1. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself? Where are you from and what do you?
I’m from Istanbul, I studied Product Design in New York and then went on to work in interior design for a year and then changed gears and worked as a Brand Director for my mom’s ready to wear women’s brand MEHTAP ELAIDI for 7 years. I quit last year and started sourcing vintage homeware and jewelry 6 months ago so I am currently travelling and building stock for the website I’m preparing to launch in October.
2. What is your most unforgettable escape? (Could be a recent one, or could be long ago)
I went to Bergen for the first time in May. I planned to stay only for 2-3 days before moving on to Oslo and Gothenburg but I got sick so I had to extend my stay to 5 days which was a blessing in disguise because I fell in love with the city.
3. What was the purpose of your travel?
My husband was going on a work trip so I decided to tag along once I realized Bergen was a great city for vintage sourcing.
4. With how many people did you travel?
Just my husband and I. Though he was working most of the trip so it was more like a solo trip, which I loved.
5. Where did you stay?
Skostredet Hotel.
6. What did you like most about the trip?
The pace of life in Bergen. It was so calm, nothing is rushed, the whole city has a very chill vibe.
7. Can you share an unforgettable memory from the journey?
Our first day, after we dropped off our luggage at the hotel, we walked all over town, rain drizzling, mesmerized at how different the city looked and felt than all the other European cities we have been to. The hills filled with trees and old homes felt at once very familiar and very strange. I felt nostalgia for a city I was seeing for the first time.
8. Your most surprising find during the trip?
That Bergen was a foodie destination. I like a lot of spices and sauces in my dishes and in my experience most Nordic countries’ cuisines are more pared down with a heavy focus on carbohydrates. So I was pleasantly surprised to discover the food in Bergen was very protein and vegetable based and layered with so many ingredients.
9. Favorite restaurants or food discovered?
Fjellskål Sjømatrestaurant had the best turbot I’ve ever eaten in my life! I can go back to Bergen just for this restaurant alone. Fish soup is a staple of Bergen, and for good reason, it’s very thick and full of flavor. Brown cheese is another famous specialty, it’s salty and sweet at the same time. The famous hot dog stand called Trekroneren is a must for a delicious reindeer sausage with lingonberry jam (not as weird as it sounds). Last but not least, Daily Pot was an amazing alternative when I wanted something healthy and affordable.
10. What are the must tries in this destination?
A fjord cruise is why most people go to Bergen. I couldn’t go on one since I was sick most of the trip, but if I were to go back I’d do a Mostraumen fjord cruise and I’d take the train from Oslo to Bergen since everyone says it’s one of the most scenic routes in Europe (and I love train rides). And if you like hikes Bergen has pretty amazing routes.
11. Any hidden gems you could whisper to us?
A pub called Pingvinen, mostly frequented by locals. I’ve had one of the best fish soups of my Bergen trip and a delicious gluten free sandwich there. Also, a stop at Arven Silver is a must, their vintage jewelry collection is perfect for buying gifts for loved ones (instead of the souvenir shops at Byrggen) and you can watch the silversmiths at work while you’re shopping.
12. Would you go back, and why?
Yes! Firstly for the fjord cruise and the train ride I couldn’t experience, but secondly for the food and the nature.
13. Could you list a few of the favorite finds you came back with?
- Maja Orrefors glasses by Eva Englund I sourced at an antique store
- Some delicious brown cheese bought at the Bergen Fish Market
- A Scandinavian pine wall lamp
- Beautiful vintage Nordic silver jewelry
- A petrol green vintage trenchcoat
14. Any tips that might be useful to know before going there?
It usually rains everyday (though we were quite lucky since it only rained once or twice the whole time we were there) and it’s always windy, so pack accordingly.
15. Next stop you would like to visit?
This will be a bit of a cliché but I’m dying to go to Tokyo and Mexico City. I’m also planning to go to Brussels to source vintage pieces.
16. What does traveling and escape mean to you?
It’s a way to break out of my comfort zone and my set routines. It’s a way to grow and challenge myself, it’s never easy but always rewarding. Also, I live to eat, so it’s an amazing opportunity to try out new cuisines.
17. What’s your summer travel soundtrack?
Café de Flore or anything by L’Impératrice.
18. What about your latest read?
I’m currently finishing up Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro.
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