to visit Turkey once, usually twice a year.  Mostly, I escort a group and love to share with them the knowledge I have gained over the year, including  requests where one can find the best/organic/cheapest/handwoven towels, turkish delight, silk scarves, jewellery etc.

This time last year, I had the privilege of escorting a wonderful group of women.  We had a wonderful time and harmony and laughter were the prevalent themes.  It was a busy time for me because at the same time, I had another 13 clients in Turkey, some couples as well as another group of women, so I needed to stay on top of several itineraries, all unique and designed to accommodate different interests.

Simit: a Turkish bagel of sorts

I loved Turkey from my very first visit and continue to regard it as one of my favourite countries.  There is so much history to learn and to ponder. People are friendly and kind, the food is delicious and personally, I am fascinated by the culture and lifestyles.  In May this year, I spent a week visiting two new hotels, including The Edition, and restaurants, checking location, rooms, food and service.  After all, how can I recommend somewhere if I don’t know it?  And now that other world-class hotels are moving into Turkey (Shangri La, Aman Resorts and Raffles) there will be more competition for Four Seasons, whose Sultanahmet location in a former prison remains my all-time favourite.

My association with Virtuoso helps me to orchestrate dreams for my clients.  Through my world-wide network of partners, I am currently working on an itinerary for a party of four that includes Turkey, Jordan and Israel, where they will see, experience and taste the best of each location; away from the crowds and according to their interests.

Friendly people

Please, let me know if I can orchestrate your dream tour of Turkey.  If you need to know more, please click here

Six directors seek to preserve memory of Istanbul with film – Hurriyet Daily News and Economic Review.

Referred to as Magic Ice, visitors to this new museum will need to dress warmly as it will be a chilling -5 degrees year-round.  On display will be 34 ice statues, with a theme that changes every six months.  I’m thinking that ticket sales will be hotter in Summer.

The details are not for those watching their carbon footprints:  70 tons of ice have been imported from Sweden for the statues.  However, on a more positive note, the walls and the tunnels of the museum were made with 100 tons of ice generated in Istanbul.

The concept of the museum was created by designers of the world-famous Ice Hotel in Sweden at a massive cost of 20 million Euros and fulfilled by Norwegian Lotofen Trading Company. Turkish engineers fulfilled infrastructure, heating and cooling systems.

I’ m not sure why, but the day chosen for the opening, April 23, is celebrated throughout Turkey as National Sovereignty & Children’s Day.

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.

Focus on Travel News – Half A Million Visited Istanbul Aquarium.