Author: Leighton

Mixed Feelings at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar.

Mixed Feelings at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. September 2020. When people think of Istanbul, there is invariably a handful of snapshots that spring to mind. Perhaps the bulging dome and ostentatious minarets of the Blue Mosque. The sparkling waters of the Bosphorus and the rich array of Islamic art at Topkapi Palace. Moreover, we tend to conjure […]

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A Date with History at Topkapi Palace.

A Date with History at Topkapi Palace, Istanbul . September 2020. You just know some days are going to be special the moment you step outside. This sunny afternoon in Istanbul was one of them. The sky an absolutely perfect and unblemished deep blue. The sun shining bright, but not too invasive. What ideal conditions […]

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Down in the Depths of Basilica Cistern.

Basilica Cistern, Istanbul. Cover photo courtesy of Kurmanbeck. September 2020. It was a sunny morning in Istanbul as Sladja and I strolled through the ancient Eminönü district. As arguably the city’s most historic neighbourhood there was much to see. But for now we had decided to focus on just one fascinating and curious exhibit dating […]

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Spellbound by Suleymaniye Mosque.

Suleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul. September 25th, 2020. Our journey from Cambodia to Turkey was a long one. And that’s putting it lightly. First we flew from Phnom Penh to Singapore (2 hours 5 minutes) where a grossly overpriced “special COVID rate” hotel awaited us at Changi Airport. 24 hours later (long story), we boarded an empty flight […]

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The Time Has Come, the Walrus Said…

The Time Has Come, the Walrus Said… May 2023. Cover photo courtesy of Joel Garlich-Miller.  “The time has come, the walrus said, to think of other things”.  I’m sure this title has piqued people’s interest. Instinctively, you’ve almost certainly understood that this piece is neither a short story nor a travel report. And you’re right. […]

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