Istanbul, Turkey

My husband is going to Istanbul tomorrow for business and it has me thinking about our last trip there together. Honestly, I think about that trip at least once a week, it was one of my all time favorites. I fell in love with the people, food, culture, architecture and history and was amazed by all of the contrasts coexisting in the beautiful city.

I went on the "Culinary Secrets of the Old City" walk with Angelis from Istanbul Eats. It was one of the most memorable travel experiences and the perfect way to be introduced to Istanbul. I highly recommend it.

Here is what I will be daydreaming about for the next few days...my favorite memories from Istanbul.

Nonstop Çay {Tea}  

Bal Kaymak {Buffalo Milk Clotted Cream with Honey} + Traditional Turkish Breakfasts

Fresh Squeezed Pomegranate Juice

Ottomon Architecture + Mosaic Tiles 

Fishermen on the Galata Bridge + Lively Fish Markets

Street Food Vendors + Markets

The Friendly Turkish People

The Views

A Weekend Walk Along the Côte Basque

One of our favorite walks is from Saint Jean de Luz to Guéthary, for a drink or lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants. We start at Sainte-Barbe and walk along Le Sentier du Littoral, a trail that follows the coast from Hendaye to Bidart.  One day I would like to walk the entire 25 km trail, but for now we enjoy this portion, which is about 6 km each way.  Not only does this walk offer some of the best views of Saint Jean de Luz, it takes you past some of the most beautiful homes, popular surf spots, a nude beach and the cutest farm animals. It has something for everyone.

During one of the first summers I spent in Saint Jean de Luz, my husband took me along the "PCH" of the Côte Basque on the back of a scooter. I clung tightly to my Frenchman as he introduced me to his hometown beaches. This walk always makes me think of that special day, when I saw this beautiful coastline for this first time. Now it is my chance to share it with you.

View from Sainte-Barbe 

View of Sainte-Barbe from a boat

I always stop to admire the view at the Hotel La Reserve.

Plage d'Erromardie

Please do not feed the horses, except for hard bread.

Plage de Lafetinia

 Plage de Mayarco

Plage de Cenitz

This time we ended our walk at Cenitz Beach. The lounge chairs overlooking the ocean at Le C were impossible to pass up.

We usually finish our walk in Guéthary. Nothing beats a cold glass of rosé and grilled sardines at Kostaldea on a summer afternoon. I can't wait for it to reopen in April. These are some pictures from last summer.