Winter wonderland in Istanbul

Istanbul is normally linked to the beautiful historical and unique buildings, the invigorating hamam, the vibrant and friendly people, the rosary carrying men and to a certain degree, the elegant and colorful scarved women and fezes (tarboosh) hats. Now, throw away your perceptions and try to picture instead Istanbul gone all white, covered with snow! Aha...not that easy,huh?

Istanbul (or rather Turkey) is now experiencing the coldest weather in 35 years! At its lowest, the temperature dipped to -7C degree but elsewhere in Turkey has recorded a biting -25C degree! To some, this might be a norm and i had a friend in Canada who went camping in the forest at -40C degrees, but even at zero degree, i think i'm already having a brain freeze!!

The beauty of winter in Istanbul is that, the temp. do not remain the same everyday. Last Saturday, it recorded a warm 15C degree while the day before,it was -3C degree!Yeah..how could the temp. changed so drastically? Compared to the British weather, it's a bit better. Why? In England, you can have four (4) seasons in a day. The temp. will change drastically within the same day. However,in Istanbul, its pretty consistent. If the day started as raining, trust me...it will be raining the whole day. And if it's sunshine, it will remain that way for the rest of the day. 

And..the weather forecast is accurate,too. You can bet your life on it...at least for the 3 day forecast. 

Thanks to the wonder of technology. I remember when we were students in England, we used to make fun of the British weather forecast. It has an accuracy of maybe 10%. And how we mocked at Terry Wogan (of BBC 2 then) by saying that he just went out of his office, put out his finger to feel the air and made his weather forecast...he he. Good ole Terry,we love you,though.

Istanbul is not affected too much with the freezing sub zero, thanks to the Bosphorus. The cold wind and fronts coming from Russia is normally 'neutralized' by the Bosphorus and hence that explains why Istanbul and the areas closed to Bosphorus is warmer compared to other places. Aha..I know, we blame Russia for everything! 

I was curious to see how the grand Dame Hagia Sophia would look like covered with snow and went to take some photos. I was mistaken in thinking that the place would be tourist-free (in this weather). The tren (train) was jam-packed with tourist though I haven't a clue as to where they were going. I noticed that they are many Arab tourists here now and you can tell them by the dozens of shopping bags that they carry. I think they are here for the shopping as its still a Sales season. They don't seem to mind the cold weather ....maybe they have mink coats underneath their shawl???

Istanbul's traffic was brought to a gridlock during the blizzard. Many people were stranded and schools were closed for a few days. Those who managed to reach their office did so by walking as the cars, busses and trains were not able to continue with their journey. (Photo from HurriyetDailyNews)

Waiting for the buses to take them to work, home or shops. Even then, there is no guarantee that they can reach the destination  on time, if at all. Moments like this, you feel like giving a bouquet of flowers to the bus driver! (Photo from HurriyetDailyNews)

An aerial view of Istanbul (new city) in white. (Photo from HurriyetDailyNews)

My village (Tarabya) is still white and cold, despite being so near to the Bosphorus.  Its eerily quiet,too.

Acibadem ( Bitter Almond) Hospital. It is now owned (majority) by a government-linked company from my country. Been there couple of times and this is one (private) hospital where I don't see many patients or activities going around. When you step into the building, you can't help noticing how 'deserted' and quiet the hospital is. Maybe because its charges are relatively high, starting at TL250 for normal consultation. Oh...and IBO (Ibrahim Tatlises) was treated here before being sent to Germany.

Along the Bosphorus. You'll be surprised to know that there are still anglers doing their favorite pastime, fishing !!

Bosphorus at its quietest.  I had waited for the snow to melt first before making this trip. In doing so, I lost the chance to take the photo when the area was really covered in thick snow..sigh.. 

Modern Museum. Normally a busy venue for many tourists.

Going towards the Old City. Can you see the Topkapi Palace on top of the hill? Its a different scenario now, almost everything is in white. and the sun is sadly missing.....

The Grand Dame Haghia Sophia in winter. It is still majestic, even from any angle or condition she is subjected to. Actually, I now see the rationale behind the quarter dome. It is more efficient compared to pitched roofs. And more beautiful in winter.

The park fronting the Hagia Sophia. The tourists were not many here but they were many in the train. I wonder where did they go during this cold weather? Maybe they all went to the Grand Bazaar.....aha, that makes sense. 

Yeah..I know, she does looks lonely and deserted....for NOW! When the sun comes out and the snow has melted, she'll be the envy of many again.

