Travel, life, loves and laughs.
There are many remarkable monuments in Istanbul, yet few possess the gravity, beauty and layered history of Hagia Sophia – known variously as Aya Sofya, Sancta Sophia and the Church of the Divine Wisdom. Commissioned by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 537 AD, transformed into a mosque by Mehmed II in 1453, and later secularised into a museum by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1935, it stands today as one of the most significant and symbolically rich buildings in the world.… Read the rest
The Blue Mosque in Istanbul is a living masterpiece of faith, power and beauty.
There are places in the world where history does more than simply linger, it breathes. The Blue Mosque in Istanbul is one such place.… Read the rest
Berat Castle sits atop the hill and is the original centre of Berat. More of a small fortified town than a castle, the complex takes in walls, towers, churches, mosque ruins and an historic cistern as well as numerous small buildings that are maintained today as houses, restaurants and shops.… Read the rest
It is nice to know that there is a Friendly House just around the corner. Arriving in Berat it is already evening. We have travelled all day and now, having checked into our hotel, we are keen to stretch our legs and explore.… Read the rest
In a city defined by layers – Roman foundations, medieval resilience, Ottoman influence and modern reinvention – the Banya Bashi Mosque stands as one of Sofia’s most enduring and quietly powerful historical markers. It does not dominate the skyline in the way grand cathedrals might, nor does it draw crowds with spectacle.… Read the rest
Hidden behind the imposing façade of modern government buildings, tucked quietly within an unassuming courtyard, stands a structure that has witnessed nearly everything Sofia has ever been.
The Rotunda of St. George is not just the oldest building in the city, it is its most enduring.… Read the rest
After my somewhat disappointing first taste of Abu Dhabi on New Year’s Eve, I decide to revisit with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque firmly in my sights. I drive in Dubai, but it has taken me a long time to get used to it and I can’t say that I’m entirely comfortable with it. … Read the rest
I finally made it to Jumeriah Mosque today. It’s been on my list since I got here! To be honest, the main reason I haven’t been is that the traffic still intimidates me and while I’m comfortable driving from one place to another when I know where I’m going and know where I can park, the thought of driving to new places is not a comfortable one. … Read the rest
We’re in Crete! We have brought the boys with us to Chania for the day and I have, as usual, a full itinerary to get through. It’s perhaps a little ambitious but, with a promise of ice cream a the end, let’s see how we go.… Read the rest