Sydney...

I was having lunch gazing into this incredible view when I realised I've never done a post on Sydney, Firstly for amazing dining with spectacular views I recommend 360 bar and dining and Italian Village in The Rocks. My favourite pizza bar is Frankie's, as you enter the basement a sense of old Italy and downtown New York absorbs you, this place is a tucked away marvel allowing you to escape form the industrial ideals of city life and connect with your senses. In the corner you will find a number of pinball machines even a jukebox, a disco ball and pictures from the owners forming a collage on the walls. For high tea be sure to visit the Tea Room at the Queen Victoria Building, for intricate carved interiors with lavish furnishings and exquisite food. To really get a feel of the Sydney lifestyle head over to Bondi Icebergs for a drink, the views will leave you breathless. 

I enjoy heading over to Westfield's of course for the shopping but also to view the spectacular architecture and designer walls throughout the building. The Queen Victoria building is my favourite place to shop and have a coffee whilst gazing upon the victorian and gothic architecture. The strand arcade is the "go to" for Australian fashion a number of Australian designer boutiques are housed in this one very luxurious building. Paddington and Surry hills encompass many high end boutiques and a number of unique cafes which are definitely worth a visit. For a complete arts and design overload check out the Museum of Contemporary art, for those more interested in history take a stroll down Macquarie Street from Hyde Park heading in the direction of Circular Quay to view some heritage buildings such as the Old Parliament house, Sydney Hospital, The Old Sydney Mint and Hyde Park Barracks. 

Who got the last item on the shelf? More importantly, who creates their own lifestyle rather than ordering it?

"Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go" T.S Elliot

Istanbul: A place that I could never have imagined...

When I arrived in Istanbul I found a place that I could never have imagined it completely  exceeded my expectations. The colours and the atmosphere were so vivid the city itself transfers its energy into you, not in an overwhelming sense but rather a welcoming way. It was as though I had found my place in the world. 

The art and design scene in the city is simply incredible, the characteristics of Istanbul enriches artists allowing them to reveal their emotions towards their work whilst also exacting attention to the historical influence.

This city has a natural ability to connect with its people. there is so much depth to the city, this can be immediately recognised through the array of exotic scenery and aspects Istanbul has to offer. There is a strong contrast between the modern and ancient world which brings about a special element in this versatile city. In particular for me the Byzantine influence and remains were a predominant factor, throughout all of history I am most fascinated by the Byzantine Empire and the rule of Constantine the Great. The intricacy and detail used in the art, architecture, clothing and jewellery continually draws me in. The colour palette is simplistic and the use gold is a focal point. Elements of art and mosaic from the era still exist today and to be able to view these in person was something special. As I mentioned it was as through I had found my place in the world, being able to see the works that have been thinking about for years and gaining a more complete insight on the empire I have such great interest in was surreal. 

I believe that when you are in another country and you completely immerse yourself in their culture, that's the most true way to completely experience the place and to understand the values and lifestyle of the country you are privileged to be visiting. 

Below are images from my Istanbul Travel Diary, Enjoy...