Five days in Istanbul

Just spent five lovely days in Istanbul together with Femke and my Mother. I was here for work but it is great to get their input as well - we all perceive a city slightly differently. Here are some pics!

Basking in the sun (still in Istanbul)

After the lunch, and some skype-chatting with my friend Sara in Brussels (it turns out that she is moving to Bremen in the weekend – at least it starts with Br as well ☺), I walked around the corner to the sunny side of the bridge. Here, it was actually pleasantly warm, so I sat down for a beer and to enjoy the view. I like Istanbul.


Now I am back at the airport, waiting for my flight to Mumbai.

Lunch in Istanbul

Great! Despite that my day started with the Israeli airport security turning upside down on my bags, twice, it is now a happy and smiling Marko writing. I just sat down at a water pipe café in Istanbul, with an enchanting view of the Bosporus just outside the window. My Turkish meatballs are on their way, and I have several hours to enjoy this beautiful city before I have to be back at the airport at five for my flight to Bombay (or should I say Mumbai?).


Right now, the echo of the prayer calls spreads over the water while the ferries hurries in all directions. A pale winter sun reflects in the grey water, and in the eyes of the young woman and her boyfriend, smoking a water pipe opposite me.

The restaurant/café, Aruna, is one of many hiding under the bridge that connects the two European sides of Istanbul with each other – one of my favorite spots in the city.
Ah, here comes the food!