Istanbul: and body parts still intact
I have fled the intrigue of Bishkek (an important government official recently received a human ear and finger in a gift wrapped box). And I have hopped a flight to Istanbul for the weekend. I am shoppıng for Peacock Pavilions wıth my best frıend, Anna, who has flown in from Geneva.
Oh, pinch me. Am I allowed to be this happy?
PS This is my 300th post. I am so grateful that you are still reading:-)
Have fun. It's always good to shop with a best friend.
Posted by:Barbara | January 26, 2008 at 08:56 AM
What's hysterical to me is that here in far-flunf Albania we have a few souvenir shops where we have bought these exact slippers, cushion covers, and fabrics! Of course when we ask where they are made they tell us "Here in Albania of course!" Well, well somehow I think we're being conned! LOL
Posted by:Kim H | January 26, 2008 at 09:41 AM
Have you tried the Cavalvy or Arasta bazaar just behind the Blue Mosque yet? there were some wonderful shops there as I recall - you may add to your collections of Suzanis there.
http://www.heatheronhertravels.blogspot.com/
Posted by:Heather Cowper | January 26, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Congratulations on your 300th POST....and happy shopping!!!!!!!!
Posted by:patricia gray | January 26, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Congrats on your 300th post. Keep them coming! Happy shopping,
Paz
Posted by:Paz | January 26, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Nothing says "time to go" like parts in a box. Gawd I love those slippers!
Posted by:halimah | January 26, 2008 at 01:12 PM
The intrigue rating of this blog is at an all-time high! Answer to your query: yes, you are.
Posted by:dianamuse | January 26, 2008 at 02:08 PM
300 entries! And still going strong! Fantastic! Congrats!
Posted by:Claire | January 26, 2008 at 02:53 PM
300 posts and.... how many international spy assignments, now? Because we all know that's what you really are.
Paul Bowles was once stopped at a border (not Morocco, I think, possibly Sri Lanka) and told that he could not enter because he was clearly an international spy. He was quite put out and plaintively asked "But who am I supposed to be spying *for*?" The confident response? "International". As an aside, some friends of mine were very disappointed when, after watching Naked Lunch, I informed them that the Interzone was a real place - the International Zone (although I don't think that's what Bowles' troublesome border guards meant).
Posted by:Passementerie | January 26, 2008 at 03:02 PM
Happy 300th post! Looking forward to many, many more.
And those shoes....!
Posted by:Barb McMahon | January 26, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Here's to 300 treasures, 300 sources of inspiration, 300 visual treats.
I love Istanbul dearly. Have a wonderful time shopping with your BFF.
Posted by:Persephone | January 26, 2008 at 03:55 PM
Here's to 300 treasures, 300 sources of inspiration, 300 visual treats.
I love Istanbul dearly. Have a wonderful time shopping with your BFF.
Posted by:Persephone | January 26, 2008 at 03:56 PM
I'm so grateful you are still posting.
So much beauty I would otherwise never have experienced.
Posted by:hel | January 26, 2008 at 04:28 PM
Can't wait to see what you add to the shop from this trip! Have a great time.
Oh, and that is so nasty about the ear and finger. Intriguing yes, but nasty!
Posted by:Aimee | January 26, 2008 at 04:53 PM
congratulations for 300 posts.nearly 6 or 7 months I m reading them , very joyfull.thanks and happy to you were in istanbul.I hope you will buy beatiful and inexpensive suzanis and goods for peacok pavillion.and if you need any help maybe I can.I m in istanbul too.
Posted by:canan | January 26, 2008 at 04:58 PM
i am pinching you HARD--yes you are allowed to be this happy!
congrats on the 300th post...
Novel
Posted by:Novel Nymph | January 26, 2008 at 05:03 PM
Happy 300th indeed. And here's to keeping your body parts safely attached for the duration of this adventure!
Posted by:Carroll | January 26, 2008 at 06:00 PM
what fun!
carpets and lantern and and and...:)
Posted by:Lynne | January 26, 2008 at 06:25 PM
Thank you for showing us so many beautiful things and interesting places. Reading your posts expands my horizons and pleases my senses. It enriches my life!
Posted by:Judy in KY | January 26, 2008 at 06:58 PM
Hi Maryam,
We met at Silk Road in Bishkek and shared the shuttle over to the airport. Glad to see you made it to your hotel and had some success shopping. The website for boutique hotels in Turkey that I mentioned is www.nisanyan.net . Have fun and good luck with all that you have going on!
Arzum
Posted by:Arzum | January 26, 2008 at 07:11 PM
Oh let me know where to go and what to do. I am going in July!!!
Post photos. I am so excited for you, happy shopping with your best friend!!!
xo
Posted by:Gillian @ Indigo Blue | January 26, 2008 at 09:37 PM
Welcome to my city:)
Posted by:Circirbocegi | January 26, 2008 at 10:50 PM
Hooray for your 300th post! And here's to the next 300 and to Peacock Pavilions! Happy shopping!
Posted by:Paris Parfait | January 26, 2008 at 11:07 PM
Did you remind the official that his gift is not the kind that can be re-gifted? Can't wait to stay tuned to the next 300!
Posted by:Liberty Post Editor | January 27, 2008 at 02:33 AM
Hip, hip, here's to 300 more! This photo has me drooling as I've recently become convinced I simply must have a bright grass green coverlet for my bed. You are such an inspiration, this blog always, always a joy to visit and I look forward to many more wonderful stories and adventures.
Rock on, blogging girl. We are lucky to have you...
xo
t
Posted by:Tay | January 27, 2008 at 07:08 AM