Living it up for a day at La Mamounia/Marrakesh

Even the world class hotels seem to feel the economic pinch which is a good thing really, because us mere mortals get a chance to enjoy all the luxury for a day by getting a day pass. I availed myself of that opportunity at the Mamounia Hotel in Marrakesh, one of the leading hotels of the world. For approx. $50, I got a day pass and enjoyed a wonderful day. I headed straight for the enormous pool and settled myself in one of the loungers, never lifting a finger to get towels, the headrest adjusted or a cool drink. Then I wanderd around the beautiful gardens which the hotel is famous for, admiring the tropical plants and even taking a peek at their kitchen garden. The hotel features 5 differently themed restaurants and amazing art work. Buffet lunch is to be had at the pool side bar (not included in the day pass) and although it's quite expensive, it's worth it because you can get any hot or cold Moroccan delicacy imaginable and as much of it as your stomach will allow. I met seriously nice hotel guests who had interesting travel stories to tell and, in the afternoon, an icecream man came around. The super big scones were even free. I topped up the day by enjoying a fruit drink in the piano bar and headed happily home to my own more modest lodgings.

Flight romantic in Greece

I just love it when I get a chance to fly the old-fashioned way which is to say: propellers instead of jets, walking across the tarmac, boarding by way of a narrow pull-up gangway, sitting where you please and not being jostled by tons of so-called 'carry-on' luggag by reason of the fact, that there are no overhead bins to store it in. Not to mention a pilot who actually seems to fly the thing himself instead of computers doing the heavy lifting. As you fly low, you can actually see something when you look out the window. All this romantic I experienced on my recent fkight from the Greek island of Kos to Crete with the Crete airline Sky Express. As it was the height of the summer season, they had laid on their 'big' plane: a 30 seater whereas in off season a 12 seater will do. And you know what? People enjoyed themselves no end. Nobody was in a hruuy, many stopped by the engines and took pictures of each other. A sinle flight attendant puled p the stairs, locked the door and proceeded to do safety instructions also the old fashioned way. She did it so nicely that people actually paid attention. Give me Sky Express any time.

Muhlisbey Hotel Istanbul

Here is another one in my series about charming and affordable boutique hotels in many parts of the world, which are particularly suitable for single woman travelers. The Muhlisbey Hotel is located in the heart of Istanbul's historical Sultanahmed district. It's a converted wooden house with only a few rooms, but what rooms!! Given the nature of the building, they are small but what they may lack in size they sure make up in comfort. The rooms have recently been remodelled and combine cozy with stark-chic! You even find slippers and a robe, the bathroom features a rain shower and - important for us women travelers - a hairdryer which actually works. Breakfast is on the roof terrace where you have an unobstructed view of the Blue Mosque on one side and the Hagia Sofia on the other. Both are so close you seem to be able to touch them. Across the road is the Four Seasons Hotel and the groundfloor houses a beautiful small shop which sells antique Ottoman clothes, bedspreads, pillow covers and other precious handcrafted trinkets which you will be hard pressed to find anywhere in Istanbul in such quality.

Medusahouse Hotel/Didim

Here is another gem in my collection of extraordinary hotels. Medusahouse Hotel is located in Didim on the Turkish Aegean coast right next to the important ancient site of the Apollo Oracle and temple. It's a restored wonderful stone house with only a few rooms but a garden and terraces full of flowers, trees and plants and when you wake up in the morning and look out of your bedroom window you can watch the sun come up over the majestic columns of the temple which are still standing. Mustafa, the charming owner not only runs the hotel but is also an accomplished photographer who has had exhibitions in Germany and the United States and an avid supporter of Greek/Turkish friendship of which the hotel is a center. There is hardly a more peaceful place to be found, only a few miles from the twin tourist towns of Didim and Altinkum and the dolmus to Söke with connections to Selcuk/Ephesus or Kusadasi stop right at the entrance.

Nileguide - new additon to Istanbul

I'm currently applying to Nileguide with a view of becoming their guide to Beirut. I have jsu added a new item the the Istanbul destination about the wonderful Pierre Loti Cafe up on Eyüp Hill overlooking the Golden Horn. Take a look.

Sweet dreams in Marrakesh

If ever there was a pleasant travel surprise, I got it when I entered my little hotel in Marrakesh, the Riad Altair. I had arrived in the middle of the night at Marrakesh airport and got somewhat concerned when my taxi driver, after entering through one of the gates in the wall surrounding the Medina, came to an upruptt stop and explained that we would have to walk the rest of the way to the hotel bececause the car couldn't enter. Small, dark alleys opened up but I had no choice than to trust him and follow. He stopped in front of a wooden door and banged the brass knocker. The door opened and I thought I had walked right into a movie set. The Altair, one of several converted riads scattered throughout Marrakesh's medina has only 6 rooms, but what rooms they are. They are arranged around an inner courtyard on two floors, spacious, airy and equipped with anything one could possibly wish for, starting with fresh roses, beautiful furniture, silver bottles filled with creams and gel and a silver hammered sink in the bathroom. Service is also impeccable, it was no problem to get a freshly squeezed orange juice and a (silver) pot of coffee at nearly 4 am. Breakfast is either served in the patio or on the roof terrace and it is copious, with a different egg dish every day. Pillow covered divans are placed in niches around the patio,and there is even a tiny pool where you can dip into or just cool your feet. An ideal place for honeymooners or travelers who want to experience Moroccan atmosphere and hospitality at its best and at a very reasonable price too.

Creative with history

Ok, so planet eye traveler is about giving people information about places etc, but that doesn't mean one can give history a bit of imagination and a personal twist, don't you think? Read my very personal thoughts on how I think Istanbul's Blue Mosque came into being on planet eye traveler.

On the roll again...

Is there anything better in the world than making travel plans? Yes, actually going on the trips, I guess. So, in about 9 days it's Beirut and on the 1st of July it's Marrakesh. That leaves the question where to gin in June. I'm hard pressed to choose between Jordan and the Black Sea coast, Turkish or Russian. Meanwhile, the writing pen (or rather keyboard) is not idle. Here is my latest post for europe a la carte.

Ciragan Palace Hotel Istanbul

One of the most fsacinating hotels I have ever visited. Read about the compelling history of Turkey's only Imperial palace which became a 5 star luxury hotel.

Another interview

Now that is nice. The English language local paper called 'Voices' in the town of Didim where I live on the Turkish Aegean coast, has done an interview about me, my novels and my travel writing. Much appreciated.