So sorry for the long hiatus from posting on my blog - my last posting was from May 3rd, 2015 (*whew - that was three months ago !). Reason being for my hiatus is because I am on company assignment, and has been relocated to Istanbul, Turkey - for a year contract. Yes, Istanbul - the country that (approx.) half part of it on Asian continent, and the other part on European continent. Although it doesn't look that far (see map), but it's actually quite far. I took Singapore Airlines, depart from CGK (Soekarno-Hatta International Airport), Jakarta to SIN (Changi International Airport), Singapore - 2 hours 45 mins, then wait for approx. 2 hours to continue flight from SIN to IST (Attaturk International Airport), Istanbul - 15 hours 20 mins (*whew).
It took me quite sometime to get back on my feet in Istanbul, Turkey (settle in my new apartment, get used to the environment, buy some utensils, etc) plus the workload that kept me occupied. However, I am OK now, and ready to share some pictures and stories with you all.
My colleagues and staffs are very helpful. Knowing that it's my first time to Turkey, they took me to some very interesting places :1) Bosphorus Bridge.
Connect Asian and European continent. If you have the time, take a picture of this bridge during night time (beautiful sight, and a popular tourist, couples destination). You can also visit various cafe alongside the strait, sit back, relax, and enjoy the view. It's breathtaking, and as if you own the whole view by yourself !
2) Sultan Ahmed Mosque / Blue Mosque.One of the historical places and main tourist attraction. If you are a historical and/or architectural geek, this is a must place to see.
3) Have kebab !
Kebab is one of Turkey most delicious dishes - and you must try it ! Or as Singaporean sayings - "die die must try !"
According to Wikipedia : Kebab, (also kebap, kabob, kebob, kabab, or shishkebab) is a Middle Eastern, Eastern Mediterranean, and South Asian dish of pieces of meat, fish, or vegetables roasted or grilled on a skewer or spit, originating in the Eastern Mediterranean,where it is mentioned by Homer, or the Middle East, and later adopted in Central Asia and by the regions of the former Mongol Empire and later Ottoman Empire, before spreading worldwide. In American English, kebab with no qualification refers to shish kebab (Turkish: şiş kebap) cooked on a skewer, whereas in Europe it refers to doner kebab, sliced meat served in a pita. In the Middle East, however, kebab refers to meat that is cooked over or next to flames; large or small cuts of meat, or even ground meat; it may be served on plates, in sandwiches, or in bowls.
The traditional meat for kebab is lamb, but depending on local tastes and religious prohibitions, other meats may include beef, goat, chicken, pork or fish. Like other ethnic foods brought by travellers, the kebab has remained a part of everyday cuisine in most of the Eastern Mediterranean and South Asia. Doner kebab is popular in Germany as a snack after a night out.
So far, this is all I can share with you all. If any of you visiting Istanbul, drop me an email - maybe we can hang out together ! Cheers !
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