Two Fishes

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Flowers and food, special drinks, sunny bright blue skies, the Prince Islands in front of our blue eyes, hugs and kisses, a BBQ, a long terrace bath, beer-and-wine filled daylight hours, and lots of love. Ohh I wish, I wish our each day would go on for ever like this this this...! Am I asking too much from the life, tell me? Absolutely not. Kesinlikle hayir.

On Sunday, I couldn't stop thinking about this for everyone on this earth! A newborn yellow Sun, bamboo furnitures, wide angle sea, all of the feelings that is passing from my heart...

And, and...


...I just can't stop think about how someone could make her terrace look more like this charming. Before we enter in her paradise, two fishes want to say welcome happy Sunday romance for two;)

A Sunday tale of two fishes. One is charmingly frank, most of the time cheerful and open, with many friends and interests to keep her busy, trying the world to make a brighter place. Other is big-hearted and determined, having a basic faith in life, allowing her strength and courage to direct her sunny nature shines through. First one profile describes my sweet auntie, and other is me:)

I swear I did not know what kind of Sunday that I would have had. But I am spoiled before going to make you curious about the end of this story! Lets start first where we are going to. To the front side of a home viewing this fantastic environment, the Prince Islands in the Asian side of the City. Takes circa 15 min by car from my boring(!) office-like apartment;)

And, the port that transports people to the islands from the mainland. There's always a very busy traffic on this blue waters.

Ohh my, we are welcomed in. Here's her white linen curtains, and the magnificent view behind the curtain. I am loving this the use of this color ''white'' vs ''blue'' that makes the place feel modern, while using the lots of vintage finds. +, the place feels so warm -like her unique heart-, and yet there is a simplicity to the decorating.

I agree, that there is much of abundance of things but these two mascots are her favorites. Named them as Alin as her granddaughter and Berk as her grandson. She misses them so much, and these toys bring some solace when she dreams them. Did I say, her daughter lives in Montréal, Canada?

The comforts of her home are so so many! I will just let the objects speak for themselves and say it is so hard to present all of my photos here.

You see, Sunday was the most glorious day, one of the hottest day of the year in Ist'l -95F/35Celcius and no any seriously gray cloud in the sky. If you ask me one of the best weekends in a long time. I would not like to trade anyone ours for cooler days, sorry:) Being a sun-and-summer-mania, I welcomed this type of weather even though some humidity included, but no worries indeed:)

Delicious table settings by her without forgetting any details...

She is not hot on discipline when compared to mine, but I surely love her dreamy spoken creativity to any situation such as this teapot flower arrangement.

An actress at heart that she is! Like me, she also a lover of fairies and angel figurines in every corner at home. Love you Auntie:)

A forkfull of apple greanium; I made this and photographed while having our dinner. "Girls who know how to use power tools are cool." is one of the things that I learned from Auntie:)

A two-day weekend came to an end, and I was in love with Summer and its glorious bringings and my journalist spirit as well:) She? She was going to illuminate the terrace with oil lamps around us...

"It pays to get up early." and "Patience" are other important life lessons that I learned from Auntie.

We were together staring at stars in the darkblue tray reaching our heads while relaxing and drinking our turkish coffees. And, these two fishes were singing their most favorite song together aloud -from Diana Ross-, a few lines pouring from their lips:



... oh no, not I
I will survive
as long as I know how to love
I know I will stay alive
I've got all of my life to live
I've got all of my love to give
and I'll survive
I will survive
...

Weekending With 6-Options

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This weekend I hope I might feel inspired to:


o GOING to the Istanbul Dolphinarium, and see the show of these cute mammals?



o SHOPPING at City's Nişantaşı, one of the most famous fashion and life center? Because summer discounted sales already started, and can't wait!



o CRUISE in the cool waters of Bosphorus but in a magic way into the days of Ottoman Empire, by the Soltan's Boat? What a feeling truly timeless should be between the past and present over.



o DINING OUT at Trattoria Il Faro in Kalamış, and taste the delicious italian food cooked by Stefano and Nicoletta? Lucky me because it's in my neightborhood, taking only a few minutes by car.



o VISITING my sweet Auntie? Her terrace has a splendid view overviewing the Prince Islands, and all of Istanbul's blue lies just under her feet!



o MAKING RSVN for 16th Istanbul International Jazz Festival 2-15 July '09, and listen some cool dimly lit real good musicians in a summer night?


