A Short Guide to City Breaks in Istanbul

Istanbul has a long history as a bustling city at the centre of the world. Its unique location means that Istanbul actually straddles two continents, nestled on either side of the Bosphorus Strait that separates Asia and Europe. This duality is a theme we can see repeated throughout the metropolis, which is comprised of both ancient oriental-style architecture and soaring modern skyscrapers. Once called Constantinople and also Byzantium, Istanbul has been a city known across the world almost since the dawn of civilisation. An ancient city packed full of contemporary design, Istanbul is like no other place on Earth. Cleon Papadopoulos, a wealth manager for high net worth individuals and a lover of global travel, cites Istanbul as one of his favourite destinations. Having travelled extensively throughout his life, Cleon Papadopoulos is able to compare the delights of Istanbul with many other exotic and exciting locations, yet still comes back to the fascinating city time and time again.

Others thinking of travelling to Istanbul in the near future will find a list of useful contacts in the attached infographic, whilst the accompanying PDF gives a brief overview of some of the must-see sights in the region. This post will look at a few of the most popular tourist attractions, as well as ideas for activities off the beaten track recommended directly by Istanbul locals.

Embed This Graphic On Your Site: <img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/13/14/ed/1314ed7b53a959d2625bdee1a78b1647.jpg" width='540'><br /><a href='http://cleonpapadopoulos.blogspot.com/2016/11/a-short-guide-to-city-breaks-in-istanbul.html'><br /></a></p><br /> <p> Travelling to Istanbul - What to know before you go [Infographic]</a></p><br /> <p></a>

Top Must-See Tourist Sights

• Topkapi Palace
• Aya Sofya/Blue Mosque
• Galata Tower

Top Tips Endorsed by Locals

• Kadıköy District
• Ortaköy Square
• Foodie Tasting Tours
• Suada

Topkapi Palace

Home to generations of Sultans and their harems of wives, the Topkapi Palace is a sight that no trip to Istanbul would be complete without. The oriental domes and soaring minarets enclose verdant courtyards and lushly tiled rooms and houses a Turkish bath as the centrepiece of the harem quarters. With a treasury that can easily rival our own Crown Jewels and spectacular views across the waters, Topkapi Palace is not a sight to be missed.

Aya Sofya and the Blue Mosque

A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, the Aya Sofya was built in the sixth century for the Emperor Justinian. Initially a church, the structure would later become a mosque. Today the building essentially acts as a museum and boasts exhibitions including the tombs of ancient sultans and their sons, as well as extravagant glittering mosaic displays. Across the park is the famous Blue Mosque, one of only a handful in the world to feature six minarets. The name ‘Blue’ comes from the delicate blue tinge of the Iznik tiles.

Galata Tower

The Galata Tower was built in 1348 in what was then a sub-city under the control of the Genoese. Situated in what today is known as Beyoğlu in the modern quarters of old Istanbul, the Galata Tower boasts stunning views of the city which are accessible from the top peaks.

Bohemian Kadıköy

The Bohemian district of Kadıköy is relatively quiet and has a number of art studios to explore. The residents are mainly elderly Turkish folk who have lived in the area all their lives, offering a real sense of community amongst the attractive surroundings.

Ortaköy Square

Ortaköy Square is popular with both locals and tourists. Young Turkish locals gather to play card games and backgammon whilst smoking ‘nargile’ water pipes. The many elaborate waterfront restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs attract people from all over, many of whom come to sample the famous ‘kumpir’ or stuffed baked potatoes.

Istanbul Private Foodie Tour

For those who love nothing more than to sample the delights of the local cuisine when travelling, a private foodie tour is the ideal day out. You can indulge in the six-hour tasting tour which provides some of the best culinary specialities in Turkey from some of the better quality but lesser-known restaurants, food stalls, niche food stores, markets and cafes. Sample some unique and interesting cuisine off the beaten tourist track and discover where the locals eat.

Galatasaray Islet (Suada)

Galatasaray Islet, referred to by the locals as ‘Suada’, is a faction of the Galatasaray Sports Club. The unique selling point of the venue, which boasts an Olympic-sized sea-water swimming pool, is that visitors can swim between two continents. Suada is also famous for the fantastic views, great restaurants and lively evening parties.



These are just a few of the many attractions awaiting any Istanbul traveller. Whether you prefer exploring local architecture, museums, restaurants, the arts, parks or anything more, Istanbul is packed full of places and activities to see and do. Like Cleon Papadopoulos, once you have experienced the city, you may well find yourself returning again and again.

How Healthy Is Your Diet? The Answer May Surprise You

We are inundated with conflicting advice when it comes to what we should be eating. ‘Clean eating’ is the latest food fad everyone is talking about, but is it really necessary? Despite what many lifestyle advocates say, a truly healthy diet is about balance. It is one which contains the right levels and variety of staple foods and nutrients to nourish the body. Does your diet really give you everything that your body needs?


