Istanbul - Chai, Baked Goods and Pickles
I think it was our last day in Istanbul. Our flight must have been in the evening or late afternoon. We took a walk through "new" town towards Taksim Square. We walked around looking for a few places listed in our guidebook to eat. I was overwhelmed. I didn't quite understand where things should be. I couldn't find the things I could see in the guidebook. I was hungry. It started raining.
We ducked into a restaurant which ended up being the book, but I couldn't figure out how to ask if we could get something to eat, so we kind of stood around awkwardly and then went and stood on the step because somehow that was less awkward in my mind. Eventually, while it was still raining, the not-so-kindly server brought us some chai. We sat and drank that and watched this lady working at the restaurant roll out and cook very very think bread on the inside of a clay pot. I wanted so badly to order some but I didn't know how. We debated if we were supposed to pay for the chai or if it was more of a Turkish hospitality thing. We decided to leave a few coins and left.
Next door ended up being another place in the book, we had past several times but didn't realize was there. We found a bunch of little food shops, a bakery, a grocer, a pickle shop... I managed to order something at the bakery because there were pastries in the window that looked familiar. Koulourikia (a butter cookie in Greek -- called something else here). I was starving and cranky at this point. Food, nearly any food. Baked goods seemed like an easy choice. I went next door and managed also to purchase some pickles (carrots, cornichons, maybe something else?). Weird picnic of baked goods and pickles. I liked the cookies and rolls so much, I went back in and bought a few more for later. I was less hungry now and slightly less cranky but still overwhelmed. Somewhere / sometime, I can't remember if it was before we stopped and were given chai or after, but we stumbled upon some kind of protest. It made me nervous. But it was basically in the way of the direction we needed to go, so the only way out was through. I looked around a little, checked out what the locals were doing and most were just passing and going about their own business. Good sign (I think?). So that's what we did. We just skirted around the protest and went along our mostly-merry way.
Istanbul - Hagia Sophia or "soph doggy dogg" as Peter calls her
I was standing off to the side of this 1500+ year old building and reading my guidebook about the history when the guidebook basically tells me to put down the book and just look up and around and admire the majesty of the building. So I did. I stopped and nearly sat down. There is a chandelier that is hung basically in the center of the building and hangs quite low to the ground for a chandelier. It fills the space with star-like light. We walked upstairs to the sultan's chambers. The floors were so uneven. How is this building still standing? After so many wars, so many sultans, so much time, so much change...
Kefalonia, Greece - Rose flavored vinegar
Our last winery on our tour with Ioulia, I can't remember the name but I do remember antiques, two beautiful golden retrievers (one nice and one naughty), a fantastically wonderful red wine I wouldn't be able to take home, and tasting home made vinegar; one of which was flavored with roses. He gave us a taste first before telling us what it was. We sniffed, we tasted. I pondered. What was that flavor? I don't think I guessed floral right away but I must have guessed something similar for he immediately launched into an explanation of the process, how it could be used (great for a vinaigrette I am sure!).
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| The view from Hugs & Cups |
We found this little coffee shop at the gym / tourist information / pool / community center in Murren. It was called "Hugs & Cups." We went there nearly every day. Most times we went, we stayed for at least an hour, maybe two reading our books and enjoying the view (or the clouds depending on the day). The sweet lady who worked there (a transplant to Murren I think she mentioned -- although I couldn't quite place her accent) had an almost sing-song way of talking. When she would bring our food or coffee she would always say "Enjoy it!" but with the joy always an up tick in her voice en-JOY-it! It felt like home. Comfy couches, good coffee and tea, lovely snacks and light lunches and delicious home-made cakes. Nothing over the top and generally reasonably priced (at least in comparison to everything else in Murren).
Copenhagen - Dirty Floors and a Wet Room Bathroom
The floors were dirty at our flat in Copenhagen. I tried not to judge our young host. The flat looked clean but actually needed a good vacuum and mop. You know how it can look clean but soon as you walk on it, you know. It's not clean. And then the bathroom. It was one of those wet-rooms. Ugh. I hate wet-rooms. I know it's space efficient, but I just find them gross. EVERYTHING GETS WET WHEN YOU TAKE A SHOWER. How is that efficient?!
Ebberup - Danish Modern furniture and lambskin rugs
My Yiayia and Papou's house was always filled to the brim. Less so once they did the remodel, but I will always remember her house as being full, warm and cozy. The house we rented in Ebberup was in no way full but it was in every way warm and cozy and reminded me so much of my Yiayia. She would have loved the furniture, the decor and the views to the sea. It was so calm there. I can see her at the table, reading the paper or one of her books, drinking tea or coffee out one of her mugs and watching the view.
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