Edinburgh is the City of Enlightenment - Scotland

This picture is taken from Edinburgh Castle

Never have I felt so peaceful visiting a place like Edinburgh. The city is neither too big to enable you to navigate on your own nor it is too small to bore your visit. As a capital of Scotland and the second largest city after Glasgow, Edinburgh is endowed with its rich culture, incredible history, legendary romance, fine architecture and home of the prestigious University of Edinburgh. Hence, it is not surprising that tourism is a major business here and its popularity is second after London. In early spring, the city is just nice and not so crowded like summer. Millions of people flooded the city in summer to enjoy the world’s largest Edinburgh Festival. 

We stayed not far from the famous Edinburgh castle, which is pretty close to the Scottish parliament building and The National Gallery of Scotland.  In the evening before sunset we enjoyed rambling all over the city in the cool spring weather. From Princess Street we began our walk across the garden and climbed up the countless stairs to Edinburgh Castle. Arriving on the hilltop, we stopped to catch a breath and our eyes were hypnotized by the panoramic view of Edinburgh city! 

After a short rest and picture taking, we started descending the hills, walking towards the west where the financial hub of Edinburgh’s economy is located. The row of office buildings typified the unique Scottish architecture combining the old and new dimensions. Not only for its great architecture, but Scotland is also well known as the home of the world’s renowned economic scholar, Adam Smith and several other enlightened scholars of the 18th century. On the high street of Edinburgh, Smith’s bronze statute stands proudly and the UK banknotes commemorate Smith, making him the first Scot to be featured on English banknotes. His theory of free market remains in the minds of every economic being. 

“To feel much for others and little for ourselves; to restrain our selfishness and exercise our benevolent affections, constitute the perfection of human nature.” (Adam Smith)

Day trip to Princess Island (Adalar) - Turkey

Beautiful houses on the island

I've heard so much about Princess Island or Adalar as known to the locals. A cruise to Adalar cost 69 Turkish Lira (45 USD), but we have decided to be a little adventurous and save money by getting on the normal ferry. It's really cheap 2.80 Lira per way but be ready to be squeezed among the crowd. The ferries are packed like sardines but for the price we're paying no one complains.

Adalar comprises 4 islands on the Marmara Sea and Buyukada is the biggest. You should start the journey early because it takes about one and a half hour to reach Buyukada. We took the tram from our hotel in Sultanahmet to Besiktas to catch the ferry. There were many people on the ferry and there was no seat. I had to stand on the deck but my conversation with a new found friend from Czech kept me entertained until the last station. Arriving at Buyukada we went separate ways and bade goodbye.

There are no cars on the island and the only transportation available are the horse carriages and bicycles...we decided to walk around the island. The island seems very popular not only among tourists but also the locals and it is really crowded. But it is pretty and walking around the car-free streets gives us a good sense of the local life. The houses and hotels on this island are beautiful but we were told, they are very expensive.

After we had enough walking around the island we then decided to get back to Istanbul and it was about time most of the visitors started to leave the island too. We paid another 2.80 Lira and soon everybody was boarding the ferry. OMG....they were filling up the ferry to the brim! It looked overloaded and we felt like sinking. I gazed around but there was no sign of life jackets and even if they do have, it won't be enough for everyone. Now, I am beginning to think if the 2.80 Lira is worth it. To make things worst, the ferry stopped by the other islands to pick up few more people. We felt such great relief as soon as the ferry docked in Besiktas again!

 

Jackie Chan, the famous Hong Kong actor had one of his movies shot here

Adalar Ferry station

Horse carriages waiting for the passengers

People getting off the ferry at Buyukada station

On the bank of Adalar

The main transportation in Adalar

Huge crowd

View of Hydarpassa Terminal from Marmara sea

A Taste of Moroccan Cuisine

Feasting the tasteful Turkey and Lamb Tagine

One of the things that enthralled me about Morocco is their delightful cuisine. Moroccan cuisine is a mix of Arab, Berber, Moorish, Mediterranean and Jewish influence. The pungent olive oil mixed with coriander, turmeric, pepper, cumin, saffron and onion give it a unique flavor and scent to our senses. Bread is served all the time at meals and it is common for every household to make its own bread.

