My first trip to Istanbul, Turkish Lentil Soup, and an unexpected travel safety tip
So, about that time I got lost finding the Grand Bazaar...
The first time I traveled to Turkey, just about everything went wrong.
I flew alone to Istanbul with no knowledge of Turkish food and hardly a word of the language. After checking in at the Hilton Hotel, I asked a taxi driver to take me to the Grand Bazaar—that famous, bustling maze of marketplace stalls—or at least, I thought I asked him to take me to the Grand Bazaar. I ended up in a residential area in a different part of the city, and had to figure out the way back. Not to mention, on another taxi ride, I left an important folder of documents in the backseat!
When I finally did make it to the bazaar, a rug dealer invited me to “just come in and have some tea.” Little did I know that this is a famous sales line, and after two hours of haggling, I paid far too much money to bring home a Turkish rug.
Oh, and there was also that small fire I started back in the hotel room (hint: remember to pack an adapter for your electronics when you travel abroad!)
And after all that? I fell in love with Turkey—and with travel.
The lost documents were returned to me by the very gracious taxi driver. The carpet I paid too much money for is stunning, and still hangs in my office in Boston, a beautiful mosaic of shapes and colors. I fell in love with the foods, flavors, and aromas of Turkish cuisine.
Since that first trip to Istanbul I’ve built connections and made friends all over the world, who have helped me plan culinary tours for other American travelers in Turkey, Greece, France, Spain, Italy, Morocco, and beyond.
And I don’t get lost or blow up small electronic devices anymore.
If I can get the hang of it, you can, too. Travel is for everyone. In this newsletter, I’ll be sharing my favorite destinations, as well as the things I’m cooking, thinking about, and planning, either inspired by my travels, or that will inspire my future adventures. At the end of every newsletter, I’ll tell you about one of the chef-led, guided group travel tours you can join me on—that is, if wine tastings, cooking demos, and cultural tours are your thing. So whether you’re dreaming of your first trip abroad or your fiftieth, thanks for reading!
Happy travels,
Sara
P.S. Scroll to the bottom of this email to learn how YOU can join me on a 7-day culinary tour to Turkey this March!
Global-Inspired Recipe: Turkish Red Lentil Soup
My favorite winter comfort food is Turkish Red Lentil Soup. It’s luscious and creamy, and with red lentils and fine bulgur as the two main ingredients, it’s incredibly healthy as well.
Make this recipe when you’re craving something warming and comforting—and bring a taste of Turkey right to your kitchen.
Get the Turkish Red Lentil Soup recipe here
Insider Travel Tip
Don’t forget to take several (plug) adapters for the country you are visiting. In most countries you travel to, the outlets won’t be the same shape as they are in the U.S., and you won’t be able to plug in your chargers and small appliances.
I like to have a small bag of adapters packed, so I’m ready to go when it’s time to travel. Bonus? Bring an extension cord with you too, in case the one plug in your hotel room is hidden behind a piece of furniture.
But…NEVER bring a hair dryer. It won’t end well. They take a lot of power and invariably blow out the voltage converter. Use the hair dryer in your hotel room or Air BnB instead.
More on hair next month!
Question - Comment Below to Weigh In!
Have you traveled since March 2020? If so, where? If not, where’s the first place you’ll go?
Destination: Turkey
March 20-27, 2022 - Reserve your spot on the tour today!
Photo courtesy Osman Koycu on Unsplash
Spend 7 days immersed in the food, history, and culture of Turkey with me and Chef Ana Sortun.
Learn about Turkish food, ingredients and cooking with one of the great experts in the U.S. on Turkish cuisine. We’ll experience the history and culture of two very different cities—Antalya on the Mediterranean, and the bustling, international, and exotic city of Istanbul. It is an experience not to be missed!
On our trips, you don’t just get to taste a fabulous meal—you get the recipes and knowledge to bring these “old ways” home with you. And in between all the excitement, you’ll have time to shop or take a siesta, and then relax in luxurious hotels at the end of the day!
Hi you!! 🙋🏻♀️
Loved the story. Highly recommend visiting the Hodjapasha Whirling Dervish Show in Istanbul.