Sightseeing in Lisbon

Situated on the north banks of the River Tagus, the charm of Lisbon exists in its strong links to the past. Its renovated palaces, magnificent churches and an impressive castle mirror the city's rich cultural heritage. Its eclectic blend of neighbourhoods, culture and architecture distinguish this capital city uniquely from the other European capitals and make it a truly fascinating and comprehensive city to visit. Observing an odyssey of sea creatures in a state-of-the-art aquarium and a breath-taking view from the walls of a millennium-old castle. A seemingly endless modern bridge and tiny turn-of-the-century trams. Climbing picturesque hills by day and bar-hopping through vibrant cobbled lanes at night. Legendary cafés and art nouveau shops. World Heritage monuments and singular museum treasures. Fairy-tale palaces and sandy beaches nearby. Long dinners and an insatiable appetite for nightlife. Antiquated and trendy; lively and melancholic. A city set on seven hills, as the legend tells, with its cobble-stoned pavements and narrow streets full of Art Nouveau cafés promises a lot to discover. Most popular spots in Lisbon are; located around Rossio and Praça do Comércio, Baixa; situated on the hill around St. George’s Castle, Alfama and Mouraria; and set on Tagus River, Belém. Some museums that you can try to take out time to visit apart from the ones mentioned are Tile museum, Coaches, Maritime, Chiado, Orient, Marionette, the list is endless. All that is Lisbon. A captivating city. A soulful European capital.

Legendary Lisbon

Lisbon, also known as Lisboa, is the capital and largest city of Portugal. A legendary city with over 20 centuries of history, boasting springtime temperatures during the winter and cool summers freshened by a breeze blowing in from the Atlantic, Costa de Lisboa, on the south western coast, offers a rich and impressively integrated diversity. Lisbon is the westernmost large city located in Europe, as well as its westernmost capital city. It lies in the western Iberian Peninsula on the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River, northwest of Cape Spartel in Africa. It is recognised as an alpha city due to its importance as a major economic centre on the continent because of its growing importance in finance, media, commerce entertainment, arts, tourism, education and trade. Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries and quaint museums are all part of the colourful cityscape, but the real delights of discovery lie in wandering the narrow lanes of Lisbon’s lovely backstreets. While history is very much alive in centuries-old Lisbon, its spirit is undeniably youthful. The Lisbon experience encompasses so many things, from enjoying a fresh pastry and bica (espresso) on a petite leafy plaza to window-shopping in elegant Chiado. It’s mingling with Lisboêtas at a neighbourhood festival or watching the sunset from the old Moorish castle.

Turkish Cuisine

Turkish cuisine is a curious one. The variety of dishes that make up the cuisine, the ways they all come together in feast-like meals, and the evident intricacy of each craft offer enough material for life-long study and enjoyment. It is not easy to discern a basic element or a single dominant feature, like the Italian "pasta" or the French "sauce". Whether in a humble home, at a famous restaurant, or at a dinner in a Bey's mansion, familiar patterns of this rich and diverse cuisine are always present. It is a rare art which satisfies your senses while reconfirming the higher order of society, community and culture. The evolution of this glorious cuisine was not an accident. Similar to other grand cuisines of the world, it is a result of the combination of three key elements. A nurturing environment is irreplaceable. Turkey is known for an abundance and diversity of foodstuff due to its rich flora, fauna and regional differentiation. And the legacy of an Imperial Kitchen is inescapable. The Turkish Cuisine has the extra privilege of being at the cross-roads of the Far-East and the Mediterranean. Thus, the diversity of the cuisine has come to reflect that of the landscape and its regional variations. The cuisine is also an integral aspect of culture. It is a part of the rituals of everyday life events. It reflects spirituality, in forms that are specific to it, through symbolism and practice.

