HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

Canada: home of the free.

At least that is what our parents’, parents’, parents were taught. For generations, people migrated to Canada to create a better life for their family. Their goal to give their children opportunities they never had and also to support the family they left behind. Taking a leap of faith, they left everything they knew to become everything they had hoped they would be. But even after the dust settles and you are exactly where you wanted to be, you still miss home. What is it that pulls everyone back? Whether it’s the food or family, everybody longs for the days when they can be home.

This was my third time traveling to this beautifully diverse country. My husband is Turkish and speaks the language fluently, which always makes the experience feel so intimate. As a tourist, I get to experience this culturally rich country from a local’s perspective, which I think is the best way to travel if you’re fortunate enough.

For starters, let’s talk food. Turkish cuisine is very meat heavy. I don’t eat red meat, so I stick to more of the Mediterranean side of their diet, fish and the vegetarian ‘meze.’ A meze is a collection of small dishes either served as an appertizer course, or as a main meal if served with spirits. If you like olive oil and garlic, this is your haven. That said, the chicken doner is also always a top choice and a must try. Doner stands are everywhere in Istanbul, and I hear the best choice is meat durum. You wouldn’t picture Istanbul on the water, but it is surrounded. Dining at any of their fish restaurants is something we always do - the service is the best I’ve ever experienced, AND it comes with a view. The desserts are divine and different; baklava, (Turkish Delight obviously), Turkish coffee, helva, and a personal favourite, katmer, which is a delicious dessert that is a crisp phyllo dough dessert that contains pistachios and ice cream. Türkiye is famous for ice cream, but I would skip it for one of the above. I think about this dessert more than I should…

The feeling of the Old City of Istanbul is unmatched. We visit the Grand Bazaar when we’re there. This is where you can find the famous and legendary Turkish carpets, lanterns, souvenirs, jewelry, and high quality ‘knock offs.’ We have picked up many a home décor item that you won’t find at your local Homesense.

Most of Istanbul can be traveled by foot or Uber, which is a great way to take in the extravagant buildings including mosques, palaces, and Old City buildings. The magnificent and picturesque Bosporus Strait, where we got married in 2018, is a natural waterway that forms part of the continental boundary between Asia and Europe.

There is so much to explore both above ground and underground! A standout for me is the “Basilica Cistern” which is located near the Haiga of Sophia and the Blue Mosque, an underground waterway system with an eerie and mysterious two headed medusa holding up structure. I have never tried a Hammam (Turkish bath), but this is on my ‘to do list’ for our next visit.

Street cats are everywhere in Türkiye. I am a huge animal person, so at first it was concerning seeing all the street cats, but they really are a huge part of the culture. They are well loved and respected even though they reside on the street. You will always see restaurants feeding the cats after (and sometimes during) service.

From Istanbul you can take a short flight to the most magical place on earth, Cappadocia. Not only are there real ‘fairy chimneys’, with fascinating world history, but here you can take the most incredible balloon rides to watch the sunrise… breathtaking! This really should be on everyone’s bucket list. This one is difficult to put into words, if you’ve ever been anywhere that the pictures just don’t do it justice, this is the same.

Time – you need A LOT of time to visit Türkiye. I have travelled most of Europe and as most would agree, the South is always the most incredible. Türkiye is no different, from the super yachts in Bodrum, to the sunsets in Oludeniz, it’s as if you’re in a dream (and much more affordable to Greece). We vacationed here last year with our 3-year-old son. We beached everyday and dined by the water at night in the small towns. It is a very family friendly destination. If you’re thinking of travelling to Istanbul, or anywhere in the south of Türkiye, you will not be disappointed!

Istanbul holds a special place in my heart for many reasons, but we as a family have built some incredible memories.

XO Amber