Why Istanbul?

Fiona • May 4, 2024

Why Istanbul? Ohh why? I have popped into Istanbul a few times on passing….. got hooked. Reading Richard Fidler’s Ghost Empire really set me off. So much…

I've popped by Istanbul a few times over the years, stop overs as I was heading here or there....

The history surrounding the place, the Bosporus where east meets west.....the layers of civilizations, those walls that are still standing.

Reading Orhan Pamuk, Elif Shafak , Richard Fidler all set off my curiosity and as I was passing again, I decided to stay a while.

What a pleasure.

It takes time to grasp some things you may have noticed in passing and after repeat exposure you realise it is a 'thing'.

Disclaimer - I am not a crazy cat person, generally - let me say BUT they think they own the town and you are welcome to visit. As long as the food is out and you don't block their sun!!

The cats.... they live in Istanbul, the people of the city look after them. Most houses have cat and/or dog bowls out the front to feed who ever wanders by hungry.

Rishtan Mosque

Welcoming, peaceful and bustling all at once.

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Balat

Bright, cheeerful working class neighbourhood, this is Balat

The Tram to the Tunel

Fun times.

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why and how

By Fiona Wright • July 17, 2025

Rachel at Artizan and Creative PlaceMakers asked me to write a little about what I do.....

Aren’t these guys wild? They're called Kooshtak, and they’re shaped like both real and fantasy animals. These little creatures are traditionally part of the Spring Equinox rituals, deeply rooted in folk beliefs and magic. Especially popular with Uzbeks and Tajiks, they’re closely tied to the celebration of Navruz, the Eastern New Year. According to ancient tradition, their sound was believed to scare away an evil dragon - symbolizing winter. Winter in Uzbekistan- you really need all the help you can get to bring on the warmth! Some also thought that their whistle could summon the wind and bring the rain needed to help the crops grow. The best part? Very few people still make them these days, but we happen to know someone who does - and she’s invited us to visit! Big win for the ceramics tour! Join us 4 -16 April 2026

Joys....

By Fiona Wright • June 27, 2025

Life has been busy lately - satisfyingly so, but time to spare has been a rare commodity. Nepal was full of surprises and pleasures. Having lived in India so long I was not expecting to find somewhere so 'new' and different. The Temples and Palaces were stunning- amazing- gobsmacking.... yep I really, really liked them! Just look at they quirky snake above - he sums it all up. The food was delicious and so different in their use of spice and fresh produce - loved it. The roads - I must admit were in a state - but a whole lot of highways along our route laying tar as we passed so hopeful for the next trip. The misty mountains all around were impressive and the nature and wildlife spotting at Chitwan National Park impressive. We passed a rhinoceros walking along the road, coming home from dinner. He was relaxed, the locals looked like he did it often and just looked on and laughed, you could see they were stepping off his direct route but they had no nervousness about them, just a polite neighbourly giving space.