Flea market in Florence

Charming and cosy, the flea market in Piazza Compi just around the corner of Santa Croce Church is the point for old books and photos.

LIF is relaxing…

Florence as it is and it is elegant, trendy and cool. LIF started the walk from Santa Maria Novella with its famous artists’ works, Alberti, Masaccio, Lippi. Masters of Gothic and Early Renaissance.
Stop for a sandwich with the delicious and typical panella and then keep walking to the Dome of Firenze, Santa Maria dei Fiori.

Life is a Journey in Florence

There are some places in the world which are considered as must-see. That’s mean, don’t die without visit them. Florence is in the top of the list.
We booked a hotel near the train station, Santa Maria Novella. Handy place, near everything, cosy and comfortable.
We stayed one night in Pisa which was crowded and warm. Beautiful people hanging around. We stopped for a pizza and got our way to the leaning tower. It has an amazing view in the evening. Great experience being in the middle of Piazza Cavallieri where you find the university Normal di Pisa.
Again, the hotel is in a handy position and provides tourists with delicious breakfast.
In the next post, LIF will talk about the prima donna, Firenze.

Not just kebap

Eating out is not a problem in Istanbul: kebap on every corner, lahmacur for those who want Pizza and the mouth watering meatballs kofte are just a few examples of what you will find.
Life is a Journey went to very cosy Anatolian restaurant in Galata square, Kiva, and loved it. The chance to eat in the shadow of the tower was not disappointing, even though the experience in the cheap restaurant in Fatih was much better.
At Kiva Galata we ate a mix of salads, Yaprak Sarma — Wrapped vine leaves with a filling of rice, onion and spices like mint, currant, pepper and cinnamon, Taze Fasulye — Green beans cooked with tomato and/or tomato paste and of course onion and lamb stock.
Kiva Galata

Turkish bakery and all Turkish style

Life is a Journey went to the western part of Istanbul: Fatih and Fener. There are not loads of tourists. Everything is more genuine than in the crowded areas of Sultanamet, Sirkeci, Eminoune and Gulhane. Pay a visit to the Karyen museum: astonishing mosaic from 6th century, go around its streets to see the style of houses. Enjoy!

Eating in Fatih

Fatih is one of the several residential areas of Istanbul: strong religious tradition. Life is Journey recommends a walk tour though its streets. Take the metro to Arksay. Walk till the Roman aqueduct. Pass under the archs and you will find a street full of small Turkish restaurants. We chose the restaurant below and ate Merci mek – lentil soup, perde pilavi – rice with pieces of chicken, nuts and almods wrapped in a dough, bread served with lamb and croquette from minced lamb. After eating, visit the Mosque and go around the streets. Check the delicious dishes out.