Letters Home

We welcomed the new year in Istanbul and explored one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. It is the only city that spans two continents, with a long bridge connecting its European and Asian sides. Thanks to its strategic location, Istanbul has long served as a hub for regional trade routes. We had the opportunity to experience its unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures.

Turkish Food and drink

The prospect of Istanbul’s cuisine excited Zander. In Switzerland, the Turkish döner kebab is our favourite street food. Turkish immigrants caused döner kebabs to gain popularity in Germany during the 1970s. Inexpensive, tasty, and filling, they quickly became a favourite meal for workers, students, and late-night revellers.

One of the most popular drinks to accompany street food is Ayran, a salty, light, and frothy yoghurt drink. Ayran quenches thirst and replenishes the salt lost through sweating in the hot Turkish summers.

We treated ourselves daily to Turkish tea and sometimes enjoyed a sweet treat like Baklava. Baklava consists of layers of filo dough, filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.

We also tried Salep, a beloved winter drink in Turkey. A differentiating ingredient in this warm and sweet beverage is the powdered roots of various orchid species. People from the Ottoman Empire introduced Salep to Istanbul. People valued warm and sweet Salep as a comfort drink and an aphrodisiac. We loved Salep which reminded us of milk tart filling spiced with cinnamon.

They also use Salep powder in Turkish ice cream. It gives the ice cream a firm texture and makes it resistant to melting. This is a useful feature in the scorching summer heat.

Bazaars

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets. They began construction in 1461 and the purpose of the bazaar was to organise and regulate the city’s trade activities. People often consider it one of the first shopping malls in the world. Today, the bazaar features 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops offering various local products. Haggling for better prices is an essential part of the experience, and Zander skillfully negotiated to buy accessories requested by his friends at great prices.

The Egyptian, or Spice Bazaar, is a historic indoor market established in the 17th century. It is renowned for its extensive selection of herbs and spices. We enjoyed sampling a variety of delicacies in this vibrant and aromatic market.

Locals shop for household items at various street markets, where all produce is seasonal and mainly grown in Turkey.

Landmarks representing Four Empires

Istanbul boasts a rich history, having served as the capital of four empires: the Roman Empire (330-395), the Byzantine Empire (395-1204), the Latin Empire (1204-1261), the Byzantine Empire again (1261-1453), and the Ottoman Empire (1453-1922). We explored several landmarks and experienced the unique blend of Christian and Islamic sites.

Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, a prime example of Ottoman architecture, is an active place of worship open to all visitors, provided they wear appropriate clothing. Blue Iznik tiles featuring intricate floral patterns, geometric designs, and calligraphy adorn the interior walls.

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia, meaning “Holy Wisdom” in Greek, is one of Istanbul’s most sacred and breathtaking landmarks. Built in 537 AD, it has a history spanning over 1,400 years and has served as a centre of religious, artistic, and political significance. It attracts countless visitors annually and people often call it the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”

Hagia Sophia was originally a church, later a mosque, and now a museum. Its stunning architecture reflects the influence of both Byzantine and Ottoman design.

Our accommodation was next to a mosque, and the call to prayer broadcast over the loudspeakers reminded us of regular daily prayers. Being so close to the conflicts in Istanbul’s neighbouring countries heightened my awareness of the need to pray for peace in the world.

Basilica Cistern

Beneath the bustling streets of Istanbul lies the Basilica Cistern, a 6th-century marvel that once stored water for the city. The 336 columns, some adorned with haunting Medusa heads, support the ancient underground reservoir.

Notable films such as Inferno and From Russia with Love have used the cistern’s eerie atmosphere as a dramatic backdrop, enhancing its allure and cultural significance.

Pedestrianised Istiklal Caddesi

Istiklal Street, the city’s most famous thoroughfare, is a vibrant entertainment centre. This pedestrian street buzzes with activity and is filled with shops, restaurants, cafes, and street performers. We visited just before New Year’s and saw Istiklal Caddesi beautifully decorated with festive lights.

Balat

Historically, Balat has been a haven for minorities in the city, particularly Jewish and Greek Orthodox families. We will remember Balat for its colourful houses lining the sloping cobbled streets.

Many of these homes are over 50 years old, with some dating back up to 200 years. The cafés and restaurants are picturesque, and the food offerings reflect the district’s diversity.

Our pictures share more about our visit.

