Showing posts with label Istanbul. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Istanbul. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

A Silverseas Cruise conference

We have been back in Australia for a few weeks after running more conferences abroad. One of the conferences we held was our first ever cruise conference. Having never been on a cruise previously, I have to admit, I was not necessarily rushing to go on one, but I was curious as to what life on board a large vessel would be like. Well, it was a truly fabulous week and both Lorenzo & I thoroughly enjoyed the experience - I admit we are now cruise converts, (what is not to love about it!) and we are looking forward to the program of future cruises conferences we have in place.

I am told we are a little spoilt because we began our cruising adventure on one of the best liners, Silverseas. Fitted with luxurious large suites, personal butlers for all cabins, beautiful food, a wonderful selection of wines & champagnes and a multitude of restaurant options, it really was a week of indulgence. We began in Istanbul which is one of my favourite cities - a true sense of east meets west is experienced across this sprawling metropolis. From here we visited Mykonos, Kusadasi, Rhodes, Santorini, Crete and finally Athens. Days were spent on shore at the various ports exploring, then the boat would normally leave around 9 or 10pm proceeding to the next port in time for a morning landing. Each day I loved waking around dawn, to throw open the curtains to view our new surroundings, a constant changing scenery. It was a lovely laconic way to travel, no rushing or stress, just the decision of whether to venture ashore in the morning or later in the day, and once back on board, the decision of which restaurant  to dine in for the evening.

















Tuesday, September 13, 2011

CONTRASTS OF LIFE IN ISTANBUL

I was recently in Istanbul for 2 weeks - my 2nd visit to this amazing city and what a pleasure!! The visual contrasts constantly surprise and delight me - women totally covered in Muslim dress next to Western women wearing a great deal less; the regular, call to prayer, over the public address system whilst tourists stroll the streets and the local people persistently try to entice you into their shops; the incredible 3500year old structures in the Hippodrome alongside a young Turkish boy driving a toy motorised car - it is constantly a visual feast that invigorates the senses and at the same time a wonderful lesson in acceptance and understanding.






When you visit, it is vital to enjoy the Turkish tradition of visiting a Hamam - better still, don't just stop at one visit go to many to compare the service, the architecture and wonderful peace and tranquility found inside the Hamam. The Hamam, a public bathhouse, is a tradition of social interaction that has endured for centuries. I know its considered a rather "touristy" example, but I visited Cerbemlitas Hamam several times and thoroughly enjoyed lying on the ancient marble, staring at the domed roof where the sun penetrated the star shaped "skylights". Built in 1584, it is fabulously calm oasis in the midst of the noise and frenetic pace of Sultanahmet - in fact as you lie on the cool marble slab it is hard to believe you are in the same city. This is definitely one practice I would love to be able to enjoy on a much more frequent basis! 
Photo from www.cemberlitashamami.com

The friendly people, the significant architectural sites, the ancient history and the modern design focus of this city are very real reasons to plan a visit.