Istanbul: The Hippest City in the World?

Sofia, Zen, and Coco at the main entrance of the

Audience Chamber at the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul

From its deep, rich culture and its economic dynamism, we are very much humbled to have had such a compelling trip to Istanbul. Among the quality guides we use in Turkey is Saffett Tonguç. Widely

considered to be among the top (along with Ms. Arzu!) private guides in all of Turkey, he is the author of several award-winning books on Turkey tourism, history and culture. Among Saffet's notable clients touring Turkey are Oprah, Colin Powell, Eric Schmidt of Google and now the Lynch family!

Despite our limited time, we hit all the major stops in Istanbul's historical Sultanahmet peninsula (Hippodrome Square, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque). Similar to the Taj Mahal, the Blue Mosque is even more impressive in person than all the lovely pictures -- we found the blue tiles lining its interior walls most mesmerizing!

In addition to the Blue Mosque, we found the Topkapi Palace to be the most compelling historical site in all of Istanbul. The official residence of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to 19th centuries, Zen, Sofia and Coco could not believe that Prophet Muhammad's actual cloak and sword are on display here!

Shopping was enjoyed by all at the Grand Bazaar at the Hans...please note Zen's observations in her journal below.

A 2-hour private cabin-cruiser excursion along the Bosphorus is a scenic and refreshing way to see the breadth of this beautiful city. We had a special stopover lunch at HAMDI, located near the Spice Bazaar. The restaraunt has wonderful rooftop views and delicious kebaps with delicious balloons of traditional breads straight out of the oven!

Istanbul Four Seasons Duo

Having experienced both Istanbul Four Seasons properties, we found each property offering its own unique activities and advantages.

The Four Seasons Sultanahmet offers a small, more intimate setting (only 65 rooms), located in the heart of the Sultanahmet historical district, walking distance from the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, as well as numerous small shops and restaurants. Engaging general manager Felix Murillo mentioned that the property was actually Istanbul's first contemporary prison from 1918 all the way until the 1970s. The prison inscription date is still displayed on the Four Seasons entrance! The only real downside to families staying here is no pool.

In contrast to the Sultanahmet, the Four Seasons Bosphorus is a more sprawling (175 rooms) stand-alone luxury resort, saddled along the banks of the Bosphorus. Despite the property being new (perhaps three years), the Four Seasons Bosphorus has a unique 19th century feel. We love the amazing Bosphorus views to the Asia side of Istanbul from the breakfast terrace. A private hammam at the spa is a special treat and the kids love the pool overlooking the Bosphorus. We feel it is not an overstatement to proclaim the Four Seasons Bosphorus as the top luxury hotel in all of Istanbul.

Hello fellow global kid travelers!

YES, Japan is my favorite place in the world, BUT I really loved Turkey and France! My cousins, Sofia and Coco, and I wrote a list of the things we liked most about Istanbul.

• Kittens and dogs everywhere! Istanbul is a kittens-dogs paradise; everywhere we walked we saw the most beautiful animals! We especially liked the dog "Harry," who returned to the coffee shop across from the Four Seasons Sultanahmet every night for food...We miss you Harry!
• Shopping at the Grand Bazaar! Forget Michigan Ave. in Chicago -- we prefer all the small, cute shops at the Grand Bazaar. Top of my list were the many "evil-eye" pendants. These are great for my birthday party goodie bags!
• Prophet Muhammad's actual cloak and sword at Topkapi Palace - unreal!
• Hammam (Turkish bath)! No, we were not allowed to do this because of our age, but at least we did a walk-through!
• Our private guide Saffett! Yes, we have had so many great guides in so many countries. Add Saffett to the top - he is so awesome! Saffett is a walking "Google" for Turkish history and culture AND he is so funny!
• My only dissapointment is that we missed the sunrise hot air balloon over Cappadocia - next time!

Happy Travels!

-Zen Lynch

Bonjour Paris!

Among our many worldwide travels, Bev, Zen and I consider Paris to be no less than the most beautiful and culturally compelling city on the planet! Walking through the various boulevards, neighborhoods and winding streets, you are teased with so many wonderful activities: innumerable iconic landmarks, awe-inspiring art, lush greens parks, all that amazing food and so many beautiful, historic bridges! In our view, Paris is complete aesthetic perfection.

Although our clients prefer the 5 star luxury hotels of the Right Bank (Four Seasons, Hotel Le Bristol, etc.) Bev, Zen and I prefer the more intimate immersion of Parisian life on the Left Bank. Unlike the Right Bank, where there is a clear abundance of French historical monuments and public buildings, the Left Bank (think Latin Quarter) is more residential and university-oriented. It is made up of countless boutique shops and bistros in great walkable neighborhoods - this is definitely the more artsy, aesthetic side of Paris!

We were most happy with our stay at the luxury, boutique 51-room Relais Christine, located in the heart of St. Germaine. Built on the foundation of a 13th century Abbey, Relais offers a quite relaxing haven with meticulous service. Our family preferred the tastefully decorated 2-story duplex Junior suites. Another plus of staying here - meeting the property's engaging general managerJean-Luc Chomat - a remarkable look-a-like of Stephen Colbert!

Our engaging Paris travel coordinator, Sylvie, gave us great advice for shopping - just look at the stylish Parisian gamines walking the street for good shopping tips!

Paradoxically, we could not believe the block-long line for locals visiting the newly openedAbercrombie & Fitch store on the Champ Elysees...we finally felt stylish in our A&F tees!

Hello fellow global kid travelers!

Paris is SO BEAUTIFUL! Some of my favorite activities with my mom, dad, Sofia and Coco:

• My favorite tour in Paris was the underground catecombs. This tour was AWESOME and also creepy! Walking through the underground hallways full of skulls was fun and scary. Our guide, Jean-Manuel, says the catecombs contain the remains of 6 million Parisians!

• Eiffel Tower - cool, old-style mechanical elevator to the top + great views!

• Brassiere Le Suffren - the best escargot I have eaten anywhere - smothered with butter and garlic!

• Lourve Museum - We love the Lourve! Our funny and so-smart Paris guide, Jean-Manuel, gave us entertaining lectures on the many paintings of the museum's Greek mythology section (my 4th grade teach Ms. Cuesta would be so proud!). Landscape with Orpheus and Eurydice is my favorite. The way Jean-Manuel explained the paintings was like a movie going through my mind. Jean-Mauel is a walking art history book!

Happy Travels!

Zen Lynch