Arnavutköy

After spending much time at Ikea, We went to Arnavutköy to meet up with some good friends from France Michel and Vildan. The place we went to is called Abracadabra.

Engin sipping a homemade lemonade.





















Engin, Michel & Vildan.









Reyhan.







Me with some nice glasses.

Paris day 07

Christmas eve, real last day 'in' Paris.
A last glance at the Opera.







A quick look at the Pont des Arts.







I look back on Le Louvre.







And we kept the best for the end, we met with Shaghig at Néo Café in Odéon. I'm half an hour late because I could'nt find a place to park my vélib' ;)





















Then off we go, to my sister's house to spend Christmas.









Lucas is ready.









The table is set.









We opened the present





















Dessert time, it's already 3 a.m.









I spared you the picture of my dad dressed as Santa both to protect you and him.
Just to draw you a picture, he didn't have a belt and wasn't wearing any shoes because coming from the back room. First words of Lucas when he saw him : "Where is Grand Pa' ?"

Merry Christmas.

Paris day 03

Very cold again, I went to the nearest 'boulangerie' (bakery) (with view on the Eiffel tower) and bought some croissants of course.









We can see some Smart cars in Istanbul but not that much, cars being big there. So it was cool to see that many again. I almost feel like a tourist.









Back home with view on the 'Invalides', tomb of Napoleon and military hospital.









After breakfast we went out for our daily tour. We took a picture of this new Piaggio scooter which has two tilting wheels in the front for Ekin's mom who would like to ride a scooter but is afraid to fall.










On the way to the 'Marais' district, in the center of Paris. District of the Jewish community and the gay community. One of the best districts of Paris for its narrow streets, its nice cafés, etc.
















Subway style


























Where we ate a Falafel (at Hanna's). Take the special.









And then headed toward Bastille to see Benjamin (I forgot to take pictures again). So far, no pictures of friends. What a shame.













We headed to the Montorgueil district near Châtelet. Where we had a drink.










and went to the Habitat store across the Kenzo store near the old Samaritaine department store.













Back home to drop the day's shopping.







Back out to go out and eat at 'La Coupole'.








Christmas light in a building's entrance.




























Here we are. La Coupole is this old restaurant established in 1927, typical French Bistro near the Montparnasse tower on the left bank. The decoration is a bit kitschy and even more with those Christmas decorations. But good ambiance and great food with live band (cabaret style). For every customers' birthdays, all the waiters gather together and start singing on their way to the appropriate table.


























Foie gras, both cooked and cold for Ekin with duck meat. Simple Jumbo Shrimp with Avocado for me.













Then, as a meal, cooked 'foie gras' on apple pie with fig sauce for me and a nice Rumsteack for Ekin.










It was a very good night. Plus we came on the 80est birthday of the restaurant, by chance. Free Champagne for everyone.

We walked home (2 subway stops).