WW: Welcome to Moscow - Touch Down

Hello, Moscow

I am welcoming myself to Moscow, the Capital City of the Russian Federation.

I have to say I am so blessed and privilege to be here as this is my first time ever visiting this famous city. Excited? absolutely.

So here are some snaps I took when we touched down here.
Well, I haven't managed to browse the city city yet but even the first impression is lovely.

Before landing..

Safely landed..

The Diplomatic plate in Moscow

Our Embassy in Moscow

Meeting my batch mate in Moscow :)

peace and love..

One of the cathedral we passed  otw to the Embassy:)

Welcome to the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia to Moscow

Join us on (almost) Wordless Wednesday and don't forget to link up!

How to Go to Sultanahmet Area from New Istanbul Airport

German Fountain at Sultanahmet Square

Hello, again.

My itchy feet is back and this time I would like to share some tips and trick to those who plan to visit or transit in Istanbul. I have written about cool places you can visit in Istanbul and shared some colourful snapshots taken during my last excursions in this city. Surely you can explore so many exotic and historical spots in this very city.

Read : Istanbul in Colors - New Airport and Photo Album

New Istanbul Airpost

Let me now share specifically about the new Istanbul airport and how to get around from here, especially to tourists' favorite, Sultanahmet area.

As you now, as of April 2019, the new Istanbul airport has been opened and operating. 
Claimed as the biggest airport in the world, covering more than 76 million square meters, it can accommodate 200 million visitors once all its facilities are fully operating.

I am so accustomed to the old airport and find it easy to travel around, especially down town to Sultanahmet area where most of the historical landmarks are located. But since the new airport has just opened and started operating, my last trip to Geneve with Turkish Airlines gave me the chance to enjoy this new airport. It is indeed huge and I like the fact that it has more facilities, shops and cafes inside. The masjid or the praying room is abundant and nicely arranged. They have more lounges, including Turkish Airlines, be it business class as well as for Star Alliancegood card members. All in all, I do enjoy the new airport.

And correct me if I'm wrong, I thought some of the Turkish souvenirs, particularly traditional food and beverages, are even cheaper compared to the prices for similar items in old airport. This is indeed something good for tourists like me who love shopping! 

The New Istanbul Airport is located in Tayakadin Mahallesi, Terminal Caddesi no. 1, 34283, Istanbul 

Now the question is how  I can reach Sultanahmet area and other parts of Istanbul from the new airport. 

Where do you want to go today?

As we traveled together with 3 other friends of mine, we had fun exploring this new airport. After getting off the plane (we walked quite far from the gate to the immigration check point) and passed the immigration check point (we used diplomatic passport is it was way short and faster than the others, we directly went out to the arrival hall. Here you can see some restaurants, banks and money changer counters as well as other facilities like bag drops. 

Many passengers heading to the same place

where you can get the ticket or Istanbul card

We asked one of the officials with 'ask me' vest about the transportation to the city and he told us about the bus service on the basement. The bus service is called Havaist. It has around 19 stops or destinations and Sultanahmet is stop number 16. This route will stop at 3 places, namely Pyalepasa, Eminonu (where the Spice Bazaar is located) and Sultanahmet.  We use Istanbul Card for this trip. You will have to pay TL (Turkish Lira) 6 for the card and the trip from the airport to Sultanahmet and vice versa is TL 18/trip.  So, in the beginning, you don't have Istanbul Card before, you will have to spend around TL 42 to go back and forth from the airport. That is quite costly but that's the cheapest choice we have at this moment. So make sure you have enough money in your Istanbul Card when you tap it on the bus.

Some other destinations

The trip took around 50 minutes. It was 8 AM in the morning so I suppose the trip will be longer once the traffic starts in Istanbul.

We stopped exactly at the Sultanahmet square, between Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia.

Such a strategic place for tourists like us!

You wan get on the buss heading back to the airport from the same spot as well. they have the bus every 20 minutes and it is on time.

Peron 16 for Sultanahmet Area and Eminonu

So, that how to go to Sultanahmet Area from New Istanbul Airport.
I sincerely hope you can find this post useful.
Let me know if you might have some addition or updated information.

Happy shopping at Istanbul :)

Happy traveling and see you on the next post!

Istanbul in Colors - New Airport and Photo Album

ISTANBUL

I don't know exactly how many times I have visited Istanbul.

I kind of lost tracks of my visits and transits in this mesmerising city.

Historical architectures with elaborated designs, turquoise ceramics and delicious chicken adana kebab are only a few things that make me so fond of this city.  

The long history of this very city, dotted with intrigues, love stories and adventures, is truly an invaluable lesson. 

Not to mention the clear blue sky and plush green trees. 

Colourful, exotic spices, one-of-a-kind souvenirs and friendly people of Istanbul add more  I-heart-you feeling whenever I am around.

Morning at the Germain Fountain, next to the Blue Mosque

Since I travel quite frequently to Geneva and New York City for works, I have been using Turkish Airlines a lot.

I have to admit that the route as well as the ticket fare are friendly.

And that means I have to transit in Istanbul.

Well, happy to do so. 

a piece of history..

As I have the chance to see its many faces, I tried to see different part of the city.

