
As I left the apartment yesterday morning, Istanbul police had cordoned off Taksim Square and Taksim Mosque with metal barricades. This was because of May Day “Global Workers” protests by Turkish civil society associations and trade unions. Protestors chanted the slogan, “Bread, Peace, Freedom”. _____________ “Global May Day protests were reported in major cities worldwide, including Paris […]

Istiklal Street Baklava & Sweet ShopThis first week back in Istanbul has been a blur… So far, I’ve explored Beyoğlu district and its endlessly-entertaining side streets! Since 2013, Istanbul has been on my travel itinerary, and I’ve visited several times. The last visit, June 2021, was during covid, so of course the atmosphere was entirely […]

The uneventful trip from Thessaloniki to Istanbul was short but tiring, mostly due to airport taxi pickups on both ends. I found taxi pickups in Thessaloniki problematic, primarily because the drivers seemed short-tempered and spoke minus-zero English. Since my apartment was on a sidestreet not open to auto traffic, it was difficult communicating the exact […]
Fabulous memories. Safe travels.
Thanks Gwen – everything went well – negative PCR, flights on schedule…. Being back in the US is wierd!!!!
Good to hear you’re back. Hope someone watered the plants while you were away LOL.
I’ll be looking out for another post…
Ahhhh the come home to a big ol’ mess scenario – you think of all the good stuff Gwen! I’ve left my house for extended trips so many times, and from trial and error learned to deal with most potential havoc – sorta :o(. I have professionals manage while traveling, and their fee is well spent. Expecting neighbors or friends to watch out for your house and belongings is being naïve. Will have to replace a few smaller trees damaged from squirrels digging up the root base, but that’s the worst of it. I’ve thought about renting my place while on extended trips, but when factoring in the cost to store belongings, management fees, getting them out when I’m ready to return, and performing cleanup and damage repair – it’s not worth it… Nothing is ever simple, right? Am already planning next trip in my head!!!
Yep. Perhaps it was my brother’s saying sticking in my head – “Now what can possibly go wrong?”
I think you’re wise not to rent out for all the reasons you give, and also not to rely on the neighbours which would wear a bit thin after a few weeks.
And the planning the trip is three quarters of the fun!