Archive for January, 2009

Visiting Istanbul Mehmet Cymbal Factory

Tuesday, January 6th, 2009

Paul's Istanbul cymbals

Today I got to live one of my dreams and visit a cymbal factory, and what’s more, one in the spiritual home of modern cymbals - Istanbul! The long trek from my cosy hotel in the historic Sultanahmet district to a drab industrial estate an hour to the west was immediately justified when I was greeted by some grubby young teenagers who assured my signed questioning that I had, at last, arrived at the Istanbul Mehmet Cymbal factory. You’ve just got to …

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Posted in Drums | 11 Comments »

I Love the Fish Sandwich

Sunday, January 4th, 2009

Paul's Fish Sandwich

Need I say more? But yet I will. I’m enjoying a week in Istanbul and one highlight is the availability of real seafood. Unfortunately the “seafood” available in Kiev is more like stinky river fish; only God knows what’s in the water. Istanbul is right on the Sea of Marmara so there is no shortage here. Here I’m enjoying a freshly grilled mackerel sandwich by the sea on a cold and blustery winter’s day, and only $3!

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Posted in Food | 1 Comment »