Summer Update and Apologies

As many of you might have noticed I am not very good at updating you guys. I have been on my summer break since the last week of June and I have to admit that I haven't been writing to you and I am very very sorry about that. I will try to write more and share more recipes with you. However today I am going to tell you about what I have been up to in these 2 months, so no recipes for today and I am sorry about that. 

I have been travelling both nationally and internationally. I've been to Chicago, Bozcaada and did some touristy things here in Istanbul. Both Chicago and Bozcaada was very nice and I did all these "must do things" there and something hit me: I live in a city that I do not know of. I felt like many visitors from all around the world actually might know a lot more of Istanbul than I do. And that kind of made me feel embarrassed and sad at the same time. So, when my cousins came to pay us a visit from Germany, I decided to "explore" Istanbul with them. We went to the Prince's Islands, strolled around Kadıköy and tasted some of the Turkish Classics from Turkish delight to köfte. 

a Traditional Ferry

right: Blue Mosque, left: Hagia Sophia

The Prince's Islands

A traditional boat ride with seagulls

Büyükada Houses

The traditional carriages in Büyükada

Aya Yorgi Church

View from the Aya Yorgi Church

View from the Aya Yorgi Church

A strange tree in the forest, just thought you might find it interesting 'cause I did. 

The Bosphorus Bridge

The Bosphorus Bridge at night

Sea waves in a windy weather. 

As I've told you, I've also spent some time in Bozcaada. But it was only for one day. However it was amazing. I was staying with my grandparents in Çanakkale and where I was staying was actually really close to Bozcaada, which is an island that has a glass clear sea. My parents and I used to go there every summer but year after year the island got more famous and it was extremely crowded and pricey. After not going there for about 3-4 years, I found out that the island is a little bit crowded but still a magical place. I love small towns and I fell in love with this small island. My grandparents and I went to a beach called "Ayazma". It was probably the best beach I've ever been too. The silk sand and diamond clear sea made me feel like I was in a paradise. 

The sea in Ayazma Beach

The Ayazma Beach

The famous Bozcaada grapes

The harbour

Cute little shops

The traditional Turkish tea cafe

The harbour

When I was staying with my grandparents, I also cooked a little bit, but not that much. My grandmother, who still sees me as a little baby, did not allow me to cook. She is afraid that I might cut or burn myself. So, the recipes that I am going to share with you in the further posts might contain the hands of my grandmother rather than mine. But it was still very nice to watch her cook. And plus I got to see some amazing sunsets there. 

The sunset in Geyikli facing Bozcaada

I still have one more place to go on my agenda before the school starts: Bodrum. I am looking forward to get some tan and close the season with a lovely vacation there. What have you guys been up to? Are you travelling and enjoying this warm summer weather? Even though the summer is about the end, I hope you'll have a fantastic summer with lots and lots of cooking :)