Embed This Graphic On Your Site: <img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/4f/9b/e8/4f9be84cd51a1f3cfa81acefa926f89a.jpg" width='540'><br /><a href='http://cleonpapadopoulos.blogspot.com/2016/09/how-healthy-is-your-diet-answer-may.html'><br /></a></p><br /> <p> 5 Big Nutrition Mistakes [Infographic]</a></p><br /> <p></a>
As someone with a keen interest in fitness and nutrition, Cleon Papadopoulos recognises that the body needs a certain amount of fat and calories in order to thrive. The key to a healthy diet is not to avoid fat and high calorie food altogether, but instead to ensure that the intake of fat and sugar is moderated and in the correct proportions. Healthy eaters should not eliminate fat and sugars completely but instead seek ways to maintain a nutritious diet that includes them in the healthiest forms. In the attached short video from Cleon Papadopoulos blog you can see the top five nutrition mistakes people make, with eating too few calories at the top of the list. The second attachment explores the main nutrition areas. Here you can discover what proportions of each food group your diet should be made up of in order to maintain a healthy weight:

• Starchy Carbohydrates

• Fruits and Vegetables

• Fish

• Dairy Products

• Other Proteins

• Fluids

• Unsaturated Fats

• Salt  

 
Starchy Carbohydrates

Many popular diets advocate cutting out the carbs, yet a truly healthy diet will be based around starchy carbohydrates. The fact is that carbohydrates provide the slow-release energy we need to exercise and maintain and active lifestyle, which is vital for long-term health. Starchy carbohydrates should therefore make up approximately a third of our daily food intake. The healthiest options are wholegrain versions such as wholegrain rice or pasta. Eating the skin of potatoes increases the amount of healthy fibre we get. While wholegrains are the best option, there are also higher-fibre versions of white pasta and bread on the market.  

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables provide a wide variety of vitamins and minerals and we should be aiming to eat at least five portions of different fruit and vegetables every day. Variety is the key as different plants have different nutritional values. A general rule of thumb is to try and eat a variety of colours to ensure you’re getting enough variety.

Fruit is also a great way to stave off sugar cravings without resorting to stodgy, high-calorie sweets or processed foods.  

Fish

There are many benefits to eating fish, including high protein levels and various vitamins and other nutrients that are not found in quantity elsewhere. Aim to eat a minimum of two portions of fish each week and make one of those of the oily variety. Omega 3, found in oily fish, is believed to improve cognitive function.  

Dairy Products

Dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurts provide essential calcium to keep bones and teeth healthier. They are also good sources of protein and certain vitamins. Opt for low-fat and low-sugar versions wherever possible for the healthiest option.

Other Proteins

Apart from fish, other healthy sources of protein are lean meat, pulses, beans and eggs. Pulses are especially good as they have a lower fat content and higher fibre than meat. Cut back on processed or salty meats such as bacon and ham and focus instead on things such as lean mince or chicken.  

Fluids

Keeping the body hydrated is an essential part of keeping healthy. Aim to drink between six and eight glasses of non-sugared fluids per day. Water and low-fat milk are the healthiest options but almost any non-alcoholic drink without sugars counts, even tea and coffee. Fruit juices or smoothies can count towards your six to eight glasses but should be kept to a minimum due to the high amount of natural sugars they contain.  

Unsaturated Fats

We all need a certain amount of fats in our diet to provide essential fatty acids and help with the body’s absorption of various vitamins. To maintain a healthy fat intake, choose foods that are high in unsaturated fats such as nuts, vegetable oils, oily fish, avocados and seeds. Avoid eating foods that are high in saturated fats as much as possible, such as butter, lard, cheese, pastries, pies and cream.

Salt

Too much salt in the diet can cause untold health problems later in life. The majority of salt we eat comes in processed foods rather than that which we might add when cooking so check salt content before purchasing. When cooking from scratch, try using flavourings such as spices and herbs, vinegar, mustard or citrus juices rather than adding salt.



Balance is the key with a healthy diet and most people who try to cut anything out entirely will ultimately be setting themselves up to fail, as the body begins to crave what it is missing. A healthy diet doesn’t have to be boring or free from treats. Maintain a healthy balance at mealtimes, choose fruit rather than processed desserts and drink plenty of liquids. If you eat a nutritionally balanced diet most of the time, treating yourself to the odd slice of chocolate cake will do very little harm.

Roger Federer Continues to Inspire Fans

In this article you will learn how about Roger Federer’s career……

Cup – How did Federer play in the 2016 Mercedes Cup tournament in Stuttgart?

Career – What makes Federer’s career unique?

