modern istanbul

 

We stayed in the Galata neighborhood, on the top floor of a beautifully redeveloped townhouse including a great view over the Bosphurus. Check Manzara Istanbul they have many nice apartments for rent.

Bazar

A bazarre paradise for shopping

street art

 Around the Galata tower a lot of street art can be found

religious tour

The Hagia Sophia is one of the buildings I really wanted to see, especially the gigantic dome. Originally built as the Byzantine cathedral of Constantinople and for years the tallest cathedral in the world turned into a mosque in 1453. Being an inspiration for many modern mosques. Ataturk changed the use into a museum in 1934.  

shop till you drop

The main train station in Leipzig is not only about trains, it has all the shops you wish in halls previously used for passengers. This Mango store used to be the first class waiting room.

enjoy summer

 We had a very sunny weekend in Vienna, life happened outside the museums this weekend.

design and history

In 2003 Graz hosted the Capital of Culture. The historic innercity is the largest in this part of Europa listed as UNESCO heritage since 1999. Nowadays it is full with old and new design.

Road trip Central Europe

From the mountains in Slovenia (Bled), to the architecture in Graz: a road trip is a perfect way to be surprised by local beauty. Central europe is such a place where you are definitely blown away by the green nature in the Alps, its architecture and design, the history and its delicious food.

Happy Campers

Diesel is more than just a surfbus, it is a lifestyle ;-) Every year something needs to be done to the inside and the outside! Some of the things we made; led lights with magnets, sail as sunscreen, and many pillow covers.

City beaches

I have a weakness for urban beaches. This grassy beach in Koper, next to the industrial harbour and in front of the historic city centre is a fine example! Apart from the beaches the surrounding well-designed public space provides a good access to the beaches.

S-love-nia

Looking for venetian architecture but is Venice not your ultimate holiday experience? Head to Slovenia’s 47km of coast for the unspoiled and manageably sized towns like Piran and Koper.

Digital macro

The Canon Ixus camera's are good value for their price but above all their digital macro function is marvellous. It might not have the correct proportions as you would get with an expensive macro lens but the result is still great.   

Urban water power

The Germans like practical and energysaving houses. When will we finally change our attitudes towards sustainability in The Netherlands? Local energy projects can be found in every ordinary town in Germany, like this example in Kempten near the Austrian border. A former factory land on 2 sides of the river is redeveloped as a residential and recreational area including a beautiful designed waterpower plant.

Bio Solar haus germany

Since 1994 over 300 houses are built according the bio solar concept in Europe. At the place of origin they continue testing materials and techniques. If you fancy a bio solar house you can trial-live here

coffee time

Many new cafes opened in the Zeeheldenkwartier, one of the first was Appeltje Eitje.