TIST Convention Istanbul 2010

When our Mac had an accident last spring, I thought we had lost these photos. Fortunately they survived the hard drive lobotomy. I was able to find a few days over a break and skip out to Istanbul to meet up with some fellow TIST members. Our friend, guide, and nomination for “Nicest person from a former Ottoman region”, Atakan, ran us around the city from restaurant to food stall to football stadium. We had a great couple of days and the quick trip only helped to solidify my love affair with Istanbul. I absolutely love this city- history, architecture, food, people.

Vienna

Needless to say, we had a tremendous time in Vienna. It has wedged itself as one of the leaders of our top ten list. Culture, architecture, history, and modernity- it’s enchanting.
What we loved:
- Museums- almost too many, and all very well presented
- Ease- the layout, public transportation is very user-friendly
- Vibe- sporty people who are very laid back. No wonder it has the highest rated quality of living. Bikes everywhere!
- Green, green parks everywhere. Our apartment was a block from the Danube and between runs and picnics we took full advantage of the nature and the pleasant weather.
- Dog friendly. Viennese love their dogs almost as we do. There was a dog park, the hundezone a block from our place where Humi would frolic with her wiener friends. Humi also entered restaurants, cafes, shopping centers, and became an expert with the metro.

We will return to Vienna.