#Golden Apple: The Grand Conquest

[recycledmoviecostumes]

This blue and gray kaftan with gold embellishments was first worn by Umut Nalbantoğlu as Sultan Mehmed IV in the final episode of Muhteşem Yüzyıl: Kösem (Magnificent Century: Kösem) in 2017.

The kaftan appeared again in the twenty-sixth episode of the first season of Tozkoparan İskender on Yağız Kılınç as Sinan Karayaman in 2021.

It was also worn by Miraç Sözer as Şehzade Mehmed (later Sultan Mehmed II) in the second episode of the 2023 first season of Kızılelma: Bir Fetih Öyküsü (Golden Apple: The Grand Conquest).

Costume Credit: Anne81, Wardrobeoftime

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[magnificentlyreused]

This brown and golden kaftan was first worn by Hürrem Sultan in the nineteenth episode of the fourth season of Magnificent Century.

It appeared again nine years later on an extra playing an unnamed harem member in the second episode of the first season of Golden Apple: The Grand Conquest.

[historicalreusedcostumes]

This black leather costume is worn on Salih in Tozkoparan Iskender in Season 1 Episode 26 (2021) and later worn on guard in Kizilelma: Bir Fetih Öyküsü (Golden Apple: The Grand Conquest) in Season 1 Episode 7 (2023)

[echointhewaves]

The Chaotic Marriage of Hera and Zeus

Ah, Hera and Zeus—the ultimate power couple of Mount Olympus, but not exactly the picture of wedded bliss. Their relationship is the stuff of legends, both literally and figuratively, and it’s a perfect lens through which to explore the messy, dramatic, and oh-so-human aspects of Greek mythology. But let’s start at the beginning: how did they meet, and how in the name of Olympus did Hera agree to marry Zeus in the first place?

How It All Began: The Courtship of Hera and Zeus

Before Hera became Zeus’s wife, she was his sister (Greek mythology, folks, where family reunions are… complicated). As two of the six children of Cronus and Rhea, Hera and Zeus were part of the first generation of Olympian gods. But their relationship wasn’t exactly love at first sight—at least not for Hera. Zeus, ever the charmer, was smitten with Hera’s beauty and dignity. Hera, however, wasn’t interested in becoming just another conquest. Zeus had to work hard to win her over—or, depending on the version of the myth, manipulate the situation entirely.

In one of the more famous stories, Zeus transformed himself into a shivering, helpless cuckoo bird to gain her sympathy. Hera, moved by pity, cradled the bird to warm it. That’s when Zeus revealed his true form and declared his love for her. Flustered and tricked, Hera reluctantly agreed to marry him. Some versions even suggest that Zeus pressured Hera into marriage by threatening her honor, a dark twist that adds another layer to their complicated dynamic.

A Dysfunctional Love Story

Despite the less-than-ideal courtship, their wedding was a grand affair, befitting the king and queen of the gods. It was said to have been held at the Garden of the Hesperides, with all the gods and goddesses in attendance. Gaia, the primordial Earth goddess, gifted them a tree of golden apples, which would later feature prominently in the myth of the Golden Apple of Discord (because nothing in mythology can ever stay simple). For a brief moment, it seemed like Hera and Zeus were destined for happiness. The power of their union symbolized the stability of the cosmos, with Zeus ruling the sky and Hera presiding over marriage and family. But as we know, the honeymoon didn’t last. (Well just 300 years.. but who’s counting)

Zeus, ruler of Olympus and wielder of lightning, wasn’t exactly the poster child for fidelity. His charisma was matched only by his inability to stay faithful. Whether disguised as a swan, a bull, or even a golden shower (yes, that happened—poor Danaë), Zeus’s romantic pursuits caused cosmic-level chaos. His infidelities weren’t just personal scandals—they rewrote mythology itself. Heroes (like Hercules), monsters (like the Minotaur), and countless demigods owe their existence to Zeus’s escapades. But this behavior wasn’t just a betrayal of Hera; it was a direct challenge to her domain as the goddess of marriage, making their union as turbulent as a lightning storm.

Hera’s reputation often gets reduced to “jealous wife,” but that’s an oversimplification. As the goddess of marriage, she bore the impossible burden of maintaining order in her own deeply flawed relationship. She couldn’t confront Zeus directly without destabilizing Olympus, so her wrath often fell on his lovers and illegitimate children. Her fury was less about personal insecurity as she knew her power and more about protecting the sanctity of marriage, even if the battle was ultimately unwinnable.

What Can We Learn From Hera and Zeus?

