“What started off as a Culinary Destination – a search for the perfect bite, the perfect eating experience – and a specific research objective, turned out to be a journey inwards through the inner reflections of outward massiveness and observation of self in the company of millions of strangers, with whom – at that specific moment – I shared a monumental piece of history! What struck me the most was the living proof of the folk I grew up learning, merely by being told. One, that like all abstract history, you believe by faith. But there it was: stirring me in the eye, reminding me of what I had accidentally forgotten! Showing me – quite literally – the greatness, the vastness and the inner most of our make up! I saw it and heard it, in the stillness of its time enduring architecture, the time-acquired wisdom of its ancient to contemporary art, and in the beauty of its gracious, equal embrace of old and modern – without a hint of departure from destination to another; but rather as a natural continuation. Absolutely Marvelous, and turned out tremendously significant to my self!”
– The note I jotted down on my way back to the airport.
I can safely say that Istanbul had changed me. On many levels, it talked to me through soliloquies in the shape of continuous floating thoughts in my mesmerized mind and my suddenly most peaceful soul. I will keep the details of those thoughts to myself, for now, but will sum it all up with: beginning, purpose and direction.
Regardless of my wish to keep personal the details of this trip, I do recommend that you go on that journey. Go to Istanbul. Take it all in, and allow the city to reveal itself to you, and guide you through without the interruption of preconceptions, generally accepted knowledge or personal opinions. Go, unconditionally. Give space for the city to tell you its own story. Spoken words always come with connotations, therefore, do listen to the stillness. Because in Istanbul, the most meaning is in what you see, not what your hear.
The beauty of food is that it puts it all into perspective, allowing you to live it, experience it and further connect with “it”.
PS
I normally share with you the details of my culinary experiences, however – and because this culinary trip to Istanbul was a research trip for my upcoming cookbook – I will leave it to the pictures in this link to tell you more about the food and the food scene in Istanbul. This trip was just an introduction and I am definitely going back for a more in depth look at the cuisine, the culture and arts. I loved it this much and highly recommend it.
Here some photos….
For more of my trip photos ( food, restaurants, and Cultural Istanbul) click the links below
Did you ever to go to a place that unexpectedly spoke to your soul? If you have had such an experience then we have this in common and am sure you understand how I feel. Chat with me and tell me your experience.
Have a delicious Spring Holidays everyone …