At breakfast, Moroccan flat bread Msmen is served with jam and butter. The taste is similar to the Indian flat bread roti canai, but Msmen is softer and tastier. Omelet, olives, buns and fruits are common breakfast items served in restaurants and hotels. Breakfast is very simple but filling enough to give us the needed energy until lunch.

While bread and couscous seem to be the main Moroccan food, we hardly see rice dishes on the menu. Most menus in restaurants are written in French or Arabic (or both) and communication can be real tough in small cities and desert towns where hardly anyone speaks English. Once we ordered orange juice drinks and the waiter came with four plates of orange slices….that’s cool we enjoyed the oranges :).

The Tagine dishes are my favorite Moroccan food and the unique method of cooking gives the distinct flavor and taste. Tagine is a special North African clay pot with heavy flat base and a conical shaped cover. During the slow cooking process, the shape of the cover allows condensation to the base which further tenderizes the meat in the spices. The succulent spicy lamb, beef and chicken are usually combined with olives, apples, pears, apricot, dates with preserved lemons. Meals are always completed with mint tea, fresh fruits and deserts.

Msmen for breakfast

Kefta (Meat ball) and Egg Tagine

Harira served by Berbers in Erg Chebbi

Delicious caramel pudding at Kasbah Ben Moro

Tomatoes and cucumber salad

Potato and Chicken Tagine served by Berbers in the desert

Berber Mason Chicken Couscous Tagine

Oranges with a sprinkle of cumin...delicious

Pretty Lace Town - Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is a popular medieval town also known as the “Venice of the North”. There are frequent hourly trains from Brussels to Bruges and by train is the easiest way to get there. The old town of Bruges is the main attraction and getting there on foot from the train station takes less that 20 minutes. Alternatively, the bus service from the train station is very efficient and it takes about 10 minutes to get to the old town. The old town itself can be easily explored on foot and the boat ride along the canals will give an interesting perspective of the place.

This charming cobblestone town is flooded with tourist perhaps due to its medieval architecture but what fascinates me most are the lacework and tapestry. In the 16 and 17 century Bruges was a centre for tapestries and lace in Europe. The Flemish weavers and their work of art were known for its high quality worldwide.

The lace making industry in Bruges began as a cottage industry in the 18th century and it was a way how the poor families earned extra income. Although there were ups and down in the lace making industry, the Flanders take pride in maintaining the lace making tradition so that it will not disappear. The shops in town are full of lacy stuff ranging from small items to big ones like bed spread and curtains. 

    

Demonstration of making bobbin lace

Traveling Footwear

When I traveled, I walked 5 to 6 hours per day and I could be walking on cobbled streets, uneven paths paved with stones, up a hill or down into the gorge. Take a look at the pictures below and you would agree with me that a good pair of shoes is the most essential gear when traveling. Last autumn 2010, we trekked in the desert, climbed the dunes of Sahara, hiked in Cinque Terre and walked on the wet ground of Westonbirt Arboretum. Halfway through the journey some shoes in our group failed the test of durability.

Gladly my Skechers has been kind to me on several occasions and it never bites even on the first day I wore it. I usually have to settle with just one pair when I traveled and I carry a flip flop all the time. Here are a few things you need to consider about your traveling shoes:

1.   Choose one that is most suitable with your activities.
2.  Black is good as it hides the dirt.
3.  Light, comfortable and easy to dry
4.  Water proof shoes would be ideal
5.  Get used to walking in it before you actually travel
6.  Roomy enough to fit in the socks
7.  Make sure the sole is comfortable enough to support your weight
8.  Carry a pair of light weight flip flop all the time
9.  Take with you superglue just in case you need it
10. Bring with you plaster, foot powder, cream or ointment for blisters

After we exited from Sahara, the fine sand must had gotten  into some air holes  and thus loosening the base  of the shoes. They tried tying it with rubber bands and strings, and these shoes survived until Marrakech.

In Marrakech, the shoes weren't getting any better and there wasn't much time to shop for shoes.  Morover looking for a pair of shoes that fits their taste will take time.  The slippers were the only alternative to roam around Marrakech in search for super glue. 

At night, while waiting for the super glue to do some magic, the shoes were tightly fastened to make them stick  together.  In fact the super glue was magical and the shoes survived until Cinque Terre but the tide and water level in Venice had been unkind!  