What makes Hera and Zeus fascinating is how real their relationship feels, despite the divine stakes. They’re a power couple bound together by duty, love, and a shared desire to maintain their status, but their marriage is deeply flawed. Zeus’s arrogance and Hera’s fury reflect the messiness of human relationships, magnified to mythic proportions. And yet, they stay together. Why? Because their union isn’t just personal—it’s political. Together, they represent the balance of power in the cosmos. Hera is the check on Zeus’s excesses, and Zeus is the force that keeps Hera’s wrath from consuming everything. It’s chaotic, it’s unhealthy, and it’s compelling in a way that only Greek mythology can be.

Ultimately, Hera and Zeus remind us that power and love are often intertwined in complicated, messy ways. Their story isn’t a guide to a healthy relationship, but it is a mirror held up to the human condition. They show us how ambition, betrayal, loyalty, and love can coexist in the same space, even at the highest levels of existence. So next time you’re reading about Zeus turning into an animal (again) or Hera wreaking vengeance on another mortal, remember: this is more than myth. It’s a reflection of the eternal struggle between chaos and order, love and betrayal, and power and vulnerability.

What do you think? Are Hera and Zeus the ultimate toxic couple, or is there something deeper at play here? Let me know in the notes!

[thehungrykat1]

Royale Parc Hotel Tagaytay Reopens With New Refreshing Design

Royale Parc Hotel is probably a very familiar name for those who have been traveling to Tagaytay for the past decades. Opened in the late 1970s, the hotel has been a part of many families’ histories and memories. It closed down in 2016 but has since been bought and renovated by a new owner and management. Now, it has finally reopened with a new refreshing and tranquil ambiance, offering a colorful escape where one can simply lie down and relax amidst our busy and stressful daily activities.

The new Royale Parc Hotel Tagaytay made its soft opening last July and welcomed guests and friends to its grand media launch last November 7, 2019. The Hungry Kat was invited to the dinner party and was one of the first to experience the unparalleled tranquility that can be enjoyed in this hidden oasis. A journey to Royale Parc Hotel Tagaytay is a step inside this serene and peaceful world, especially with its lush poolside gardens, and that is exactly what I needed.

You can find Royale Parc Tagaytay along the main Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, just a few minutes away from Ayala Malls Serin and the Tagaytay Rotunda. It is accessible not only by private vehicles, but also via public transportation such as the Nasugbu-bound bus from Manila. There is ample parking space for guests at the front and back of the hotel.

The hotel’s lobby is very bright and inviting, much like how it feels when entering your parent’s or grandparent’s house. Stepping inside Royale Parc Hotel Tagaytay, one is immediately transported to a tranquil world, making everyone enter a relaxing state of mind.

The hotel effortlessly merges the warm tones of wood with the fine lines of steel. The cozy cabin vibe blends magically with its modern amenities. There are comfortable seats and sofas to lounge in while one basks under the glow of golden lights and surrounded by the design of an upscale barn-style architecture.

Checking in is very easy as our rooms were already prepared for us. After a tiring trip from Manila, the comfort and serenity of the hotel offers such a wonderful respite.

While the ambiance at the lobby was already a great welcome, the relaxing view inside the spacious hotel was an even better sight. The design elements from the lobby emanates all over the hotel, with wood and metal blending together with the magnificent pool and garden in the middle surrounded by the luxurious rooms and suites.

Kids and families can frolic in the pool while the adults relax at the lounge chairs nearby. One can also sit around and bask under the Tagaytay sun which is made more bearable with the cool Tagaytay weather.

It’s time to check out my room! Royale Parc Hotel Tagaytay currently has 44 well-appointed rooms, each with a gorgeous view of the poolside gardens.

The designs of the room are as refreshing as the pool itself. I stayed in the Deluxe Room (Published Rate: P7500 nett) which is good for two persons. Each of the rooms have their own specific designs so no two rooms are alike. The Superior Room (P5500 nett) is the lowest category but they also have Deluxe Family Rooms (P8500 nett) which are good for up to four persons.

The rooms come with high ceilings and make use of recycled designs to underscores the sustainability commitment of the hotel during its construction. You won’t find plastic water bottles because they use a more eco-friendly refillable glass bottle.

The bathroom comes with a rainshower plus toiletries to make your stay as relaxing as possible.

The rooms on the second floor also come with their own balcony with a view of the pool area and outdoor Jacuzzi. It really feels cozy and breezy inside the hotel premises, so you’ll tend to forget about the outside world and your problems.

The hotel has been fully renovated from its original design, but one structure that has been left standing is this old pine tree thriving in the middle of the concrete jungle. Aside from being an Instagram-worthy backdrop, the pine tree exudes the ultimate Tagaytay vibe and history, while also relaying the hotel’s commitment to green practices and sustainability.