Mercedes Cup Tennis enthusiasts everywhere were thrilled to watch Roger Federer compete in the 2016 Mercedes Cup which took place from June 8th-13th in Stuttgart. A back injury put Federer out of the French Open, but after a few weeks of rest he was back close to top form and ready for another challenge. Federer didn’t win the title, but he sailed all the way through to the semi-finals, where he was beaten by Dominic Thiem from Austria who went on to play the final against the German, Philipp Kohlschreiber. Roger Federer, one of the world’s best known tennis players, continues be a fan favourite, making the finals or semi-finals even on his bad days. Experienced businessman, Cleon Papadopoulos is looking forward to watching the next Wimbledon tournament with his son, who also competes competitively, and hopes Federer will again rank well. A Career that’s Unmatched Roger Federer began his professional tennis career in 1998 at the age of sixteen. It took him just four years to be ranked among the ten best players in the world and he hasn’t dropped below eighth for the past fourteen years. He holds the record for the greatest total number of weeks ranked as number 1 in the Open Era (302) as well as the most consecutive weeks (287). At 34, the Swiss player is one of the most seasoned players on the court. Despite this, he continues to break records, winning the 1,000 ATP match of his career in Brisbane at the start of 2015. Although he fell from first in the world standings, Federer still won 6 titles in 2015 and played in 11 finals, including Wimbledon and the US Open. His rivalry with the Serbian player Novak Djokovic, winner of the last two Wimbledon titles, continues to inspire his competitive spirit. Last year the pair moved into an even tie with 21 wins each. Regardless of how he fares this year, Federer’s lifetime achievements stand for themselves. Most experts currently regard him as the greatest tennis player of all time and it will take many years for another player to come close to matching his record. These are just five of the amazing accomplishments from his fourteen years at the top of the tennis charts. • Wimbledon – 7 titles in total. Federer is the only male tennis player to achieve ten Wimbledon finals. • Grand Slam – holds the record for the most titles won (17) and the most finals (27), as well as for winning three Grand Slam events in three different years. • Career Slam (winning every grand slams at least once) – one of 8 men to achieve this title and one of only 4 to achieve a career grand slam on every type of surface, grass, clay, and hard. • Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award – winner four consecutive years. • Olympic Medals – gold in men’s doubles in 2008, and silver in singles in 2012.

Federer Defeated at Stuttgart but Hopes Wimbledon Will Turn It Around

In this post you will learn how Roger Federer feels about playing in the Mercedes Cup….

Inspiration – How is Federer’s attitude inspiring?

Perspective – What has happened to Federer during the last year?

Ready – What’s the next step after Stuttgart?

Embed This Graphic On Your Site: <img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/13/c5/e9/13c5e947ccfffe7f077876cbdd515447.jpg" width='540'><br /><a href='http://cleonpapadopoulos.blogspot.com/2016/08/federer-defeated-at-stuttgart-but-hopes.html'><br /></a></p> <br /> <p> Federer: Return to Play [Infographic]</a></p> <br /> <p> </a> An inspiration to fans

Years of competing and countless titles haven’t dulled Roger Federer’s enthusiasm for tennis. His anticipation for the Mercedes Cup in Stuttgart was palpable, almost as if it were one of his first tournaments. Shooting balls with his friend and competitor, Tommy Haas, atop the tallest residential and hotel complex in Stuttgart, Federer told reporters he was happy to be there, playing tennis and enjoying the view. Federer also said he would also be thrilled just to ‘get on the match court and play a match’ this week, although his dream would, of course, be to win the tournament. This anticipation made his defeat at the hands of Dominic Thiem all the more crushing for Federer’s fans. A combination of skill and humble sportsmanship have earned Federer a strong reputation and inspired fans in many parts of the world. Cleon Papadopoulos, director at London Alfa Ltd. is an amateur tennis player himself and has followed Federer with interest since 2002 when he began to rank in the top ten.

Federer keeps tennis in perspective

Currently listed as Number 3 by the Association of Tennis Professionals, Federer has struggled with injuries over the past year. Several weeks ago he pulled out of French Open championship citing a back problem, and earlier in the year he had surgery on an injured knee which he reportedly twisted while running a bath for his daughters. At 34, Federer is one of the veterans in the tennis field. Although he played in the last two Wimbledon finals, he lost the title to the Serbian Novak Djokovic, who also came away with the French Open title and is currently ranked number one in the world.

But Federer has taken the recent setbacks in stride. About pulling out of the French Open, he said ‘it was definitely the right decision’. Wimbledon is imminent and Federer is saving himself for the rest of the season, as well as ‘the rest of his life’. With a wife and twin daughters, it seems the Swiss athlete has more on his mind right now than tennis and he was happy to be able to spend more time with his family over the last few weeks.

Ready for anything

But Federer hasn’t given up on the game. Despite his defeat at Stuttgart, who knows what Wimbledon will bring? Watch for the next post to learn more about Federer’s career and what the future might hold.