I don't have a big problem...

... with a new years resolution.

Culture in multiculture

Let the winter break begin!

Sometimes there are people you feel very strongly about; whether this may be intense hatred toward some of them, pure love or intrigue, lust, passion... Sometimes there are objects you feel very attached to; the kind that might not have any physical value but mean a lot more than that diamond necklace you've been eyeballing. Pieces of paper haphazardly ripped from an old notebook with a note from a loved one, a plastic toy that probably came with one of them cheap kid magazines, a book you read in class and you still keep (not because the book was particularly intriguing but because the class you read the book in was just incredible!). I can go on and on. Then sometimes there are places. A country, a county, town, city, village....

I have done so on many occasions, but this is yet another post about how much I love IZMIR. I will always love my family and secondly I will always love this city. Why? Because the people are kind. Why? Because the scenery is just perfect, you have the right balance of the coast, mountains and palm trees. Why? Because it is the only true place I will call home. It is the only place I am always excited to go back to and stay. Forever. 

Being back here once again for a beautiful holiday season feels incredible! 2013 has been a great year and as we are getting close to 2014 I want to rediscover why I love Izmir so much besides the obvious few reasons I have stated. In the next 5 days I have set myself a task of walking the city and show you why this city makes me love her more and more every day, minute, second. I want to take you on a journey. Fasten your seat belts, it will be a bumpy but a pleasant ride.

This week in Instagram

As I am about to start yet another lovely day of traveling let's take a look at the past week shall we?

I had my final crit for a design module and you can only imagine the post-crit relief with holidays just being around the corner.

The lovely finish to the week was an early bday celebration with all my lovely friends. The cake though. 

As I am writing this post I'm on a shuttle bus to Gatwick North terminal. I am very excited for this journey.

May everyone's day be glorious today and every day!

Almost there

That feeling of being so close to home, yet so far away?

Flashing lights are gonna be soon everywhere.

In the meantime, Merry Xmas and a Happy New year to all my friends out there!

The Mystery of the Bosphorus

When the crossing the Bosphorus bridge from the Anatolian side to the European side, you cannot help but notice a very delicate house gently located on the slopes of Ortakoy just by the Bosphorus. You cannot help but begin to think... I wonder who lives here? They must be very wealthy, maybe loyalty? After all such a view is not something everyone can in the city can afford.

These were the very thoughts I had myself this summer when I was in Istanbul. Although the morning travels were hectic, crowded and uncomfortable, when about to reach Ortakoy in the bus, I would push around to find a room by the window to admire this beautiful house; thinking one day I want to live here. 

Little did I know this was the house of Bruno Taut, a German Jew, an inspirational architect who worked in what is now the Mimar Sinan Guzel Sanatlar Akademisi (Mimar Sinan Academy of the Fine Arts). He lived both in Japan and Turkey after having fled Nazi Germany. Many of his building projects in Turkey are in Ankara (the new capital of the Republic) and Trabzon. When he arrived in Turkey in 1936, the new Turkish Republic was only 13 years old, thus there was a need of European architects to help construct the new country. 

Hello again my old friend Brussels!

As the summer vacation is officially over (post mid-September I really cannot pretend it is still summer anymore)... Although this is such a painful reality to come in terms with, part of me is looking forward to the last academic year at university.

 

My baby is one years old!

Yes! Finally it is that time - On 6 September 2012 I had this epiphany that I should start my own blog; a form of self expression available for an audience.

Where has the summer gone?

Honestly I hate the fact that the summer is over... but on the other hand too much of a good thing is probably not good.

A few snapshots from my adventures in the last few weeks... more photo uploads are on the way so watch this space.

After having lived directly opposite Chios for some 12 years we finally had a visit.

The week in instagram

As it is the last day of Eid - why not make a short Instagram post?

Renders from Internship

 

 

 

Some of the work I have produced during my internship at CD Architecture & Design in Istanbul, Turkey are displayed here.

Things I keep learning over and over again...

Okay here we go. We continue.

12. Scrap everything I have said about the traffic. It is spectaclar if you have your own private helicopter and you manage to land on top of one of them sky scrapers (the ones that TOTALLY fit with the generic silhouette of the city)

13. Irony - Europe's biggest palace of justice is just a few stops away from where I work. Justice? Turkey? hmm.

Things I learnt about Istanbul

1. Do not live and work on the different continents. You may one day end up in a very bad car accident due to lack of sleep...
 

2. ... and due to the awful traffic. Seriously who gives out the licenses?
 

3. Avoid public transportation as much as possible. Oh wait. You cant. Its sadly the fastest way (but also sweaty, sticky,  full of fighting)
 

4. People are so loud on their phones. YES YOUR MOM CAN HEAR YOU.

Flashing lights

Entering my last week in Istanbul before flying to Izmir, I thought I should share what I have been capturing on instagram here. 

