The Bosphorus, a narrow strait separating Asia from Europe has drawn conquerors to establish fortresses and watchtowers along its shores. The lucrative trade between regions…
Istanbul: A Feline’s Paradise
Legend has it that one day Muhammad awoke to the sound of adhan, the Islamic call for prayer. When he was getting ready to dress himself,…
Grand Palaces of the Ottomans
The steep cobblestone street that raises up on the right side of the expansive Gülhane Park is filled with stone artifacts from the Byzantine era,…
Embracing the Southern Lifestyle
First, let’s talk about the brand-new MRT (Mass Rapid Transport) line Jakarta badly needed to alleviate its traffic problem. In the first few weeks after…
Melbourne’s Alluring Warmth
One clear Tuesday afternoon, we arrived in Melbourne, only to be confronted by a stark difference between the two cities as soon as we left…
Enduring Icons of Sydney
Rivalries among kingdoms, empires and modern-day republics have profoundly shaped humanity in many ways. In the process of outdoing each other – through the economy,…
Mount Kencana: Into the Tea Country
Nowadays, wherever you go in the world, it seems like cafés and coffee shops can be found at almost every corner of a city. Many…
Sydney’s Symphony
As the plane made its final approach to Kingsford Smith International Airport, my excitement was slightly dampened by the thick clouds that stretched as far…
An Aftertaste of Istanbul
We were standing under Galata Tower, a 14th century gem perched on the hill of Beyoğlu, a district in the European side of Istanbul. South…
Nuremberg: The Ups and Downs
Currently Nuremberg is Germany’s fourteenth largest city. However, in the past it played a significant role in the history of the nation. During the age…