I am indecisive which one I shall take, but I know I will clear my weekend for a good rendezvous selecting one of my options listed above. On Monday I will share the beauty of my two-days -if you can wait patiently:)

Happy Friday lovelies!

Folk Art

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I am excited to bring the rich heritage of Iznik Tiles that is so true to Turkish ceramic art dating to 16th century. Here are a few of my most liked {motifs by name}:

{ hatayli } in red, green, turquoise, blue and white

{ chintemani } in red, cobalt blue, turquoise and white

{ ulama } in turquoise, cobalt blue, red and white

Today the Iznik tiles are made in a small lovely town of Iznik (former Greek: Nicaea) in western Anatolia, and created with painstaking handcrafted techniques. Because of their rich colours and flawless quality, the tiles have been treasured by art enthusiasts around the world.

Rye:1, Me:0

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She was missing her hometown Istanbul so much... and her foot take her for a day trip to this thriving medieval town in the East Sussex countryside, the south east of UK.

Really beautiful houses while combining traditional British culture with contemporary style...

They are lined on the cobbled streets! This is the main reason why she was longing for Istanbul; you might re-read my post about art underfoot: old cobblestone roads of Istanbul

The best red touch is greaniums! Lovely reds hanging from the windows...

Narrow passages, creaky staircases, dark brown wood, its all about really like stepping back in time. Here's one more reason to let her remember the town she comes from, Istanbul: too old.

Not only historical tones, she also discovered the wetland wildlife that is a mosaic of habitat beside the penguins, sand dunes, rivers. She advices us to see here full of Wild Rye

She did not want to leave this homely but stylish place. Wanted to extend her trip with some more wandering among the roads, capturing nice squares for her friends -one of them is me:)

What a delight it must be to discover this charming medieval chateau in the heart of the town. Tall, gabled this treasure stands as a reminder of what Rye was like too many centuries ago.

She is my friend, Gökçe, who shared her trip notes with me. This sweet friend of mine went to UK for her masters study, successfully got her degree, and then life gifted her to meet her husband Patrick there. Happily married since 2003, living in Kent. And, most importantly she's mom for the most handsome boy, Callum. But her cute son is in love with other cute girl Alesha;)

In the meantime, Callum has got a very nice meaning! Means 'Dove' in irish.

Very many thanks, kocaman teşekkürler Gökçe, for this tour in historical Rye. As you said there's plenty to see, to discover out there. But adviced to be in person, on foot? Yep, agree with you:)

My Eyes

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Man is eyes, the rest is only flesh:
But the true eyes are those that see the Friend;
... Merge the whole of yourself in your eyes,
Go towards the vision, go towards the vision,
go towards the vision.

-Rumi (1207-1273)

A Sea-Going Legend

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Art

on

the high seas

My question is, do you know what does Savarona mean?

Well, let's see.

Savarona is a swan that lives in the Indian Ocean in Africa. If you look closely to the prow at top and the stern of the boat below resemble the head and back of a typical swan.

But more historically, Savarona... an extraordinary yacht where Atatürk (the founder of modern Turkish Republic) was only be able to spend six-weeks on his "beloved plaything" before he passed away.

A few days ago I was on the European shore. To what I know, the yacht usually stays in Istanbul but only from Oct to these days. With the arrival of summer, I know that she sails the Mediterranean. When arrived in Kuruçeşme I could not believe in my eyes. Oh my she was there, as if she heard about my coming. I did not want to miss out taking a few photos of Savarona as it was anchored along the seaside. I hardly resist seeing for long hours on the artistic beauty of the prow, see see see carvings at top.

Savarona is the largest non-royal yacht built ever! Here are some tech details for interested minds like me:)

her length overall= 446' (136m)
her beam= 52.6' (16m)
her draft= 20' (6.1m)
her max speed= 18 knots
her cruising speed= 16 knots
her average area= 538 sq feet (50m2)
she's got 17 luxurius suites+ 1 master suite

Now let's see who-how-why built this 4th largest private yacht in the world.

This beautiful swan was built in March 1931 in Hamburg for an American wealthy lady, Mrs Emily Roebling Cadwallader, grand daughter of the engineer John Roebling who built the Brooklyn Bridge, spending about 4 million US dollars.

In March 1938, the yacht was sold for 1.2 million US dollars to our Gov't to be used as presidential yacht. This way Atatürk was the owner. Cabinet meetings were held on the board. He loved his yacht very much but unfortunately he could not enjoy her as much as he wished.