This city is so exciting with plenty to do. I have enjoyed my internship so far but waking up at 6am to get to work at 9am at the opposite end of the Bosphorus is not the one.

Istanbul is sure the best to have fun, sight see, blow bunch of cash but not the one to work and earn. It is a tiring city.

Already looking forward to going to the beach once I am in my home town.

 

The view from my apartment

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

No there wasn't a charming Juan Antonio with a psychotic wife... There wasn't two American tourists both madly in love with him. There was though passion and the summer heat (although often quite chilly at night). Barcelona really is a city with a lot of character.

 

Costa Brava

Ola amigos!

Part of my Spanish adventures from 29 June until 6 July documented below.  Overall a lovely trip with the BIG three; sun, shopping and sightseeing.

It all started when we had to go to Schiphol airport at midnight to catch out 4:35am flight. The lack of sleep really isn't the one for me, but the idea of going to an exotic destination somehow managed to keep me less grumpy. 

After a really quick trip of about 90 minutes we arrived at the Girona airport. The first thing we all needed was a long sleep at the hotel which was an hour away from the airport in Pineda del Mar, Costa Brava. Honestly there is nothing like having enough sleep!

Quickly went down to the beach and the pool in the late afternoon. Luckily the other days I made better use of the sun :)

Later in the week we went to an Aquapark - it had water slides but also animal parks. The highlight was the Dolphin show. They were all just adorable! 

Cabin crew ready for landing. Early sun rise in Girona :)

Summer continues full throttle

Alacati is probably one of my favorite vacation spots in Turkey. Only about an hour away from Izmir, it is such a convenient travel destination for me. Known for its wind, sun and nightlife Alacati houses the Turkish elite from mainly Istanbul and Izmir every summer. 

Istanbul Part II

I just love the feeling of being anonymous in a new city and getting lost. No joke. Best way to get familiar with any new place is by getting lost a couple of times... Just make sure things don't get too ugly though :)

Istanbul isn't exactly a new city but it is still very unfamiliar to me. I have been there a couple of times and thought I knew what was going on but I hadn't got a clue besides the very obvious touristic spots. So this time, I did something that isn't written on the travel books - dive in through a random winding street and pray it will take me somewhere. I was also praying to get lost. These are the photos from my mini adventure.

Istanbul Getaway Part I

My 3 day adventure in Istanbul - a lot of flying, walking around, discovering places and the unforgettable 10 hour bus journey back to Izmir. The main reason of the trip was the Istanbul Reception organized by the University of Kent. The Bosphorus tour was just beautiful! I would have never thought to be on a yacht cruising this beautiful strait!

I took the metro to the Adnan Menders Airport on the 20th of June. The new Domestic terminal is under construction which meant a very busy International terminal. I am super panicky so I left home super early, and caught a very early plane to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. 

Insider: In the middle of the revolution

Behind the scenes - what is actually happening in Izmir? 

The majority of Izmir supports the main opposition party in Turkey known as CHP. This has often been criticized by the current prime minister, from the party AKP. We have even been called 'Gavur Izmir', literarly translated as 'Foreign Izmir'.  This has historical connotation as Izmir (formerly known as Symrna during the Greek times) had a big foreign (a.k.a non-Islamic) population. Yes, Izmir was foreign.  So what?  Why should this be brought up by Turkey's prime minister once again? What purpose does it serve besides creating unnecessary tension in polarizing Turkey? Something to think about. 

Today, Izmir may still be seen as 'foreign' because there are many different views to those of the current government. Today I was in Alsancak. The main shopping street here known as Kibris Sehitleri Caddesi was again flooding with anti-government protestors. Mainly the protestors were left wing. I have never in my life seen that many posters of Lenin and Che in Turkey. There was also Greenpeace.

I am not going to stand here and defend all of the anti-government protestors for there are some groups that are taking advantage of the situation and want to stir things up (something that needs to be avoided is civil war in the country). However, I believe it is important to share who was protesting for what in Alsancak, Izmir today. 

Identity: Lost & Found

Being back in Izmir, Turkey - I can say I have never felt this homely before. Being an international kid, you sometimes have difficulty exactly pin-pointing where 'home' is. It is the norm for us to have multiple homes; after all we are the sum of memories made, people met and places traveled.

However, Izmir always has a special place in my heart. This is where all my memories started and I frequently come back adding to these memories. Maybe because it is summer and I am actually in love with Izmir I am saying all these things... but it is the truth.

As nostalgia has hit me, below are some photos from the last few years spent in Izmir, Bodrum and Istanbul. I live for summer and cannot wait to sail (or windsurf as it is in my case) to new adventures!

Night view from my apartment (Summer 2012)

Post Architecture Syndrome

 

This year is over! So I find myself with quite a bit of free time. Trying to utilize it the best way I can. But after working so much, taking time off isn't too bad!

This week in instagram...

Manchester United for a day!

 

The second ASN conference was more about bringing architecture students drom different universities together and debate some of the previously risen issues.