Shopping in İstanbul

Shopping in İstanbul is not just about buying things but an experience itself. The winding roads in the bazaar, complete with its familiar sounds, color and smell get you transported to the pages of Arabian Nights. What you will get at the bazaars can never be guessed upon, as the possibilities are limitless. The prices will depend on how low you can make them, so polish your bargaining skills. Istanbul has been a top choice for shoppers for more than 1,500 years and is famous for its handmade rugs and carpets, antique silver and jewellery, semi-precious stones, spices, sweets and - more recently - pirated DVDs and cheap copies of international-brand clothing, footwear and accessories. Sultanahmet, Istanbul's prime tourist area, is awash with shops selling authentic antiques and handicrafts. These, however, are outnumbered by an even vaster number of establishments selling cheap imitations. More reliable antique dealers can be found along Turnacibasi Sokak, off Istiklal Caddesi. Brand names such as Gucci, Armani and Hugo Boss can be found in the Nisantasi district. Finally the markets you should definitely make your presence felt at are the Grand Bazaar, the Egyptian market and the flea market in Beyazit Square.

Turkish Art

The first main contributions that the Turkish made to the arts coincided with the zenith of Ottoman power between the 16th-18th centuries. Aside from the splendid and unique Ottoman architecture that can still be seen in mosques and buildings across Turkey today, the Ottoman Turks were active in many disciplines within the arts. Through the centuries, Turkish artist and artisans have developed styles of art that are uniquely Turkish. Forbidden by Islam to portray human and animal forms in art, early Turkish artists turned their creative talents to architecture, music, weaving, wood and metal working, ceramics, glassblowing, jewellery, manuscript illumination and calligraphy. Another form of Turkish expression of arts came through horticulture and landscape gardening. Ottoman Turkish literary arts comprised of poetry that is influenced by Persian and Arabic with subject matters of mystical love and the quest for divine union being a prevalent theme throughout this form of Turkish art. Towards the end of the 19th century arts in Turkey began to be influenced more heavily by European art and for the first time Turkish artists started painting still life portraits which had previously not been pursued as a form of art because of religious injunctions discouraging such art. Turkish arts today can still be found in the villages of Turkey where traditional Turkish embroidery and the making of lace has been going on for hundreds of years and is still taking place. These examples of Turkish arts are usually found on sale in the bazaars of most Major Turkish cities. Perhaps the most commonly sold piece of Turkish Art that tourists bring back with them is the small turquoise coloured charm that is supposed to ward off the evil eye, made of clay or glass.

Etiquette and Culture of Turkey

Etiquette, like good motor oil, is the lubricant that enables societies to run smoothly. Take them away and the ride gets bumpy. Turkish people are familiar with the customs of western visitors and are forgiving of blunders, however, it impresses them if you are aware of the customs of Turkey. Turkey’s geographic location – on the border between Europe and the Middle East and Asia - has had some influence on the country’s culture as well as its popularity with tourists. The fusion of east meets west is most apparent in Turkey’s cities with the rural communities retaining many more of the old customs and traditions. However, wherever you chose to visit in Turkey, you should always be aware of some rules of etiquette. While some major Turkish cities are Westernized, Turkey is still a Muslim country and much of Turkey can still be conservative and traditional, so it's important to learn about their etiquette. The most endearing aspects of Turkish culture is their fine delicate etiquette. Good manners are very important in Turkish society. Most of the time a Turk will not openly criticize, or directly say you should do things in a particular way. Instead, a common practice is telling a story that incorporates the issues, and brings one around to think about and hopefully notice the similarity. Another approach is for someone will gently whisper in your ear if the incident is one that need immediate attention. Exposing others faults is considered very rude.  Rather the Turk would attempts to over look the faults of others, and certainly does not bring them to the attention of others. Below are some etiquette tips to take with you on your trip to Turkey.

Sights and Sounds of İstanbul

With its long history at the center of empires, Istanbul offers a wealth of historic and religious places to take in. The bulk of these ancient monuments, date back to Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. While you are there, apart from seeing the sights, you must make a visit to a hamam, or Turkish Bath. At one time, the nargile, or Turkish water pipe, was the centre of Istanbul’s social and political life. Today some of the locals still consider it one of life’s great pleasures and is something interesting to try. In the south of Sultanahmet, near the sea, is Yeni Marmara, where you can sit in the terrace and enjoy the view. Another area with few big good looking places is the Rıhtım Caddesi, between Galata bridge and Istanbul Modern Museum. Take a tram or walk to Eminönü (where the boats leave for trips to Asia or up the Bosphorus). Visit the New Mosque at the back, then the Egyptian Bazaar next to it, and going further in that direction, locate the Rüstem Pasha mosque with its excellent tiles. It's on a raised platform near an old clothes market. The Galata Tower, Rumeli fortress, Hippodrome, Pera and Golden Horn, Chora Church, Beylerbeyi Palace are some of the places not mentioned in detail but one must try and cover them too. Below are just some of the places one must visit when in Istanbul.

