Author:

Mel Candea

Travel blog

Cats in Istanbul (Catstantinople)

By on November 10, 2012

We can’t possibly ignore the second-highest population of Istanbul: the cats.
If we thought Plovdiv had an affection for the felines, they have absolutely nothing on Istanbullus (yep, just learned…

Fun Facts

Truly Interesting Facts about Turkey

By on November 9, 2012

I’m a sucker for useless information. It actually makes me happy to know that a blue whale’s tongue weighs more than the average elephant.
Which of course led me…

Travel blog

Foreign and Female in Istanbul, Turkey

By on November 6, 2012

We all think we have a brilliant sense of humor, but I think mine has been getting a workout lately. It’s a matter of being an American female in…

Travel blog

Chillout Hostel in Beyoglu Istanbul

By on November 5, 2012

We spend an inordinate amount of time in the Chillout Hostel (now closed, sadly**),a great Istanbul Hostel to check out (Halas Street, No. 3 Taksim) Cengo, not the group-floor Chillout….

Travel blog

The Princes’ Islands: Heybeli Ada

By on October 26, 2012

The hostel is brilliant for not just exposing us to different people and lifestyles, but also for the great suggestions we get for what to do and see whilst…

Travel blog

Turkish Police and Culture

By on October 26, 2012

Apologies for backtracking a wee bit, but I want to get back to some first impressions and Armando’s expected run-in with the Turkish police. Our first week we came…

Travel blog Van Life

Our VW Westfalia Van Basics

By on October 16, 2012

Our neighborhood rocks. It rolls. It’s a constant surprise, as are our new neighbors in Istanbul. I’ve mentioned how we found the perfect parking spot, thanks to Nina.
After an…

Travel blog

First Day in Istanbul: Selam

By on October 14, 2012

Our number one focus of our first day discovering Istanbul was to find a permanent parking space without having to pay.
We went back to Chillout Cengo** (the hostel offering…

Travel blog

Welcome to Turkey: No Parking Allowed

By on October 13, 2012

It’s been a hectic few days, so I’ll try to be as succinct as I can.
We arrived* officially in Turkey after 5 checkpoints, an attempt at a vehicle…

Travel blog

Plovdiv, Bulgaria: A Photographer’s Dream

By on October 9, 2012

We stayed in Plovdiv for 2 days, in the street where Armando’s Italian friend Vincent lives. Discover Plovdiv was a stark contrast to Sofia.
Relaxed, smiling people and a seraphically…

Travel blog

Thieves, Police and Sofia Street Art

By on October 5, 2012

I mentioned earlier how Armando seems to attract both thieves and police. Today was no different, but before I get into my good morning, morning officer, I’ll give you…

Travel blog

From Czechia to Bulgaria: Our First Road Trip

By on October 4, 2012

Initially, we’d planned on spending some time in Prague to get the sense of how it- and we- would be in the van.
How to organize our lives, our…