Last week I threw caution to the wind and flew up to Istanbul for an all-nighter. Ben l’Oncle Soul does not often play small rooms, so I had to take advantage of the fact that he was at Babylon. Wonderful venue, wonderful music, wonderful night.

The best time of year for shots from the sky.

I couldn’t resist stopping by Ara Güler’s place, like a crazy stalker. If you’re not familiar with Güler’s work, it’s time to get with it.

I’m really glad these pieces don’t get covered up. I think they add to the character of the city.

I thought this was a pretty clever idea, and lovely to look at.

If this seems like a blatant ad for Krispy Kreme, so be it. I was disappointed not to find any branches in Minnesota… luckily Krispy Kreme is alive and well in Istanbul.

It snowed overnight, but it was so windy that by the time I woke up in the morning, most of it had blown down to the ground.

The Central Palace Hotel. Personally, I loved it. Modern convenience with Late Ottoman overtones.

So much energy and motion.

So many good places to eat and drink in Istanbul.