Enchanting İstanbul

The former capital of three successive empires Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman- the city is a fascinating mixture of the past and present, old and new, modern and traditional. One of the great historic cities of the world, Istanbul is the chief city and seaport of Turkey as well as its commercial, industrial, cultural and financial center. The city was chosen as joint European Capital of Culture for 2010. The historic areas of Istanbul were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985. Manufactures include textiles, glass, shoes, motor vehicles, ships, and cement. Istanbul is Turkey’s largest and most populous city. Historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople, it is today one of Europe’s most populated cities with its population going over 12 million. The museums, churches, palaces, mosques and bazaars, and the sights of natural beauty seem inexhaustible. The city’s over-abundance of important historic buildings, exciting new art galleries and museums provides visitors with more than enough to see during the day, but it’s at night that the place swings into high-velocity, mega-stylish action. The city is located on both sides of the Bosphorus, a narrow strait between Black Sea and Marmara Sea, bridging Europe and Asia, making it the only metropolis in the world that is situated between 2 continents. Istanbul is divided into many districts. Some of these are Bosphorus, Golden Horn, Galata, Sultanahmet Old City, New City, European side, Asian side. Like Rome, Istanbul has been called "The City of Seven Hills" because the oldest part of the city is supposedly built on seven hills, each of which bears a historic mosque.

Indonesian Cuisine

Indonesia consists of thousands of islands of which, 6000 are populated by 250 ethnic groups. Cuisine of Indonesia reflects the variety created by these people. There is no single Indonesian cuisine, but a diversity of regional ones. Indonesia's indigenous techniques and ingredients merge with influences from India, the Middle East, China and Europe, and then there are the New World products brought by Spanish and Portuguese traders long before the Dutch colonized the islands. Sumatran cuisine, for example, often shows Middle Eastern and Indian influences, featuring curried meat and vegetables, while Javanese cuisine is rather more indigenous. The cuisines of Eastern Indonesia are similar to Polynesian and Melanesian cuisine. Elements of Chinese cuisine can be seen in Indonesian cuisine. Rice is their main staple dish and is present in all meals. Nasi Goreng is Indonesia’s national dish. Some popular dishes are Gado Gado, Sate and Soto, which are also considered ubiquitous and Indonesia’s national dishes. Meat, fish and vegetables are condiments designed to flavour the staple. Sauces such as fiery sambals lend added character. Westerners, accustomed to eating much larger portions of meat and fish, find much of Indonesian food scorching hot. Warungs or food stalls offer the tastiest and cheapest food but not necessarily the most hygienic.

Shopping in Jakarta

Jakarta is quickly becoming a new shopper’s paradise in the region. There is something in Jakarta for everyone. Whether you are looking for high fashion or the cheapest bargain basement deals in town, you will most definitely discover it during your stroll around the city. There is more than likely a deal for everyone, including you. Downtown Jakarta is a dense warren of bars, clubs, stalls, restaurants, offices and of course, shops. From unique handicrafts to haute couture labels and the latest in technology. In Jakarta you will find all kinds of shops, from local markets to huge malls, and shopping here is an experience you should not miss. The consumerism boom has hit Jakarta, resulting in shopping malls in the urban areas, street-side stalls downtown and the block M area, blazing with neon. The traditional markets of Jakarta are a great way to get a glimpse of the city's lifestyle and the essence of its culture. Some of the most important of these markets are Pasar Tanah Abang, Pasar Cikini, Pasar Mayestik and Pasar Baru. The ‘Pasars’ (markets) are jam packed with interesting finds, meaning a lot of patience is required along with good bartering skills. The usual procedure is to start off with a counter offer of 40% of the asking price and settle at 50%-60% of the original asking price. It's all a fascinating experience that offers a true insight into Indonesian culture, in the way only markets can do. Most tourists shop comfortably in malls and grocery stores without the need to bargain or deal with curious stares. However, that is no reason to avoid the more colourful traditional markets. For bargain hunters looking for quality products at great prices, Jakarta’s retail outlets have it all. Huge department stores like Centro, Metro, Seibu, and Matahari carry a whole host of local and international brands that are affordable and easy on the eyes. For the more discriminating folks, upscale Jakarta malls and boutiques feature famous international labels the likes of Miss Sixty, G-Star, Banana Republic, Factory Store, Burberry, Giorgio Armani, General Store and Versace. Those of you looking for souvenirs and antiques, Jakarta offers a bevy of antique shops and handicraft markets to satisfy your needs. Stores and malls are usually open every day 10 am – 9.00 pm. Some malls are open until 10.00 pm on Sunday and Monday.