Our visit to Istanbul was a positive experience and we returned with colourful memories. Travel is a gift that keeps on giving.

Regards

Emsia

In December, we received a wonderful gift from our family. Andre and my sister Ansa empowered their children, Marga and Altus, to visit us in Zurich. They aimed to broaden the children’s horizons and enrich their experiences. It was a privilege to share our world with them and a joy to celebrate Christmas as a family.

Marga and Altus’s visit was full of firsts. It was their first time flying, their first trip outside South Africa, and their first experience with snow. The snowfall was a delightful blessing, and we all enjoyed it together. The long nights, cold days, and living where people speak different languages were entirely new experiences for them. In short, their visit was an extraordinary adventure.

Afterwards, I asked them a few questions to understand how this trip affected their outlook and future aspirations. I share their feedback in this letter.

What were the highlight experiences that became part of your memories?

Marga – The snow was magical and truly the highlight of my experience. I had always dreamed of a snowy adventure, but nothing compares to witnessing it in person. Walking around Zurich and exploring the French side were eye-opening experiences for me. I loved the charming shops, the delicious food aromas, and the stunning lights that elevated the atmosphere.

My passion for tourism shone through during my visit to the Dolder Grand Hotel. This picturesque place inspired me to pursue my tourism studies with renewed enthusiasm. I can genuinely envision myself working at the Dolder Grand Hotel one day.

Altus – The snow was an incredible experience and the highlight of my travel holiday.

Would you like to travel to other countries, and why?

Marga – If given the opportunity, I would love to travel to more countries. I am passionate about exploring different cultures and discovering new ways of doing things. I am particularly interested in how hotels operate and deeply appreciate their beauty, elegance, and uniqueness.

Altus – Experiencing other cultures was very special, and I would love to do it again.

Which countries are on your travel wish list, and what interests you about them?

Altus – I would love to visit Paris in France, Mauritius, America, Sweden, and Tokyo. In Paris, I want to see and experience the Eiffel Tower. Mauritius attracts me with its beautiful sea and fascinating culture. America’s culture feels familiar. It is similar to South Africa’s, and even though we often see it on television, I want to experience it in person. Sweden has been on my wish list since childhood. Tokyo is famous for its cars, unique foods, and culture, and since I love cars, that would be the focus of my trip!

Marga – I am captivated by the fashion scene and the blend of historical and modern architecture in Milan, Italy, and I want to experience it firsthand. I have a deep appreciation for French culture and would love to immerse myself in it while in France. Tulips are my favourite flowers; just seeing a bunch of them in a store brings me joy. Therefore, I would love to visit the Netherlands to witness the fields filled with tulips and other vibrant flowers.

If you had to move to Switzerland like us, what would you enjoy about the experience, and what would you find challenging?

Altus – I love milk and cheese and would easily adapt to Swiss food culture. However, my biggest challenge would be leaving my family behind, as they always come first.

Marga – I would enjoy the freedom of using public transport to explore new places. I would also love to discover new things in my new hometown, such as the dairy near my aunt’s house, where you can bottle fresh milk. I would be charmed by the beautiful forests and friendly farmers in the area.

The most challenging part would be being far away from my family. It would also be tough not being able to speak my native language. I love engaging with people and making small talk but doing that in English or other languages would be difficult. Additionally, adjusting to the incredibly high cost of living would be challenging, especially since South Africa is still affordable in many ways, even if it doesn’t always feel that way.

In what ways did the Swiss visit make you appreciate South Africa more?

Marga – Although the snow was beautiful, I missed the Kalahari sunsets terribly. I also felt a deep longing for my family and friends, which gave me a newfound respect for those who moved abroad.

While we were in Switzerland, the farmers in the Kalahari were facing a severe drought. In the last week of our visit, it finally started to rain in the Kalahari, and I could not wait to see the green grass and the more optimistic farmers.

Altus – I missed my biltong, droëwors, and, most importantly, braaivleis. I have gained a deeper appreciation for my culture and the people who speak and understand my language. The most precious aspect of all is the Kalahari sunset, with the distant howl of a jackal in the background.

I share more about our experiences in the video below.

Our time together was special and strengthened our family bonds. We created many moments that will become stories to share in the future, whether around a braai or over a pot of cheese fondue. I wonder how Zander would answer these questions if he spent two weeks in the Kalahari over Christmas.

Regards,

Emsia