I was enjoying an experience one could only imagine in a culturally-rich, historical metropolis such as Istanbul, Turkey – one of the world’s oldest cities that served as capital of Roman, Byzantium and Ottoman empires.
After a day in Sultanahmet and Taksim squares, and seeing the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, strolling lively Istikal Street to climbing the scenic and photogenic Galata Tower Museum, I was ready to relax.
My sublime setting at twilight was Le Fumoir: the outdoor but covered bar in the courtyard gardens of the world class Kempinski Ciragan Palace Hotel. The landmark property is a 17th century, ornate Ottoman treasure on the European edge of the commercially busy Bosphorus Strait, the watery trade route just across which is Asia.
With a traditional Shisha pipe delivering custom-blended, flavored…
