Winter Getaway 2023 – Traditions, Celebrations, and a Captivating Istanbul Adventure

Our cold season journey began with a delightful escape during the National Day celebrations. Accompanied by our dear friends, Anca and Cătălin, we ventured into the serene embrace of a remote location, far from the hustle of city life. The highlight of our getaway was indulging in the local culinary delights. It was a feast not just for our taste buds but for our souls, as we shared tales, laughter, and the joy of friendship.

As the year drew to a close, the time came to gather with friends for one last celebration. Anca, Cătălin, Sasa, and Vali, joined us for what was to be the final Let’s Rock team lunch of the year. Our memories are woven over the year, a time to reflect, appreciate, and look forward to new adventures together.

Christmas drew near and our home transformed, the air was rich with the scent of baking cookies, a family tradition that we eagerly awaited each year. Alongside the baking, we adorned our home with festive decorations, each ornament carrying a story, a memory, a piece of our family’s history. It was in these moments, surrounded by family and immersed in the spirit of Christmas, that the true essence of winter revealed itself – a time for togetherness, for sharing, and for good memories.

As I reflect on these winter experiences, I am filled with gratitude. These moments, simple yet profound, remind me that winter, with its cold and darker days, also brings with it the warmth of human connection and the joy of shared experiences.

For the year finale, our journey took an exciting turn as we embarked on our first-ever trip to the enigmatic city of Istanbul, Turkey. Istanbul, a city straddling two continents, greeted us with its bustling streets, a symphony of sights, sounds, and colors. Despite the crowds, there’s an undeniable warmth and friendliness in the air, a testament to the hospitable spirit of its people.

Amidst the city’s hustle and bustle, we found ourselves surprised by its colorful and contrasting nature. The vibrant bazaars, the majestic architecture, and the serene Bosphorus strait painted a picture of a city that’s rooted in tradition yet pulsating with modernity. And the cats! They were everywhere, each with its distinct personality, adding to the city’s unique charm.

Our exploration of Istanbul was graced with unusually warm weather, a pleasant surprise for this time of the year. The sun-kissed days were perfect for wandering through the city’s historic streets, from the grandeur of the Basilica Cistern to the opulent splendor of the Topkapi Palace, each site weaving into the rich tapestry of Istanbul’s storied past.

This journey to Istanbul was more than just a trip – discovering this new culture was an eye-opening experience.