This September I couldn’t visit home due to the horrible war that is continuing to rip people apart. So I went to Istanbul - my parents could fly in to reunite after a year of having an ocean between us. I remember coming to Istanbul once, many years ago, when I was a kid, with my Mom. All I remember is the smell of cooked chestnuts on the streets and the cozy feeling. Those memories spark so much warmth and gratitude to my Mom, a passionate traveller who ignited in me the curiosity for different countries, cultures and people. Now I can feel home anywhere I go.

Istanbul

Istanbul, just like Turkish tea, is to be savored slowly and mindfully. It bursts out at you with all its colors, textures and details so rapidly it feels overwhelming at first. But then its rich flavor gradually opens up with all its depth and beauty that makes your heart ache.

Video summary can be found here - How I went to Turkey and bought yarn (and had a lifetime experience).

I am a big fan of slow travel - I do plan some things that I want to do during the trip and places I want to visit, but mostly my ideal way of traveling is random, no plan roaming the streets of the city, watching people, noticing little details, reading in cafes and imagining what it feels like to call this place a home.

I have a soft spot for interior design and, in particular, Airbnb as I love supporting private home owners who pour their heart and soul into their places to make you feel like home. I was extremely lucky with my finds - true gems with wooden floors, great location and dreamy views. As a knitter, I pay a lot of attention to the textiles used in the properties and each place where I stayed was a tactile experience. If you are planning to go to Istanbul, feel free to send me an email, I will be more than happy to share the links to the apartments to support the owners and make your search easier.

Yarn and knitwear in Istanbul

While casually walking in my neighborhood, I stumbled upon a store of handmade knitwear. Of course, I had to enter! The owner was so warm and welcoming, showing me every single corner of the store, the storage room and the machine knitting room (machine knitting, I miss you so much, alas my post-divorce apartment doesn’t fit the knitting machine :) ). She even invited me to give a knit talk for her customers and also recommended me a place to buy yarn. Nananko Knits can be found just a short walk away from the Galata Tower on a cozy street. You can find the exact address on their website - https://www.nananko.com

As for yarn shopping, you should head to the city’s bazaar Tarihi Kürkçü Han. It will feel overwhelming at first and absolutely chaotic, but just ask vendors where the textile sector is and they will direct you. You will get lost, a lot, but believe me, at the end this will be worth it - dozens of yarn booths with all kinds of yarn. From a super affordable acrylic to luxurious hand dyed silk. I got 100% raw wool and cotton.

Cappadocia

When the war broke, I felt frozen for weeks, literally making myself perform the basic life tasks just to keep going. The pain for those caught in the middle of the madness caused by the decisions made behind the closed doors of the big offices, horror from the news and fear for family, friends and just generally people completely broke my heart. I thought I knew what the heartache was, but nothing compares to this. What made me feel completely free and safe was nature and the thirst for adventures and wanderlust exploded inside of me - it literally brought light back into my life and allowed me to keep on going.

So when I decided to fly to Turkey, I knew I owed it to myself - I had to go to Cappadocia and reconnect with something deeper inside of me. I flew on a hot air balloon, climbed the mountains to see the most beautiful sunsets, hiked in the mysterious valleys that looked like Tolkien’s universe, explored an underground city and crossed the mountain river.

I will remember this trip forever. It reminded me of who I am, revived me and filled with gratitude, the desire to create and belief that beauty and love will save the world.

And I will keep on wandering, whenever I am and as long as I can.

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