The Sultan Ahmet Mosque also cuts a lonely figure now. There are no more admirers on the bench to soak in the beauty of this masterpiece. I wish I had come here sooner during the heavy snow so that the view would be whiter and nicer. I had waited for the snow to melt before coming here, for an obvious reason! I could see that it must have been prettier when the snow was thicker.....my loss...opportunity like this don't come often. Will try again when its snows.

The Sultan Ahmet Mosque....still is beautiful, isn't she?

Too cold to stop and admire the beauty.....gotta go to the kebab shop and eat that shish kebab beside the Grand Bazaar...oohh..best in the world !!

Times like this, we must not forget our feline friends...how are they surviving in this weather?

Hagia Sophia...she is still beautiful, yes?

Another take of the Grand Dame, Hagia Sophia. Cool...

More people are beginning to arrive....

This year snow and blizzard has caused lots of havoc in the Eastern Europe region with Ukraine being the worst hit. More than 200 people have died in Ukraine and the temp. is still at -35C degree! Even Spain is not spared. I just find it strange to see palm trees covered in snow...

I still think she's beautiful...even when covered with snow and with the sun missing....but then again, maybe I'm biased.

My neighbor putting on final touch on the Snowman. That's one lovely and cheerful snowman.....Bravo !!

and here goes the hand.....she's good...don't you think?

My son's version of a Snowman (indoor) !!

Frozen garden and frozen swimming pool. wait a little while and I can ice-skate on it..yipee...

the snowman snowed over.....

I'm not sure how long the cold snap will be but as I write this, its has started snowing again. And I could hear the strong wind (35 kph) rattling at my doors and windows. Maybe I'll hibernate for a while till the snow thicken again and go take photos of the Hagia Sophia again. Or..Plan B, I can just hibernate and thaw my brain out of the brain freeze. Err...now, where was I..... 

Footnote :

On a warmer topic, we had steamboat for Chinesse New Year lunch over the weekend and it was great fun. Its so much fun eating steamboat when the temp. is dipping. For those who do not know what steamboat is....its a meal where you dip and cook your own ingredients in the chicken or other flavoured broth which is put in a big pot for you to cook. Its similar to the Japanesse Shabu-shabu but with more and varied ingredients. Its delicious...especially when had among friends....

Keeping warm with Steamboat with homemade fish balls and Rendang and Curry..Afiyet Olsun! 

Sweet Sensation at The Four Seasons @Bosphorus in Istanbul

How time flies...we are almost entering the second month for the year and it felt only yesterday when we welcomed 2012 with a bang! Well...plenty of bangs,actually!! And what do you know...I have already broken my resolution for 2012....to live healthily and stay fit at all time! In fact...gosh,I am soo embarrassed to admit this, I broke it a few hours after going into the new year...sob sob, I am soooo NOT making another one next year!

So..you may ask, what made me let go of my resolution so early and so easily? Well....what would you do if it happened to you (rhyme with the song "It's my party"). Rule # 1, you should never ever celebrate New Year with a Brunch. Rule # 2, Celebration and Resolution involving food must never mix.

Ok ok..enough suspense already....I lost to the "most sinful and most tempting" deserts at the Four Seasons@Bosphorus Hotel in Istanbul. I shall demonstrate  to you the artistic display of the  magnificent, tasteful and obviously sinful feast to the eyes as well as the palate....and you'd be the judge to it.   Perhaps you would then understand how I could lose my control so shamelessly. Ah hah!

This hotel is sitting right on the Bosphorus and is next to the Dolmabahce Palace and the Kempinski Ciragan Hotel. I have mentioned the Dolmabahce Palace,yes? Now..Ciragan (pronounced Jira'an) is the Rolls Royce of all hotels in Istanbul and the cheapest room rate is about Euro600, the last I checked. Why? Its in the furnishings, as it maintains most of the rooms based on the splendid Ottoman palaces...you get my drift?  That..and other things, remember, Turks are very warm and hospitable people and these would be reflected in the services. So...you would not complain of the thousands of Euros that you would have to pay for such wonderful stay.

Now, when I had my Brunch there, services at the Four Seasons was fantastic! I could swear that not less than five (5) waitresses and chefs served us at our table. Someone even went to our friend's parked car to retrieve a stroller when one of the babies fell asleep! And no request was too much to any of them. It felt almost like as if we were dining at home among friends and family members. The line between patrons and hosts very quickly dissolved and ohh...boy......I must admit, I've never seen such friendly staffs and such great services before! Not even from my vast travel from all over the world. One must really make it a point to go and stay or dine at this hotel, at least....once in your lifetime!

The view of Four Seasons from the Bosphorus. It looks deserted and not so appealing because it has just stopped raining. But you can actually feel the tranquility and the magic of staying in this centuries old building. It would even look better in summer when the trees are green and the flowers are blooming! 

