Inspired by the Neighborhood I live in "Arnavutkoy" and "Alacati"

The atmosphere of “Arnavutkoy” a neighborhood I live very near by the sea in Istanbul is so lovely and inspires me with its pretty old wooden houses painted in all different colors. Its shutters in white, green, pink and yellow paint adorned with carvings and other decorations on their balconies are all a work of art. You can find nice restaurants to relax with a peaceful terraces attracted to enjoy the combined pleasure of the bosphorous sea and green surroundings with a glass of aniseed flavored raki, the so-called ‘lion’s milk’, which takes on a milky white color when mixed with water, accompanied by small plates of traditional dishes. There the time passes so pleasantly for me.

 raki (an aniseed flavored local drink)

 Alaçatı, a village west of Izmir is another place I recently discovered in Turkey famous for the charming old stone houses on narrow streets lined with sidewalk cafes, restaurants, workshops and boutiques. Among the most eager visitors are windsurfers, who come for the predictable brisk winds over a safe, sand-bottom bay. Backed by hillsides of vineyards and olive trees, the city offers special local olive oil and wine. Alacati mostly inspired me with its historical village ambiance. Walking hand to hand with your loved one through its streets, one’s troubles fade away in this village by the Agean Sea.

My son Mert wind surfing in Alacati