Istanbul was first founded on the Asian side, on what is known today as Kadıköy and Pendik. Though it was the European part of the city that rose to prominence during the Roman and Ottoman times. Together, the two sides of Istanbul are home to some 14 million people today. It was on my third…
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Did you know that your stomach, when empty, is about the size of your fist? As the stomach is a muscle, it expands and contracts when you consume food. The human stomach can stretch to around 40 times its original size, to around two litres, after a huge meal. I have a hearty appetite and…
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I am listening to Istanbul I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed; At first there blows a gentle breeze And the leaves on the trees Softly flutter or sway; Out there, far away, The bells of water carriers incessantly ring; I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed. I am listening to…
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I am listening to [mystery location], intent, my eyes closed; Then suddenly birds fly by, Flocks of birds, high up, with a hue and cry, While the nets are drawn in the fishing grounds And a woman’s feet begin to dabble in the water. I am listening to [mystery location], intent, my eyes closed. Guess where…
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I had previously written a few posts on Ghent, which is my favourite city in Belgium. If any of these have inspired you to visit this city in Flanders, you might also like to make a note of some of the tips below. After all, wouldn’t it be nice to bring home something from Ghent to share with…
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I love alcohol-soaked fruits. My taste for boozy fruits started when I was a kid: Rum and raisin ice-cream was a regular treat after piano classes. Then came along brandied cherries, prunes in armagnac and pears poached in red wine as I got older. I like desserts that combine alcohol and fruits. For instance – black forest…
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Beauty and Sadness opens with Oki Toshio who is on a train to Kyoto to listen to the temple bells ring in the new year. During the ride, he reminisces about his torrid affair with Otoko Ueno. They were lovers when she was 15 and half his age, and have lost contact for more than…
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For one weekend a year, the public is invited to visit and discover Brussels’ historic monuments and city landmarks through guided tours and walks. Titled Journées du Patrimoine / Heritage Days, this annual event usually takes place on the last weekend of September. I had missed the Journées du Patrimoine in previous years as I wasn’t in town. So even…
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The theme of this week’s photo challenge is “endurance“. I usually don’t participate in this but the photo of the Mayan ruins in Tulum reminded me of a journey I made a few years ago. Though it was to the other side of Mexico. If you are a frequent flyer, pilot or air steward(ess), you’ll…
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Angelina Hue 