Arts and Crafts in Jakarta

The diversity evident in Indonesia's 300 plus ethnic groups is reflected in the diversity of its art forms. Just as every ethnic group throughout the archipelago has its own language/dialect, cuisine, traditional dress and traditional homes, they have also developed their own textiles, ornaments, carvings, items for daily use and special celebrations. The rich cultural heritage of art and handicrafts is one of Indonesia's true national riches. From 17th century, the Javanese arts and culture has left its mark in Jakarta. The ancient beliefs and traditions still exist in the art forms. Influence of China and India are very much prominent in the art and crafts of Indonesia. Later Indonesian art and craft was also influences by the Arabs and the Europeans who visited the islands. You can feel the influence of the Javanese culture in the music, theater and dance in the Betawi culture, like seen in  Wayang Kulit Betawi and Lenong. Few of the arts forms that are influenced from Islam are The Japin/ Zapin dance, the Rebana and Gambus orchestra. The Tanjidor orchestra which is quite famous in Jakarta has its origin from the Dutch. The Chinese gave Jakarta various dance forms such as Cokek, Gambang and Kromong. You will find the influence of Bali culture in the Betawi Cokek dance shows. In Jakarta you can find well established culture and foreign art centers. These centers help in the promotion of various arts and culture and language by the use of art galleries, learning centers, libraries. Jawaharlal Nehru Indian cultural center, Netherland Erasmus Huis, France Centre Cultural Français, UK British Council, Japan Foundation, Germany Goethe-Institute are few cultural centre in Jakarta.

Customs and Culture of Indonesia

Before embarking on a trip to Indonesia, it will be helpful to browse through some information on Indonesian etiquette, so that you do not hurt the sensibilities of the people, even by mistake, while on a trip there. Further more learning about the Indonesian Etiquette will help you blend in better with the locals and even surprise your host with some pleasant gestures. Like any other place in the world, when visiting Indonesia, visitors should observe the local customs and practices. The country is a melting pot for more than 350 ethnic groups, the majority of whom are of Malay ancestry. Indonesians are very traditional. They consider politeness and courtesy as important values, and discourage public displays of emotion. That doesn't mean that they are inflexible and stiff. In fact, they are very tolerant with foreigners' mistakes and always treat visitors with respect. Islam is the dominant religion in the country and the constitution advocates freedom of religion and those of other faiths are given deference. Indonesians are known as friendliest people in the world towards foreigners and most tolerant towards their manners. But there are few things, which are not done in Indonesia. They consider the head as something sacred that must be respected. Patting on the head is not done among adults. Calling someone by crooking the index finger is considered impolite and giving or receiving things with the left hand is not acceptable. The handshake accompanied with a smile is common among men and women greeting or welcoming somebody. Not less 9 million people live in Jakarta representing nearly all the ethnic groups in the archipelago. The native community is Orang Betawi (people of Betawi). The other large groups are the Minangkabau people, the Bataks, the Manadonase, and the other people from Sulawesi and the Ambonase.  The majority follow Islam. But it does not mean that Indonesia is an Islamic state. It is a Pancasila state. And one of the principles of Pancasila, the state ideology, is "belief in the one Supreme God". This means that the various belief systems must be respected and respect each other. This explains the ubiquitous Moslem prayer houses in the city beside many churches and a few temples.