Istanbul, formerly Constantinople, holds a special place in my heart, because it was the first destination I ever visited solo. I didn’t travel solo until my mid 30s — maybe it was fear or maybe just couldn’t quite get out of my comfort zone of travelling with friends or family. But at 35 years old I had to have quite a big operation — it gave me a new perspective on life. ‘I need to see the blue mosque before I die!’ I thought to myself…