Its almost sunset at 4.30pm and garden looks very peaceful indeed. Can you imagine having a wedding reception here, especially during summer? Yes...many such weddings took place here and the scenery would be breathtaking......have you booked with your "wedding planner" already?

How cool can it be? Waiting for the boat to take you to your destination.....to the Anatolian (Asian side), to Eminonu for more shopping at the Old City or simply leisure cruise and if you are up to it...with dinner on the cruise as well, right from the doorstep of your hotel. No traffic jam, no hassle and NO worries !!

Its just like being in Venice...you jump into a boat to go places. What a lovely way to spend your holiday. Can you see the Bosphorus Bridge in the background? It would be more interesting at night when this bridge (and its twin, The FSM koprusu) is lighted up in different colors. 

I forgot to ask if these tiles ( on the floor) are centuries old or recently added to the building but it certainly is an interesting piece. I think I know now what to put in my house when I start to re-furbish it..hmmmm

I noticed that the porcelain items here are even more eye-catching than the pieces you can get from The Grand Bazaar. They are really exquisite and beautiful pieces but I didn't check the prices. A good piece could set you off for more than TL1000. It depends on the color, the quartz used and of course....where it originate from. If its from Iznik...then you are getting top pieces and would cost considerably more...but you'll be most definitely be buying a piece of history as Iznik almost don't produce anymore. Most items are now made in Khutahya.

Other beautiful collections that caught my eyes....you really need to scrutinize and zoom in on the details of each and every one of them to see the real beauty of it. Even the colors could tell you the date when it was made. Centuries ago, the Ottoman empire sent many of their craftmen to China to learn the art of porcelain making. Compared to the Chinesse porcelains, Turkish collections are normally unglazed and have the  distinct blue and/or turquoise which is due to the clay used in Iznik and its near regions.  And each motif tells a story and its age. Ha ha..you'd never thought a humble plate or bowl could tell you so much,huh? Go raid your grandma's cabinet to hunt for those priceless antique bowls....who knows, you can buy a mansion by Batu Feringhi in Penang after selling it!!

Of course, my highlight today is the "sweet indulgence". Desserts were conspicuously absent on the buffet table and we were wondering why was it not in the spread. And...you guessed it, nobody wanted to go and ask why! Until we saw the table next to us...brimmed to the full with those colorful "object of desire" and staring at us....OMG! So we eventually asked how to get those beauties. Aha..turned out that they were waiting for us to finish our meal before they make the "grand entree" with those exquisite tiny pieces of "heaven-sent". They came in different sizes, shapes, taste and indulgence. So....would you still blame me for being sooo weak ??? Huh....I thought not!

Now...this is what I meant ......The Sin !! Afiyet Olsun !

All the colors....shapes...and temptations...each temptations are a heaven-sent that melt in your mouth and will melt any "broken heart"......if you had any..ha ha.... see the colorful candle holder? These guys were just stunned and could not decide on which pieces to jump into. Did somebody said calories? What calories ...... ?

To top up our day, the shushi chef turned out to be from Bali Island and he obliged us with 'Nasi Goreng' and 'Mee Goreng'...out of the normal spread and "on the house". That would translate to free "Fried Rice and Fried Noodle". And..wait for it, you may think that I'm biased but I can easily vouch that its the tastiest Nasi Goreng that I've ever had! And my fellow countryman agreed,too. Thank you Sumerta, it was great to meet someone who could understand our gourmet preferences.. Serefe !!

Sumerta, the "shushi" chef from Bali Island who disappeared into the kitchen and came out with the delicious Nasi Goreng and Mee Goreng for us! How nice......I now have someone to teach me how to make tempe (fermented soya cake)...something that I've been meaning to learn. Terima kasih Sumerta.....

With the rest of the guests...before the "dig-in".....

Sophie (in white) and Melanie seems oblivious to the display....but then again, Steve Jobs did a good job of distracting our children from the world, with his iPad and all. Noticed the concoction in the "glass tube" in the foreground? he..he..those aren't poison or chemicals, those are pure fruit juices! they lined the glass tubes at the entrance and I initially thought we were having chemistry lesson afterwards. They looked so "lab-type" that it took me a while to realise that they were actually juices. 

Macaron with a twist,or should I say..fruit tart. Sophie couldn't decide what to make of it. should she eat it or just look at it? When I first met 5 year old Sophie last year, she was telling me about the Tsunami in Japan and its nuclear reactor catastrophies. I thought that was a heavy subject for such a young girl but then it hit me. All natural or man-made disasters in the world will have an effect on our children and their children, of course they need to know about it! We are responsible in handing over a GOOD earth to them. All of us have a part to play. So dear readers...please teach others to make this earth a better and safer place for the NEXT generations...that would be my APPEAL to you for this year.   