I have been walking around Sultanahmet area for God knows how many times,  letting myself being timelessly absorbed to the glory of the past. 

Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Basilica CIstern and Topkapi Palace have been my favorite historical spots. 

Moving further, I have walked acress Galata Bridge and took a ferry ride on Bosporus, all done in different seasons of the year. Besides enjoying summer sale in Taksim Square as well as Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, I was lucky to reach Dolmabahce Palace and enjoyed the grandeur of Ataturk's palace. Mind-blowing intricate details and rich history never fail to amaze me.

Busy Istanbul. the city and Marmara sea..

This time, as we landed on the European side, the location of the new Istanbul airport, we got to see the city from the other side.

We took the bus from the airport, heading straight to the historical part of Istanbul, Sultanahmet Area.

We had a brief stop at Eminönu, right across the Spice Bazaar.

The glistening reflection of Marmara sea welcomed us merrily that morning, as ferries ad boats started their journey of the day.

A lovely summer morning indeed.

feels like stopping by and joining the walkers..

Speaking of the new Istanbul Airport, I have to say I am impressed!

It's huge!

It certainly looks modern and uses cutting-edge designs that pay attention to beautiful details here and there. I love to see the ceilings and how they are brilliantly reflected on the shiny floors. Not to mentions lines of world-brand shops and vintage collection Turkish items you can find in the airport. I guess I will definitely continue my adventures in the airport alone on the next visit. Oh, and the Turkish Airline lounge, as always, is a five-star one. I never miss my time to have a little break here enjoying my fresh orange juice, pide and lentil soup, while enjoying Andy Williams concert on the theatre. Heaven!

The new Istanbul airport..

Well, now..let me share more snaps taken with my iPhone while enjoying my transit in Istanbul. As colourful as ever, I wish you enjoy it even more than I do. 

You know, whenever I see all these wonderful craftmanships, I feel like taking them all home LOL. And I have to remind myself that I already got more than dozens of small bowls, sets of big ones and 2 table lamps. 

So, that's why I keep coming back to Istanbul.
Tell me which one is your favorite ... the food, the souvenirs, the architectures, or else!

Cheers and till the next adventure!

Lisbon, Portugal in 6 hours - Photo Album

Lisbon, Portugal in 6 hours.

Perhaps, when you read the title of this post, you will think how ambitious it will be to explore the beauty of Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, only in 6 hours.
Well, apparently, I managed to do that, although I only covered a few famous spots!
It will of course be best if you can stay for 3, 6, or even weeks here in Lisbon.
But if you only have more or less 6 hours for transit, like what I had on my way from Paris to New York City last year, we still can enjoy this beautiful city.

Arco da Rua Augusta, one corner of Praça do Comércio

Lisbon, or Lisboa or Lisabon, is one of the oldest cities in the world.
With its strategic location and direct access to the Atlantic cities, Lisbon has served as major cities for trades, business, as well as political and cultural activities during  Julius Cesar era. Portugueses also came to Indonesia for a while in the 15th century but they didn't stay for long.

This capital city has long been well known for its endless beauty, offering the visitors with amazing views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding mountains and hills, wonderful architectures ranging from from castles, churches to plazas, rich histories and delectable cuisines, to mention a few.

Just landed..

When I landed from Paris, I immediately took the bus from the airport to the city center. It took around 45 minutes with the usual traffic and it was very convenient. I guess I only paid around 9 Euro for 1 trip. 

The super comfortable Yellow Bus

I stopped near Praça do Comércio, at one of the airport shuttle bus stops.

From there, I walked around 10 minutes to explore the surrounding area. 

As you know, the commercial plaza is a wide, spacious area lined with cafes, shops, and some governmental buildings (judging from the names). I really enjoyed my morning walk under the blue sky and balmy weather.

the tram service at the city center

I love the bright yellow mustard buildings surrounding the Plaza. It is the Ministry of Justice building, with some elegant touch and beautiful alleys as well as  chandeliers. Even in the morning - around 8 AM when I arrived, visitors were flocking around already.

Good morning from me..

In the center of that building, you will see the triumphal arch Arco da Rua Augusta, depicting some sculpted figures and coat of arms. It's an interesting sight to those who love taking pictures like me. I also walked to the coastal 

Then I decided to rent a Tuk-tuk to explore more parts of the city.
Yes, Tuk-tuk...like the one we have seen in Thailand.

The tuk-tuk I rent in Lisbon

I knew I have some hours but judging from the beautiful spots I could explore and the fact that Lisbon is very hilly, I then set my heart to take Tuk-tuk. And I made the right decision indeed!
You wanna know the whole story?

Before I spill more beans, let's enjoy this parade of photos I took during my transit in Lisbon, Portugal.

me against the raising sun :)

Statue of Dom José I in the middle of the Commercial Plaza

Sé de Lisboa...the Chatedral of Lisbon

One of the ceramic patterns in Lisbon

Love the murals near Alfama

View from Alfama

Lisbon from above, view from Miraduoro da Senhora Do Monte

I just love these serving plates and mugs with typical Portuguese patterns

What do you think?
Do you like Lisbon, Portugal, just like me?
Feels like coming down here as well?
Me, too!
Wait for more details on the next post.