Top Six Souvenirs From Turkey

This list is created to give you some ideas on what are the popular stuff to take home as souvenirs and gifts for family and friends. What you buy is just a matter of personal taste and preference. Although Turkish carpets and kilims are popular stuff, they are not easy to take home unless you are willing to incur the delivery cost. So my choice is based on practicality. 

Turkish Delights 

Originally known as Lokum but today the word Turkish Delights is much more popular. This item is top on my list because they taste so good. Basically, they are made of sugar and starch but flavored with rose, lemon, walnut, almond, pistachios, cherry and coconut. Most of these sweet delicacies use white sugar but the one which uses honey is really delicious. Great gift but heavy! 

Traditional Turkish Cap (Kufi) 

They are made from several types of material from cotton fleece to wool blend. These colorful knitted kufi are usually worn by man on any occasion and for prayers. The antique hand made kufi tend to be more expensive. Anyway, even the commercial ones; they make nice souvenirs for Dad and uncles. Very light and practical but some can be pricey! 

Evil Eye 

At first I was astonished to see this ‘evil eye’ almost everywhere in Turkey. Later, I was told by the guide that most Turkish believe it can ward evil and bring luck! It’s like talisman and so you can find it on babies, in the houses, offices, stores and on the doors. But to me, it is just a beautiful blue bead and the one made into anklets, bracelets, earrings and pendants are just awesome gifts for the girls at home. It is pretty and inexpensive gift.

Herbs and Spices 

Istanbul was a center of world’s spice trade and that explains why even today, it has a wide range of spices for sale in the market. I love looking at heaps of them in the Spice Bazaar. It is like watching a spectacular colorful show. With all the shops parading their spices and herbs, you can’t resist the temptation of getting some to bring home. The smell and the colours are so enticing and this overwhelming experience will just add another dimension of your learning curve about spice :). By the way, they make perfect gift for Moms at home.

Pottery 

Turkish potteries are uniquely crafted with different techniques and styles that have developed over many centuries. The Kutahya and Iznik (name of towns) designs are famous. A piece of antique Iznik pottery in the museum can fetch a price as high as 70,000 GBP! We had the opportunity to visit a commercial pottery factory in Avanos, Cappadocia to see how these hand made crafts are made and indeed it is a very refined work of art. They are so lovely but carrying them home is a delicate job, unless you are committed to hand carry and take good care of them. But a small piece wrapped neatly with bubbles can surely survive in your hand bag.

Apple Tea 

Apple tea is served by Turkish as a friendly gesture almost any where you go. We were even served tea while shopping at the Grand Bazaar. They taste superb and the blend of its aroma and flavour stays for awhile on your taste bud. With several style of packaging they make nice simple gift for family and friends. The price will not hurt your pocket and again it doesn't take the weight of your luggage.

After 500 years - Granada Mosque, Granada

Granada Mosque

One evening in summer 2001, among the many tourists, I was sitting on the bench at Mirador de San Nicolas hoping to get a glimpse of Alhambra at sunset. This is a popular place where people would gather and the gypsies would dance while waiting for the sun to vanish among the red fortress. On a clear day the backdrop of Alhambra, Sierra Nevada is visible. Just next to the square, I found a signboard written in Spanish...a mezquita (mosque) was under construction. 

And in 2005, I was elated to be able to visit the Granada Mosque and performed the jumaah solat here. We stayed in an apartment in the old quarter, AlBaicin. From our roof terrace the muezzin’s azan (call to prayers) could be clearly heard although loud speaker was not allowed. Masyallah, it was a feeling hard to describe…an azan….after 500 years…in Granada! For the Spanish Muslims, it was twenty two years of struggle to materialize their dream after the city authorities continually objected to their proposal. By the grace of Almighty, in summer, July 10th 2003 the first azan was called and this marked a new dawn for Islam in Europe. 

The financiers of this mosque had come from all over the world and my native land was no exception. To our fellow Muslims in Granada…although we are from another part of the world, our feelings are mutual…we share your sorrow, we celebrate your victory and our prayers are always with you.  http://www.granadamosque.com/

Delicious warm bread on sale after Friday prayers

Olive tree in the mosque's garden

A man selling honey outside the mosque