And, of course, spring is patience. Spring is watching the world change every day, and feel joy if you’re a part of that cycle of change. There is no other time when you’re anxious and in a rush, but still have to wait it out in order for the change to come.

The Dodecanese are not on touristy routs – they are for real travellers. They are not the shiny Cyclades or the chilly and beautiful Ionian islands. There’s no all-inclusive, and the sea is covered in boats. Sailing season practically has no end, but to see a sea full of boats come spring is magical. While it’s still fresh and summer hasn’t reached us yet, you can’t describe it. 

Today we split the story in two – the physical and the spiritual Istanbul.  The physical Istanbul – there are few places in the world that have awakened such endless joy as the queen. Seen on a winter’s day, covered in snow, and on a July day, sizzling hot under the heat. In April, covered in tulips or on a warm November. Always carrying the same poetry and the souls of the millions that have gone through there. 

Africa is music. Poverty and joy out of life, traffic and contrast. Every person that ended up in different parts of Africa would say that there’s a different Africa. This is mine – beautiful and brave. Africa is poetry. Africa is rhythm, the music on a kora and a female voice. And also the genius album by Aldo Romano, Louis Sklavis and Henri Texier from 1995 – Carnet de routes – one of the most beautiful songs in the world.

We have a jazzy cat of our own, it goes by the name of Geranium. It comes with a slow step, curls up to the closest flower pot containing Geranium (hence the name), listens to music, but does not come in contact with us. If there is food – she is happy. But she never begs. Because all cats are in charge.

Life on water can introduce you to people handing out freshly caught edible sea urchins or homemade mead. You never know… When talking to a person who lives near water, they always look unrealistically positive and busy at the same time. The dynamics of the moment does not allow for any down time, but at the same time, the poetry is all there. The sudden change is a lifestyle on its own and that’s the beauty of it, yes…