Ahh..did I say candles? No...they are actually dondurma ( ice-cream) in a tea-light candle stand. How original can that be? The Turks are really creative people. You just need to watch their advertisement (printed or on TV) to realise this. Most advertisements are really creative and out-of-the box creations. 

To all Chinese of the world .... Gong Xi Fa Cai...Happy New Year ! May this "water dragon" year bring us everything wonderful, vibrant and full of prosperity. May these vibrant RED flowers bring in all the LUCK in the world that we wish and hope for. Do have a great 2012 !!!

It was a good New Year celebration....even though we knew that we had all packed a few extra kilos by the time we left...but hey......who's complaining ??!!

Actually, I didn't intend to write this piece but during the recent Chinese New Year meeting here, I met with a GM of a 5 Star hotel that's going to open its door late this year! Also on the Bosphorus. Talking to him made me realised that it would be another great hotel and his planning and ideas for the hotel is very interesting and exciting but I can't tell you yet till I have his consent. Maybe when it opens its door, i shall make a review on it. Meanwhile, this is my piece on The Four Seasons. Its a great a hotel to stay at whenever you're in Istanbul......enjoy !!!!!

Footnote :

Desserts of a different kind. We were having 'high-tea" in my country when we were told that the buffet spread was closing in 5 mins. So...that explains the 'massive and big spread' that we had. Ahh...that's what these ladies want you to believe he he. Phew..I hope I explained that well..Kak Shahid and Rita, you owed me one !!!

Mutlu Yillar!! Happy New Year .....from Istanbul

I know....its been a long time since my last posting. Maybe its a writer's block, maybe it's a heavy heart but I needed sometime to get back on my normal track of mind. You see..I lost someone very dear to me recently and I refrained from writing out of respect for him and also..I needed time to get over my grief. Lets pray that God will bestow upon him all good things and place him in heaven. Amen. 


I, however, have penned a little something that I wish to share with you, dear readers....on a loving memory of my dear late father. I know, every father is special...and so was mine......he was a good man, not because he was my father, but because people told me so. Here's to you, dad.....Thank You, dad

So...how was your new year celebration? Very Explosive? Sure...i think we spent almost billion of dollars throughout the whole world to welcome 2012...with fireworks. 


Turkish do not celebrate Christmas (Noel) and Christmas day is not even a public holiday here. However, New Year is celebrated with much jubilation and people will exchange presents on New Year. And I would always get the delicious 'Assure' porridge from my Landlord and incidently, he also had us with him for this year New Year's dinner. Serefe !!!

Istanbul New Year's Eve 2012 Fireworks Live Stream Bosphorus Webcam   

                        Downloaded from http://www.myworldwebcams.com/new_year/istanbul.html

istanbuldinnercruises.com

604 × 374 - Happy New Years Eve 2012 - Google Images

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621 × 349 - New Year celebreation in Istanbul - Google Images

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500 × 400 - New year Istanbul  Bosphorus Dinner Cruise, New Year - Google Images

YILBASI - worldbulletin.net - Google Images

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800 × 533 - New Year's greeting from 1900.Fireworks in Istanbul, Turkey - Google Images

People watch the “Pergamon: Panorama of the Ancient Metropolis” panorama created by artist Yadegar Asisi at an exhibition in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin. (PHOTOREUTERS, FabrIzIo Bensch) New Year’s Day is traditionally a day for looking back at the past, and looking into the future.
Todayszaman - Read More HERE

This year, I didn't go out to celebrate tho' there were many celebrations at Taksim, Besiktas and other places. Just watched the fireworks from my balcony. It was too cold and I was weary of the 'tense' situation arising out of the accidental killing of the kurds in eastern Turkey. Times like this, I figured it safer to stay away from public places and celebration. Just in case...if you get my drift....yeah...I'm too careful, but you can never be too careful actually. You just need to pay attention and be sensitive to your surroundings, that's all. Then, you can leave the rest to fate.


At the stroke on midnite on New Year, Istanbul rocked with several fireworks displays and cannon sounds!! It was as if you were in a battlefield....but it really lifts your spirit and brightened up the night.

Lets just pray that 2012 will be a better year, will see better improvement and will bring peace, joy, wealth and happiness to each and everyone of us. Life is too short actually....so, lets fill 2012 with positive things and thoughts, improve the quality of our and our neighbor's lives and do our part to make this world a better place to live in.....Amen !!!!!!

Istanbul crowds welcome new year



New Year Celebration Around The world - Hurriyet Daily News