Phantom & Foster & Lichtenstein

 

 

Not sure which one was better? Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's or Norman Foster's interview at the RIBA...

 

Seeing a musical at the West End has been something I wanted to do for so long. Finally with one of the most spectacular shows out there my musical adventures have officially started.  Phantom was just so spectacular. Dazzling costumes, beautiful set design, amazing actors and actresses... The most enchanting of all was the singing.

Hello from Wien!

Hello hello from the cutest cupcake store ever! Not only is it cute but totally functional thanks to free WiFi.

I just had homemade blueberry cupcake with chocolate base. It was so yummy that I think I will always compare my cupcakes to this one. Bakeries need to step up their game!
And no... I didnt come to Vienna just to have homemade cupcakes! Totally a coincidence on my way to the Freud museum. I am very looking forward to this visit.
Last 4 hours left in Vienna and what is a better way to spend it than see one of the key figures of psychoanalysis?

The house has been recently refurbished so this might even help me with the current adapt and extend project.

I have so much to tell but off to the museum now! x

The ASN Conference @ Building Center London

Before the ASN Conference for architecture students I walked around Regent Street and wondered around Carnaby Street. Didn't realize this until now, but the Heart magazines headquarters are actually located in Carnaby!! :) 

Its the day

You know 14th of February should be taken very seriously if Miss Anti-Valentine herself is posting this picture ....

.... and wishes you a very great, love filled day with lots of hugs and kisses! 

Happy Valentine's Day everyone :D

There is no remedy for love but to love more.
- Thoreau

.for door frothy shore.

Bereft

Where had I heard this wind before
Change like this to a deeper roar?
What would it take my standing there for,
Holding open a restive door,
Looking down hill to a frothy shore?
Summer was past and the day was past.
Sombre clouds in the west were massed.
Out on the porch's sagging floor,
Leaves got up in a coil and hissed,
Blindly striking at my knee and missed.
Something sinister in the tone
Told me my secret my be known:
Word I was in the house alone
Somehow must have gotten abroad,
Word I was in my life alone,
Word I had no one left but God. 

Robert Frost

Tired of London? Tired of life.

Adventure started in Green Park by the Ritz Hotel where the luxury meets elegance; yes I am talking about diamonds and champagne. A little down the road is a haven of designer brands from McQueen to Chanel, from Cartier to Tiffany & Co. There is more to London than this life though. In fact there is more to life than material possessions. I am becoming more fan of experiences and memories; the intangible. Now this is worth a billion sparkling diamonds. 

Before heading down to Tate Modern, I was amazed by a little glimpse of sun! I could not help but photograph this and what better way to show the contrast than black and white photography? Sometimes in order to see the color, you have to opt for monochrome. 

Green Park

Quite ironic, but just for my liking 'Man Ray In Paris' (by Erin. C. Garcia) was on sale at the Tate Modern bookstore. Man Ray is an American artist who discovered the beauty of France and spent the 1920s and 30s there. Result? Some of the most beautiful monochrome photography out there. 

Along with this I purchased a few architecture books, a belated 2013 Damien Hirst calender (should have gone to his exhibition... I regret not going so much) and a Picasso magnet. 

I had quite a long and adventurous day! Best way to discover a city? Walking. Indeed walking was what I had done. 

Interior of Tate Modern <> the construction of the extension is still going on to be completed in 2015 

I may have spent a good 2 hours inside the bookstore.

St. Paul's Cathedral is so beautiful. <> Neoclassic architecture <>

The Shard as the newest addition to the London skyline, replacing everything else there was as the tallest building. 

The colors were just so beautiful

Uncle Norman Foster ladies and gentleman 

Tower Bridge 

Movement

Walked from the Tate alongside the river and crossed Tower Bridge, walked some more... Got lost, met strangers, refused to ask for directions... Finally took a bus and ended up at Piccadilly Circus. Walked a bit on Regent Street - then gave up. Although I did not want to leave, it was time to head back to Canterbury. 

I hope everyone's one wish comes true this week! I know what mine is. Keep in touch :) 

Once upon a time in Brussels

Right before heading back to Canterbury for the second term we stayed in Brussels with my family. This is mainly due to the fact that it is easier for me to take the Eurostar to Ashford from Brussels Midi - however this doesn't mean I don't like to be here. These two days really felt like a mini vacation on their own and possibly the most relaxing two days I have had over the entire break. 

Too much chocolate everywhere

- Ten Ten, Tin Tin, Kuifje -

Manneken Pis - all Christmas dressed up :)

Not going to lie, I had trouble finishing this although usually I am more than happy to stuff my face with everything that has remote traces of sugar in it. 

....My dad thought this elephant was made out of chocolate... It wasn't. 

Play of light

Sadly as it was close to coming back to university, I was working on my essay in the hotel just a couple of hours before departing. 

The view outside the window was priceless and so inspirational.