XIXERONE

Covering a vast area of central Istanbul, the Kapali Çarsi (kah-pah-look char-shoo), which translates as “Covered Market” but is known worldwide as the Istanbul Grand Bazaar, is one of the world’s most famous shopping places. Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is often viewed as a tourist trap due to its high prices and aggressive sales tactics. Shopkeepers are known to harass aggressively persuade passersby to purchase items that may be found elsewhere at lower prices. This can make the shopping experience quite stressful for visitors hoping to find good deals. However, the place also offers a breathtaking visual treat for photographers. Its ...

The afternoon was giving way as the train rolled into Thessaloniki. After a brief stay in Skopje, my time here was limited—a ticking clock I couldn’t ignore. With urgency, I gathered my essentials: most importantly, my phone charger and camera. Thessaloniki’s call was simple: come and see. So I did. My route was direct from the station to where the city meets the sea. Sunsets, there are no whispers of beauty but full conversations. The sinking sun did not disappoint, drenching everything—the water, the boats, the buildings in a warm golden light. The experience, though fleeting, left an impression. In ...

Dubai is a place where I once only spent a brief time during a long layover. Honestly, the city never really caught my fancy and didn’t land on my list of top places to return to. But life is full of surprises, and I was back in Dubai. On this visit, things took a turn for the better. Maybe it was the fact that I had more time, but I got to discover a more human side to the “City of Bling.” During my previous short stay, Dubai felt distant to me. However, this time, it was unlike the first. ...

Living in Madrid, I have visited El Capricho Park numerous times. Although it is not as famous as El Retiro, it is just as beautiful. More importantly, its history is just baffling! The park spans an area of about 14 hectares and is located in the Alameda de Osuna neighborhood. While it was built in the 18th century, it was only opened to the public in 1974. This park includes a range of gardens that display different European design styles. As you walk through, you’ll come across French, English, and Italian gardens. Parque El Capricho: A Historical Overview The Park’s ...

Mexican food is arguably one of the world’s most famous cuisines and one of my favorites. So, I had big expectations during my first, and so far, only one visit to Mexico City would be an understatement. Luckily, I went on two food tours in Mexico City, which exceeded my expectations and allowed me to understand the country’s gastronomical tradition better. Both tours were excellent and showcased a different side of Mexico’s capital. The first was a food tour through Polanco, one of the city’s more exclusive neighborhoods. So, we visited fancy restaurants. The second was a food tour through ...