I have very vague memory of this city which I visited a good few years ago while filming an advert, and I’m looking forward to rediscovering it.
I meet my friend and his daughter, we’re staying at a lovely flat not too far from the centre. On the way I come across the largest and colorfulest sweet shop. We go for brunch at a (nothing to write home about) local cafe. It starts snowing and we feel very European.
I’ve never been to Romania’s capital so when my good friend invited me over I jumped at the opportunity. Going on a holiday is exciting. And somewhat stressful. I obviously end up packing into the night, and true to Murphy’s law I get two castings to film for while away. I must travel more often.
Saturday brunch, more humus, and a jog along the promenade.
It’s Friday. In spite of being officially a free citizen hours after landing yesterday I end up in a somewhat self imposed quarantine. The flat is comfortable, plenty of food, and I rather enjoy not having to do anything or be anywhere for a change. I have a yummy breakfast on the balcony soaking the sun and watching the market go by, and take the day slowly staying in.
Arrival
5:43 am. I’m wide awake. I’ve only slept three and a half hours (just about), and the alarm is set for 6 am. So annoying. I’m convinced that those 17min would have made all the difference. I linger in bed, but eventually extract myself. I still need to finish packing and apply the finishing touches to getting the flat ready for the guests who are staying while I’m away. I’m too tired to be excited, though I’m very much looking forward to going back, it’s been 21 months (but who’s counting).
Museums, Hammams, and a hop to Asia
Sabas gets up early to go to the Archeological museum. I am spared from joining him. For some reason museums and galleries were never my thing. I’m more into animated objects I guess. A lazy morning in bed for me.
Sabas returns just in time for us to go for a (late) breakfast. It turns out the museum was closed as it’s a national holiday, or something. Sabas is disappointed, but vows to go tomorrow morning before the flight.
Twirling Dervishes, Taxim Square, and Turkish Take That
Is that the time? We did go to bed rather late last night so a slow lazy start of the day is certainly justified. The Archeological Museum will have to wait to tomorrow.
And now to the all important question - where shall we have breakfast (well, lunch) today? Our Jolly Man’s place from two days ago is a tempting option, but we choose novelty and find a tucked away modest place…
Birthday Boy, Grand Bazar and a Blue(ish) Mosque
Good morning. Big day today. Happy Birthday Sabas. How does it feel to wake up 50? (Oh, there’s also some Royal wedding somewhere, but let’s focus on the important stuff shall we).
We’re getting organised for our excursion to the Old City / Sultanahmet, home to the famous Grand Bazar and Blue Mosque. I stuff my bag with a light jacket, iPad and keyboard, three water bottles, and all the other bits and bobs I just can’t do without, you just never know. Wandering Jew? One thing is sure, it’s heavy.
Pomegranate Juice, Galata Tower, and a 4th Dimension.
Is it really time to get up? It seems I’ve just managed to fall asleep. Ok. The day (and Sabas) await.
Standing there, there he is, looking slightly lost and as handsome as ever with his healthy Venezuelan tan. He smiles, relieved to see I made it. He’s only been waiting a couple of minutes. Good. Now time for a hug.
Arrival
I’ve never been, I always wanted to go, but I never had/created the opportunity. So when the opportunity arisen to meet my dear friend (and mythological ex) Sabas there I jumped at the opportunity. It’s his 50th birthday so what better excuse (if any was needed) for spending a few days in good company at the exotic vibrant city of Istanbul - the meeting point between Asia and Europe, East and West, the historic centre of the once great Ottoman Empire, with its famous bazars and mosques, baklava a plenty, and of course world renowned Turkish hamams (which, between us, is all the excuse one needs really).
I have a real bond now with the waitress at Roots. She's an actress too, and she's sad to see me go, as am I. I haven't tried the vegan tofu breakfast burrito yet so I go for that, with all the extras plus the vegan cheese. Not as nice as the previous ones if I'm honest, but I can tell myself I had a healthy breakfast...
I wake up with a slight migraine. Slight as in not bad enough to take a painkiller (which I always try to avoid), but just feel like staying in bed and doing nothing. But I'm in New York, and the day beckons, so I get myself out of bed and head to Roots for breakfast. A different burrito this time, very nice indeed...
Today is the big day, Night of a Thousand Genders fund raising gala is taking place this eve and I need to make sure that I look the part. A smile can go a long way and the lovely Mexican lady in the corner laundrette makes an exception and the shirt would be ironed by this afternoon rather than in two days time. Phew. Now breakfast!...
It's a glorious morning, cold but crisp and bright. I treat myself to a hearty buffet breakfast at the Citizen M hotel nearby. Cosy lobby, good atmosphere, and yummy food. I go for scrambled eggs, succulent fried tomatoes with black pepper, crunchy hash brown, grapefruit juice and tea. Perfect opportunity to write my diary post for yesterday. I'm going for another plate of the same. Then croissant with blackberry jam. I must try that pancake, I think I'll top it with some fruit, pecans, granola and raisins. My post is nearly ready to publish. Just one more pancake...
I'm either still jet lagged, or the excitement of the past few days (not to mention lack of sleep) is catching up with me. It's gloomy and cold outside. The perfect day to go visit the World Trade Centre memorial...
Woke up far too early considering the amount of sleep deprivation I had in the past few days, but the City is beckoning and it's a fine morning out there...
You'd think JFK airport can afford more than three immigration officers on duty at a time. Welcome to New York. The queue slowly winds, another officer takes a break. Fingerprints, picture, suspenseful wait, and I'm through...
The renovation works in my flat were due to start on Monday, but got delayed to today, which is just as well given the amount of stuff I still had to pack and put in storage. The past few days were a marathon of sorting, throwing away, remembering, putting my life in boxes...
We are at the gates of the notorious death camp that is Auschwitz. After a couple of grey cold miserable days in Krakow, it's eerily sunny and beautiful. The place is calm, trees swaying in the breeze, and the red brick buildings are almost attractive looking. It's freezing cold and the wind is biting. I'm with 4 layers, scarf, hat, gloves, and long underwear - how must it have been with a striped pyjama in the dead of winter...
We land at Berlin. Cold and cloudy. We somehow find ourselves at the departure lounge but eventually get to passport control and make our way to the train station. Hang on. Where is my wallet? Nowheretobefound, that’s where. I have a strong suspicion it fell between the airplane seat and the window. We’re already out so I can’t run back to the plane and look. I check online, call the airport lost and found, call the airline lost and found, maybe someone can have a look? The best they can do is tell me to fill in an online form. Bye bye wallet.