When he died on Nov 10, 1938, the Savarona did not sail again until after World War II when the Turkish Navy started to use her as a training ship. In 1979, a raging fire destroyed the once beautiful vessel, and she remained as unused until 1989.

A rich Turkish businessman leased the yacht for 49 years, and began the arduous task of refurbishing the Savarona to more than her former glory. 425 men worked for almost three years to refit the yacht, whose interior design was done by Donald Starkey. Want to have look inside the Savarona? Who says no;)

hand-crafted Baroque msterpieces...

sailing in style...

perfect settings-swan dining room...

bronze repose...

Yes, I agree with you. More than a-a-amazing! Today the Savarona once again is sailing on the waters of the world bringing an experience of elegance and luxury to those who are as privileged as to be her passengers.




Source: Even though I consider this article insufficient, all is this I can. For more photographs and detailed info pls visit her at www.savarona.com.tr

When July Arrives

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I bet a lot of you feel the same way I do in the Summer...

give me a snowwhite t-shirt,


In fact I dislike buying t-shirts, never my preference, but cotton, satin, linen, silk and light dresses are my most faves. This past weekend I was drawn badly for this teeshirt! Because...

As stated on its blue label above; this t-shirt has been exclusively designed in support of Istanbul's bid to be the European Capital of Culture in 2010. The "European Capital of Culture" program, launched in 1999 by the EU Council and Parliament, will ensure Istanbul's integration with Europea's most comprehensive cultural event.

I thought how fun to carry Bosphorus on my body:) I did. I bought. (above) frontside and (below) backside rather topic, mapping where I come from:) A very thematic indeed! Can't stop thinking how many of them sold? You see our summer days will be days like full of Istanbul advertising...


my white jeans and silver color belt,


and my leather south american shoes all day any day,


Interested in? Made in Brazil. Mine was a love at first sight when my eyes met this turquoise blue sandals in the vitrine:)

book reading in my favorite cozy corner at home,


but I feel much happier when I fling some more happy colors over my balcony,

like purple pensies,


dark pink petunya,


and light green yet baby (cactus) roses,


oh give me a candle that's really going perfect on breezy nights...


I believe that if I am positive everbody stays positive for the most part. Even though our busy days at work and some weekends are met with full of work and a long to-do-list, the success during summer months is very dependent on our attitude. We should be able to sit back and enjoy the moments before a new day or a week starts again.

Not a super exciting day that is as typically in my life from my dressing to how spending time when I'm at home, but one of my favorites:) It's the things that make me slow down and enjoy everything around me. I believe coziness ensues.

Don't we need more days like today? Yes, we do need:)

Hospitality Starts In The Air!

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What a cliché that I brought up till today with this very common quote from our culture: hospitality starts at doorstep, when stepping inside a home.


Who believes?!

In my opinion, it starts from the skies among clouds! Yes, yes, when I am in the air the exam starts, and time clicks;) During my travels I noticed one fact is ever the same: the hospitality I'm given provides me clues about the people such as when the crew helping me to find the gate in the airport, checking my passport, the hostess approach to my requests, serving my sandwich, etc. So I certainly say that it starts firstly in the AIR.

Even though more caution is needed in Istanbul as it is a large city and prone to large city problems, it is still the one of the safest of major world cities! And it is still very warm and welcoming about our hospitality.

Of course, nothing make your look change on the quality of Turkish hospitality that is being offered by locals as it is the same -where you go, Istanbul or any part of the country of Turkey.

Good news is, Turkish Airlines was rated "The Best Airline in Southern Europe" in a survey led by Skytrax, world airline and airport quality advisors. Having tried many major airlines, this news did not come surprisingly as I find Turkish Airlines to be a decent airline worthy of a travel. The Oscars of the aviation industry by this airline inspection and rating firm are given on the basis of region. See the World's Best Airports 2009 here

Jumping the Best Airports in the region of Southern Europe, Istanbul Ataturk Airport comes as the second, oleeee Madrid the winner:) and Athens be the third:

. Madrid Barajas
.. Istanbul
... Athens

Before this post goes in dept about that, why not enter in the world of Türk Hava Yolları - Turkish Airlines to learn much more, if you think you are not able to come to discover us this summer;)

But let me see once again that everything is about some sort of experience? Yes it is indeed. Should you experience the Turkish hospitality that is still strong and more than reads the eye here:)

What am I: Synthetic Happy or Cotton?

