Some call Istanbul “the world’s capital” because it has such a mix of culture. Coming here for the World Tourism Forum will be my first time to the city and it’s been overwhelmingly exciting researching Istanbul as a destination & historical city, because there is so much to see, experience, taste, and explore. I’d love to share some of the things I am most excited about for my upcoming trip to Istanbul to partake in the World Tourism Forum.
As a Thai masseuse, I am interested in learning about a cities culture through it’s spa services. I love that different regions of the world have their own techniques many of which have been passed down and tweaked over time. Turkish baths became popular during the Victorian era and still are today. With a mixture of heat and cold, body scrubs, and massage you get to have the same treatment that people have had in past times. Interestingly, there are two different types of Turkish baths, Victorian and Islamic; the Victorian has an added step of a cool plunge pool. Istanbul is such a mix of cultures and I can’t wait to try both! I have plans to try the spa at Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı.
The Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and Hagia Sophia are high on my list of tourist attractions, but as a “glamorous travel blog” I love to write about art, fashion, and boutique properties. I hope to find that in Beyoglu cobbled alleys. Shops like Davetcokelbisemyok, Atelier 55, and Midnight Express are on my lists of boutiques to look for local fashion designs. By checking out the brands the shops carry, it’s a true mix of modern (think For Love & Lemons) mixed with traditional and even local leather makers.
As I read other reviews and experiences I am getting more and more excited to try Turkish food: the mezze, grills, sesame bread, and street food. Some restaurants on my list to try are Mikla who serves Turkish food, Kiyi a seafood place, and Park Samdan which I’ve read is a favorite Turkish restaurant of locals.
After my trip was planned, I had to change my ticket already and add another 4 days because I knew there was much more to see, as Istanbul is more than a destination- it’s an experience, and I want to experience it all! I’m sure it will be one of those places that takes many visits to learn about the history and mixed cultures of the city. I’m looking forward to it.
Istanbul as a destination & historical city, because there is so much to see, experience, taste, and explore. I’d love to share some of the things I am most excited about for my upcoming trip to Istanbul to partake in the World Tourism Forum.
As a Thai masseuse, I am interested in learning about a cities culture through its spa services. I love that different regions of the world have their own techniques many of which have been passed down and tweaked over time. Turkish baths became popular during the Victorian era and still are today. With a mixture of heat and cold, body scrubs, and massage you get to have the same treatment that people have had in past times. Interestingly, there are two different types of Turkish baths, Victorian and Islamic; the Victorian has an added step of a cool plunge pool. Istanbul is such a mix of cultures and I can’t wait to try both! I have plans to try the spa at Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı.
The Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and Hagia Sophia are high on my list of tourist attractions, but as a “glamorous travel blog” I love to write about art, fashion, and boutique properties. I hope to find that in Beyoglues cobbled alleys. Shops like Davetcokelbisemyok, Atelier 55, and Midnight Express are on my lists of boutiques to look for local fashion designs. By checking out the brands the shops carry, it’s a true mix of modern (think For Love & Lemons) mixed with traditional and even local leather makers.
As I read other reviews and experiences I am getting more and more excited to try Turkish food: the mezze, grills, sesame bread, and street food. Some restaurants on my list to try are Mikla who serves Turkish food, Kiyi a seafood place, and Park Samdan which I’ve read is a favorite Turkish restaurant of locals.
After my trip was planned, I had to change my ticket already and add another 4 days because I knew there was much more to see, as Istanbul is more than a destination- it’s an experience, and I want to experience it all! I’m sure it will be one of those places that takes many visits to learn about the history and mixed cultures of the city. I’m looking forward to it.
by RACHEL JONES
