Category: Travel

Travel diary… Istanbul

Turkish delight

Our trip to Turkey was quite an unexpected one. We were due to take a big family holiday and the destination was up for discussion. Up until this point all family holidays had been in Africa or Asia so I was definitely keen to change things up a little.

Many people at my office had started visiting Istanbul and after a little research I knew that it was a place that my parents and siblings would all enjoy.

Our hotel was ideally situated within walking distance of both the Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque. Naturally, these stops were first on our list of sights to see. Both are breath taking to say the least. I felt privileged to be in the presence of such grandeur with a lot of the intricate and elaborate design still intact.

Next up Basilica Cistern which has been around for nearly 17 centuries and is still in remarkable condition. These underground waterways are so legendary that movies have even been filmed here. Another definite must see. We also took a boat trip on the Bosphorus, wondered around Taksim and went up to Galata Tower to take in the sights from above.

Finally, the shopping… multiple hours were spent meandering through the little aisles of the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar. The colours, the smells, the people, the food… If there was one thing that made me fall in love with this city, these simple markets were it. Unbelievable pyramids of Turkish delight around every corner and it’s not the rose flavoured jelly stuff we grew up eating. Every flavour you can think of and each one more delicious than the one before.

The food stalls in the little alleyways served the best Doner kebabs and chips I have ever eaten packed with flavours and spices that we could see all around us.

One of my very favourite things about Turkey has to be the kaleidoscopic lamps made from stained glass. This more than anything else reminds me so much of this beautiful country no matter where I see it.

Turkey had left a lasting impression on me and should feature on your travel list if a dose of culture and delicious food is what you are looking for.

Simplebutsplendid

Travel Diary… Mauritius

Apart from the people in my life my 2 favourite things are good food and traveling.

I was born and brought up in South Africa and as kids we frequently went on family holidays, however, the first time I travelled outside of the country was in my late teens.

We took a short, 4 hour plane trip to the sunny island of Mauritius and I was hooked for life.

South Africa is one of the most beautiful countries in the world but Mauritius was different and that was the appeal. In many instances the 2 countries were largely similar but it was the differences and learning about them that got me hooked. From the cascading waterfalls to the seven coloured sands and turquoise beaches, the landscape is quite surreal.

There is a strong Indian influence on the island so naturally the food culture is grounded in Indian tradition. One of the most unforgettable meals I had was on a road side stop to pick up a dhall puri, a buttery and soft indian flat bread, puri, stuffed with a thick lentil stew, dhall.

Rum is widely produced and so happens to be the favoured spirit all across Mauritius, the famous Tipo tinto R&R is incredibly refreshing in the Mauritian heat but packs a serious punch.

We visited over the Christmas break and the Christmas Eve dinner menu was a seafood feast, whole lobsters/cray fish, crisp prawn tails, chicken and prawn curries and the freshest sea urchin or Uni.

  • Some of the most exotic fruit

The island is quite small and the key sights can be seen within 2-3 days which is ideal for those seeking a shorter break. Summed up this definitely a place to visit if you’re longing for lazy days, reading books in hammocks and doing as little as possible.

Simplebutsplendid