No matter how many times you visit, it always manages to surprise you. The first moments of your encounter with the city are accompanied by the sound of seagulls, and in those moments, you realize that you are in Istanbul! It seems that seagulls are its main music. And then there are the ice cream vendors, the ringing of trams, car horns and calls to prayer.

Our group trip was unusual — we took part in a motivational seminar led by the wonderful Zoya Laricheva. We meditated, listened to lectures and did spiritual practices. During the day, we had several hours of pilgrimage. And they were also wonderful — we visited Christian shrines, Muslim mosques, as well as special places in the city that hold secrets, history and a special energy — such as underground cisterns, parks and gardens.

Every day of our trip was eventful and revealed new aspects of the city, the country and ourselves.
The days were also filled with new flavors — from generous, colorful Turkish breakfasts to romantic dinners overlooking the Bosporus.

During conversations, at the end of any business in Turkey, at the beginning of a conversation, at any time of the day, locals drink coffee and tea — this is a real ritual that sets a good mood and forms a single center of communication. Tea is a symbol of the country; it warms not only the body but also the soul, enveloping it with its cozy aroma.

Istanbul means trips to the Princes' Islands, cruises on the Bosporus with magnificent views of architecture from all eras, excursions to famous mosques, and, of course, shopping for spices and textiles, visiting palaces and parks.

And if you have some free time, you can visit the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, the green city of Bursa, where guests are welcomed by the historic Kosa Khan tea garden, the Uludag ski resort and magnificent hammams with thermal water pools. And all this is just a couple of hours from Istanbul.

We left the city with a slight feeling of sadness and the belief that we would meet again soon.