Greetings from glorious Istanbul! We are here on a 4-5 day press trip, looking around the city on the theme of gastronomy, art and culture. We will of course tell you more when we get home. For now, here's a short greeting from this wonderful city.
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On the ground in Istanbul
We flew directly from Stockholm to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines, which felt like a very smooth journey. Now we are here in this intense metropolis. We are taking part in a 4-5 day programme for travel writers, together with three journalists from Sweden, Denmark and Norway.
It's a busy schedule, with programmes from early morning to late evening, so we don't have time to write much while we're here. However, we try to update on Instagram, where we post both pictures and stories (events). You can find us at @freedomtravelnews.
Gastronomy, art and culture
The theme of this press trip is gastronomy, art and culture. So far we have had a food tour (so nice and interesting to do!) and a bunch of restaurant visits.
An art museum is also on the agenda. We haven't been there yet, so you'll have to make do with a picture from one of the countless painted gates in the city.
We've also been to a Turkish hammam, which is a relaxing experience that leaves you feeling very clean afterwards. Have you ever tried it?
Best this week
Best this week? Well, for us it's the trip to Istanbul of course! I (Helena) am also happy that my headache is somewhat better, although it still haunts me from time to time. I have had a long period with a lot of headaches and migraines and am still very careful with wine and stuff, but it is at least somewhat better, which is nice now that we are discovering Istanbul.
Your turn ... what can you highlight as positive from your week?
The week ahead
We will spend another day in Istanbul, before it is time for us to travel back to Stockholm. Here on FREEDOMtravel, you can look forward to part 2 of our guest writer's series on Senegal (Part 1 on Senegal here) and soon we will of course also tell you more about Istanbul. Happy Friday and have a great weekend!
Did you miss the last Happy Friday? Read the Meetings, fair and new travel plans again
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Ditte says:
Wishing you continued nice days in Istanbul and it will be fun to read about travel experiences when you are home.
(I have mixed feelings about Istanbul. Unfortunately, one of several cities where it is tricky for a woman/girl to move freely in the city.
With male company, I have experienced it completely differently. Sad that it should be so. )
17 November 2023 - 18:34
Helena says:
Thank you Ditte! I'm sorry you have this experience of it being difficult for a woman to move freely in the city centre in Istanbul! How long has it been since you were here? I don't know for sure what it's like to be a single woman here, as we are a group, but you see lots of young women walking alone, or maybe with a friend/friends, and in very modern clothes, so you get the feeling that it shouldn't be a problem. But of course I don't have the experience you have.
17 November 2023 - 20:35
BP says:
Very much looking forward to your "reporting" from Istanbul. Turkey and especially Istanbul is doing a really good and lavish "advertising drive" right now, worldwide actually. The BBC has a drive for food, culture and adventure, as well as for Turkish Airlines and a separate drive for Istanbul. They really want to "sell" this wonderful city. Love Istanbul!
17 November 2023 - 19:06
Helena says:
Oh, is that so? Interesting! We might be on a small corner in the advertising drive then 😉 We also like Istanbul a lot. Reports coming soon!!!
17 November 2023 - 20:36