Hanoi, Vietnam – Navigating a Chaotic Stream of Sensations

It was 6:30am when I landed at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam. I had a headache. I had only slept a few hours the night before my flight (travel jitters are a thing), and the flight had been a nightmare, a choir of children crying and shouting, making it impossible for me to … Continue reading Hanoi, Vietnam – Navigating a Chaotic Stream of Sensations

Shopping in two different Eras in Istanbul – The Grand Bazaar & Istiklal Avenue

I did very little shopping, or none actually in these areas. Yet these are likely to be on your itinerary if you are visiting Istanbul. The Grand Bazaar because the whole thing is an attraction in itself. The Istiklal avenue because it is a main street hard to miss on the other side of the … Continue reading Shopping in two different Eras in Istanbul – The Grand Bazaar & Istiklal Avenue

The Sufi Whirling Dancers – a 700-year experience in the heart of Istanbul

Don’t be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your myth Rumi Likely, you have heard of the famous 13th-century poet Rumi. The first time I came across his words was in Sarajevo, Bosnia, realising my ignorance for not knowing such an influential scholar - likely because he was Islamic and I had … Continue reading The Sufi Whirling Dancers – a 700-year experience in the heart of Istanbul