Going Places

Hello all,  We've just come back from a 10-day trip to Japan. It was my first time in this exciting country. If I must choose one word to describe: WOW :) While I was walking on the streets, I had this feeling that I needed to remember everything I saw. I hope I do.  I wrote the above last year in July without finishing the rest of the blog, which feels like 100 years ago, because in between then and today, I gave birth to my son, who is 4 months old now. If I must choose one word to describe the experience: WOW :) The following are what I can remember from our trip in July 2025.  Our trip to Japan was our babymoon, the last nice adventure we took as a couple before welcoming our baby boy into the world. There are mainly two types of babymoons, one where you relax and one where you explore. I chose the second one. The timing is also important. Pregnant couples usually travel around week 20 in the second trimester. That's why we were traveling to Japan in July, which isn't...

Hello, In December, I traveled to Taipei, Taiwan, for a work trip lasting less than 48 hours. The journey itself was an adventure: I flew with Air China, taking approximately 24 hours each way from Frankfurt to Shanghai and then to Taipei. Despite the brief stay, the city left a lasting impression on me. ​ I arrived at my hotel, exhausted, on a Sunday afternoon. Yet, I was excited to explore and sample the local cuisine. I met my colleague at a downtown restaurant called Gan Mei Alley . The noodles were insanely good—juicy, chewy, and aromatic. A friend once called me opinionated; perhaps I am. In my view, Asian food is superior. Period.​ Taipei is young, proud, and lively. Taiwan plays an important role in the global tech industry as a leading chip manufacturer. The island holds strategic importance for both China—which claims Taiwan as part of its territory—and the US, which maintains economic ties with Taiwan without officially recognizing it as a sovereign state. Upon land...

Hola, Since moving to Germany, we started going to the Southern Hemisphere during winter. Two things help me survive the Berlin winter: seeing the sun and skiing. Many people in Germany prefer their "summer" holiday during winter. When in Rome, you need to live like a Roman. We chose Málaga this time. This Andalucian city has sunny days almost 99% of the year, making it a perfect winter destination. The whole trip was all about relaxing, eating, a little bit of sightseeing, and walking around. It does not promise a big adventure but is a pretty good deal. We arrive at our hotel (Hotel Vincci Seleccion Posada del Patio) which is very central. The location is perfect but you pay the price by waking up to street noises early in the morning. Zero noise cancellation in this old but pretty building. Our room was spacious and comfortable so we didn't mind that much. Plaza de la Constitución is 5 minutes by foot. There are lots of cafes in this lively plaza. It's big enough ...

Hello Hello Hello, It’s been a while since I’ve had a chance to write—work has kept me busy with extra responsibilities. But while writing took a back seat, I had the chance to travel more. In 2024, I spent over a month in Singapore, and… this city has truly captured my heart. So much so that I’m seriously considering whether we should live there for a few years. My husband is understandably nervous because when I start thinking about something, well... let’s just say it has a tendency to happen. I’ve been reflecting on why I like it so much. Sure, the weather is a happy escape from Berlin’s endless grey winters, though the humidity can also be hard. My hair clearly doesn’t belong here. I look like Hermione in the first Harry Potter movie.  Maybe it’s the easy-going lifestyle, the amazing food, or the warmth of its multicultural vibe. Right now, I’m sipping a Tiger Beer by the riverside at Clarke Quay—a lively promenade filled with bars, restaurants, and good vibes. And as I s...

Hello everyone, I recently spent a couple of days in Bangkok for work and loved this vibrant city. Bangkok truly has it all—big-city vibes, incredible food, tropical charm, and warm, welcoming people. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the most popular travel and expat destinations in the world. The city’s bustling energy is intoxicating—cars, motorbikes, and tuk-tuks darting in every direction, crowds moving in a constant rhythm, and music wafting from every corner. Despite the chaos, it felt authentic and fun rather than overwhelming—though perhaps that’s because I am from Istanbul, another chaotic supernova!  I arrived on a Saturday night at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, which was easy to navigate. A Grab ride (Southeast Asia’s version of Uber) took me to my hotel in Sukhumvit, one of Bangkok’s main districts. Unhappy side storyline: my hotel happened to be in the red-light district, near Nana Plaza, allegedly the world’s largest “adult playground.” While it was a bit uncom...

Hey there!  I didn't like Barcelona the first time I visited. I thought it was an overrated city. I found myself in La Rambla , a centrally located, tourist road with below-average restaurants and shops. You can walk this road but I do not see a reason to stop by. The issue is not as simple as calling this road a tourist spot. I am a tourist. There is no point in pretending like Christopher Columbus of the 21st century. It's about what a spot offers and why it's touristy. For example, I do not despise the Berlin Wall just because tourists visit this place, nor do I avoid La Sagrada Familia , Gaudi's glorious unfinished Catholic church in Barcelona. Knowing it is a subjective test, two things might help: 1) Just because I am a tourist doesn't mean I need to go after touristy spots with a to-do list on my hand; and 2) You need to know the reason behind the popularity of a spot - not everything popular deserves your attention and time.     Having revisited Barcelona ...