The winter wispers goodbye

Much to my excitement the winter that didn't really live up to its treacherous expectations is signing off for another year. While still chilly, the sun peaks through the once grey skies and gently massages our goose bumps. I must admit though, an Istanbul winter is more than depression, red wine- stained teeth and pasty white skin. It lures mystic and encourages internal UV rays that stimulates the parts of the body that need an extra boost. It says to us, 'go on buy that pair of Italian leather boots and let them be loud as you walk along the croweded streets'. I will now diligently outline the three best things about winter in Istanbul.


1. Hamams. A Hamam is a traditional Turkish bath, that is pure grass roots, girly fun. My bosom buddy, Shannon and i have frequented the Hamam with two aims. One, to get a steam room scrub down and two, to talk love, life and all the things in between. While talking is a dominent feature for the first half hour, after the the warm marble seeps its love into our bodies, our minds and mouths turn into pureed potato and we just enjoy the quiet company. Hamam's are a gift, I'm not sure who from but if i find out who i will create my own dedicated spiritual group based purely on the creator of the hamam. Oh, and if your freaked out by other women's big beautiful bouncing bodies- then get over it- or you'll miss out on a truly spiritual, peaceful Sunday evening ritual.



2. Boots. Not sure about anyone else, but i rarely wore boots in Aus. Yes ok, i have owned a pair of cheap, paper thin flat blacks before, but they were not BOOTS. I'm talking thick healed, knee climbing, soft leather heaven. Its not uncommon for the less conservative women here to own several pairs of boots, ranging from cowgirl calves and ankle clogs to skin tight stocking style stilettos and fury leather lovelies. Worn over tight jeans or under a-line skirts, the women of Istanbul never look so good. With they're smokey made up eyes and they're cascading chocolate hair they torture the men who know they are a forbidden fruit never to be touched. Well, apparently I'm not so forbidden. Yes i am different, but I'm still an innocent flower right? Rather than taking offence to this weird attention, i ware my boots like i eat my fruit. Whole and with soul.



3. Food. Stuffed intestines anyone? Its a delicacy and one that is enjoyed to the last bite. Another is the head of the Lamb, which is oozing with oily pieces of cheek and goggley eyeballs. The man and i invested in a Lambs head and devoured it with our eyes closed yesterday, it definitely tantalised our taste buds. Hamsi (sardines), is a personal favorite. Preferably fried and washed down with beer, its perhaps more of a summer dish, but i just cant seem to make the distinction. Salep, a warm rice milk topped with cinnamon sugar that is only served in winter and is tailored to warming your body inside out, it's a great compliment to baklava too. These are a few of the favorites and shockers that always get people scrunching their face like a 2 year old until they try it. The rest of the yummy munchies, are all just a part of the beauty of living in Istanbul, and i doubt you'll get it at your 'authentic' kebab house on Sydney road either. So, another sales pitch for a visit to yours truly.


I wont say good riddance winter, but i will say good bye.