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The traffic on the road never ends where I reside. If it is summer then it gets busier no, busiest starting very very early hours. As you imagine it becomes almost impossible for me to sleep till late hours. When I was having my iced-coffee early this morning I captured this view from my balcony. How lovely framed beauty, isn't it?! A peugeot cabrio as I ever imagined, and a wonderful pink geranium happily dancing and hanging from its bed. Wish I could have both of them, but only geranium I've got. Story begins at this point...



to make shopping
to meet our loved one
to become rich
to success
to get married
to have kids
to be beautiful
...and even
to be healthy.


According to the latest research, that is the list above which do NOT make any contribution in our happiness.

Who could say it...

Who could know it...

but in fact we all know very well to be happy with anything what we have got at hand.

And, it is stated in the research that happiness is a constant. It is unrelated with anything to gain, to consume, to meet, to have, to get around. Psychologist Dan Gilbert says that "Because of our immunity system, being human we can be happy in both situation when we even have the things that we wanted to much, or when we lost them." He calls this as "Synthetic Happiness" that is as real and pure 100% as "Cotton Happiness".

Let's take an example.

You are again and again happy -no matter if you've got or not, a pair of lovely shoes, award, etc. We always make our own set up to be happier in another future. But it can't be easily said that we would be much more happy when that day arrives, doesn't it? In other words, there is no such a (specific) day. What we do is that we always cancel ourselves for the satisfaction of other day not coming, yes maybe a day not coming easily and probably it will never come. In this way we fall behind.

From this Saturday morning following questions placed in my mind, waiting to be discussed;

are those happier who have no two ways about it?

if we are selective, then we consume less and less run out. Is it?

That's Rich

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More than 750,000 square kilometers, and the only Turkey you've seen is Istanbul?

Better hit the road for Bartin. Pronto! With a very rich architectural heritage, Bartin is one of the centers in Turkey's Black Sea region that is becoming increasingly attractive for tourists because it's been home to important art movements along its historic progress since the dominance of Roman Empire and Byzantine Empire; later with the dominance of Turkish Seljuks between 11th-and-13th centuries AD.

Now join me to visit the exhibition as I promised in a previous post titled Not New, Antika that you will find noteworthy pieces:



As you see Turkish embroidery is done with various materials such as silk, cotton, linen, wool and metallic threads over felt, leather and various textile products, using different kinds of needles and application techs...









To be honest, I have seen lotsa traditional Turkish embroideries, but none quite as eye and thought provoking as these ones. Yes you heard me!





ONE of these RICH variations is silver threadwork created with running the threads of the fabric.

Called as Bartin work, which is also known in turkish Telkirma işi (English: Thread cut). A kind of flat, diagonal cross needlework in various silver covered threads, made by using thread and a one-holed needle. This needlework is made by counting the fabric's threads, a diagonal "Z" is made on the top, and a cross is formed on the reverse side.





This silver stitch work can be applied either alone on the fabric or in a combined manner through accessories like shoes, handbag -as seen above.

I think this beautiful town gave a great way to add a little magic and some sparkle to your day or night wherever you are:)

The MAN

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Whatever he wants,

Whatever he thinks,

Whatever he does,

Wherever he goes,

One thing is for sure:

He's the MAN in my life.

He's the MAN I loved,

He's the MAN that I do still love endlessly and unconditionally.

The most sad part of my current life is how much I missed having Sunday breakfasts with this Special MAN as we used to do for many mornings in the past...

What a big unending loneliness I am feeling since then and after his passed away, especially in days like today but at least I have the MAN in my heart to celebrate his Father's Day.

The MAN is Emil, daddy dearest...


You too celebrate the MAN in your life TODAY:)

I'll Go With You.

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Not an exceptionally nice and romantic song, but the reason that my need for this song is irresistible! I really don't know what truth lies in me to listen it for every second that I can:

I know when love dies under the sun the magic does not leave us, and does not forget us. How sweet it would be if we could change our look at love, opening ourselves much more and hearts to the experiences, and joys that life has to offer and to know that love is very much possible as long as we show everyone our hearts at the windows... Ahh bir görebilsek, bir yapabilsek bunu!

Since Nov 1996, I am really not/and/won't be tired listening this italian duet Time To Say Goodbye "Con Te Partirò", sung by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman!


...su navi per mari
...che io lo so,
...no, no, non esistono più,
...con te io li rivivrò,
...con te partirò

Io con te.

...I'll go with you

You and me.