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Category: Turkey

Turkey travel blog

The Dogs of Istanbul

The Dogs of Istanbul

Although far less conspicuous than the omnipresent cat, there are actually quite a few stray dogs in Istanbul. They all seem to be large, rangy things who spend their entire lives asleep. They quite contentedly fall asleep all over the place, including on busy pedestrian thoroughfares. Natural selection seems to have favoured larger dogs, which makes sense, but interestingly they also seem to be quite placid in nature. When you have to spend your life bumming scraps of kebab from…

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Practice makes perfect

Practice makes perfect

Marinas are a bit like caravan parks. You pull up on your site, plug in the power and water, and use the ablution block provided for guests. The gents toilets at the ViaPort Marina in Istanbul have a distinctly nautical theme. Mounted above each urinal is an example of a handy yachting knot. This provides a great opportunity for well-endowed yachties to practice their knots. The ‘Double Overhand’ is sure to make your eyes water. If you liked this post,…

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Istanbul: City of Cats

Istanbul: City of Cats

A short walk around Istanbul and you can’t help but notice there are a few cats about. As you wander you see more and more, until you realise the place is crawling, creeping, sunning, sleeping, and sitting with them. Istanbul is the City of Cats. Cats of all different sizes, shapes and degrees of muntedness are everywhere, and appear to move freely and without persecution. Before long you realise the locals don’t just tolerate the strays, but in fact are…

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Air travel in the Covid age

Air travel in the Covid age

It was odd waiting in the Auckland Airport International Departure lounge with only a handful of other travellers and watching the tumbleweeds roll by. There’s always a strange feeling around a typically busy place that finds itself, for whatever reason, near deserted. All staff were wearing facemasks, and when I entered the lounge I put mine on too. I don’t think I’ve worn anything like a face mask since we ran around at primary school playing ‘goodies and baddies’. During…

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