Istanbul

City of three thousand mosques, the aim of millions of tourists and the intersection of trade routes. Istanbul markes the border of Western civilization in the east and repeatedly defined the rhythm of history - its strategically located not only in space but also in time. Istanbul's combines Christian Europe with the Muslim Asia. a trip to Turkey and Istanbul is a treat for every traveler.

Polish Deli in Edinburgh

Nice idea for a business: A married couple in Edinburgh established a Polish-English Polish delicatessen Deli Polonia and their venture has received an award from the local chamber of commerce. Edinburghers can buy there such products as Polish sausages, dumplings, pickles, stuffed cabbage (one of Polish national dishes), or Polish bread. On sale are also Polish newspapers and Polish beer.

The deli is popular not only with the Polish community, but also Scots, Spaniards,
French, Italians, and Chinese people. They buy such products as Polish bread, herring, sausages, juices, Polish fudge. For christmas the delicatessen is preparing carp and different traditional cakes. They also participate in the the Christmas market in central Edinburgh.

I love Polish food, so was very glad to come across this store. Good work.

Yule winter celebrations

Yule is a feast of winter, associated with the winter solstice and is celebrated in northern Europe since ancient times. After the adoption of Christianity, the feast was known under the name "Christmas", a combination of tradition and symbolism Yule imposed on the entire history of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Traditions include garnishing Yule fir, putting in the furnace properly prepared logs, mistletoe hanging in homes and holly, gift giving and celebrations.

Dundee, Scotland

Dundee (in Scottish Gaelic Dùn Dèagh) is the fourth largest city in Scotland. It lies on the north bank of the River Tay (Firth of Tay, on the east coast of Scotland, the North Sea).

The city's history dates back to the beginnings of the Iron Age and is connected with the people of the Picts. In the Middle Ages it was the site of many events of historical importance. During the Industrial Revolution, the jute industry developed. Dundee also became famous for journalism orange marmolade produced here on an industrial scale. Thanks gained the nickname of the city of jute, jam and journalism.

The Granite City of Aberdeen

I'm currently in Aberdeen, which looks great in the snow. Later on I'll be travelling thoughout Aberdeenshire, I hope the roads are not completely snowed in!

Aberdeen is located at the mouth of the rivers Don and Dee in Scotland. It is the seat of the county Aberdeenshire, and the administrative centre of the Grampian region. It is a large fishing port (mainly herring and salmon), a service center for oil rigs and pipelines in the North Sea, shipbuilding, machinery, chemicals, and granite quarries. The town's development is linked to the exploitation of crude oil from the bed of the North Sea.

The major part of the older buildings in Aberdeen is built of granite, which is why it is called the Granite City. The most important landmarks include the old buildings of the university (est. 1494) and the early-gothic granite cathedral  of St. Machar (XIV century). The historic chapel and buildings of the King's College and Marishall College date back to the XVI century.

The Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands (A 'Ghàidhealtachd) is a mountainous region of northern Scotland, including the Caledonian and Grampian Mountines.

The region located on the northwest coast of Scotland, is one of the least densely populated in Europe. The Highlands are diverisfied by many lakes (lochs), so differnt to the Lowlands in the South. The nearby islands are also part of the Highlands.

In the late Middle Ages the dominant language in the Highlands was Celtic Gaelic, unlike in the south of Scotland, where the predominant language was Lowland Scots or German Lallans.

Inverness, Scotland

So here I am in Inverness, the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. The weather is getting rough, so I hope I'll be able to travel around the Highlands safely. But for now I'm in Inerness, staying at a decent backpackers hostel.

Inverness is a lovely city, situated on the river Ness and obviously just by the famous lake Loch Ness. I'll spend the next few days in the area of Loch Ness and visit Fort Augustus. Inverness looks like a miniature of Edinburgh to me. Similar style of the buildings and nice athmosphere. You can barely feel that you are much more north. The Scottish accent is different from the Edinburgh accent though and as I've heard it gets softer as you go north.