The hotel also offers several Suites for those special celebrations. These suites have larger room areas with even bigger bathrooms that come with giant bathtubs. All rooms at Royale Parc Tagaytay come with free wifi access and complimentary breakfast for two at Dekada, the hotel’s in-house Filipino restaurant specializing in heirloom recipes served with “history.” Each dish has a story and it harks back to tales of our heroes’ conquest and bravery.

For events or occasions celebrating life’s milestones, Royale Parc Hotel Tagaytay is ready to welcome groups of 20 to 250 persons with its four function rooms and one main ballroom that can fit any corporate, government, association and social events. The function rooms can also serve as activity areas like Yoga Classes in the morning. A fitness gym is also currently being constructed to satisfy the health buffs.

At night, the pool and garden turns into a magnificent display of crimson and azure colors. Take a dip in the Jacuzzi while the sky changes its hues.

Royale Parc Tagaytay held its Media Launch last November 7, 2019 at the Grand Ballroom situated on the third floor. The place was elegantly decorated and offers panoramic views of the Taal Lake, making it the perfect backdrop for any occasion day or night.

The launch was attended by media guests, celebrities, corporate sponsors, friends of the owners and management, plus members of the local government of Tagaytay including Tagaytay Mayor Agnes Tolentino.

Royale Parc Hotels & Resorts President and CEO Gerald Chan welcomed all the guests to this special and historic evening. He mentioned that his family usually frequented Royale Parc Hotel during his childhood days, so buying and renovating the hotel was also a personal decision as he had so many fond memories and nostalgia here. From the start, the owner envisioned the hotel to be a premium vacation getaway, similar to the original hotel structure that stood there decades ago.

Guests were serenaded that evening with musical performances and a delightful buffet spread courtesy of Dekada, which also offers catering services for parties and corporate events outside the hotel venue.

Some of my favorites that evening include the Bulalo Soup, Crispy Pata, Kare Kare, Roast Chicken, Pasta, Apple Crumble, and more. I think I went back two or three times for the bulalo. They also had an open bar offering unlimited cocktails and mocktails to make the evening extra special.

Congratulations to the owners and the management team of Royale Parc Hotel Tagaytay for a successful grand media launch. They will soon be offering promos and packages to make your vacation less stressful. So if you are planning a trip to Tagaytay, book your rooms at Royale Parc Hotel and experience the difference with its unparalleled tranquility.

Royale Parc Hotel Tagaytay

Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, Silang Junction West, Tagaytay, Cavite

0923-0889055 / (02) 984-1297 / (046) 402-1980

sales.royaleparctagaytay@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/royaleparchoteltagaytay

[ingilizce-turkce]

İstanbul'un İngilizce Tanıtımı

istanbul ingilizce tanıtımı basit istanbulu ingilizce anlatan kısa yazı istanbul tanıtımı ingilizce türkçe istanbul ingilizce tanıtımı uzun İstanbul is a very important place in the world. The city is spread over an area of 7500 km2 150 long and 50 km wide. İstanbul is the biggest and the most crowded city of Europe. Because, it's location is between Asia and Europe. The city population is approximately 14 million. Around 2 million tourists visit İstanbul every year. Firstly, Çamlıca hill is the biggest hill in İstanbul. It is 263 metres. There is a picnic area. Especially, Taksim is the most popular place for tourists and Turkish people. Which is one of the most active centers of İstanbul. There are a lot of people of different countries. Secondly, one of the most beautiful scenery in İstanbul is İstanbul Bosphorus. When you drive over the Bosphorus Bridge, you can see the Maiden's Tower. Eminönü is one of the hictorical place to visit in İstanbul. When you go there, you will see unique mosques. Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Mosques are indispensable for tourists. Overall, before you go to your home, you should visit ''Grand Bazaar''. What is now called Asian Istanbul was probably inhabited by people as early as 3000 BC. Eventually, in the 7th century, Greek colonists led by King Byzas established the colony of Byzantium, the Greek name for a city on the Bosphorus. Byzas chose the spot after consulting an oracle of Delphi who told him to settle across from the "land of the blind ones." Indeed, Byzas concluded, earlier settlers must have been deprived of their sight to have overlooked this superb location at the mouth of the Bosphorus strait. This proved an auspicious decision by Byzas, as history has shown Istanbul's location important far beyond what these early Greek settlers might possibly have conceived. Byzas gave his name to the city: Byzantium. In the early 100's BC, it became part of the Roman Empire and in 306 AD, Emperor Constantine the Great made Byzantium capital of the entire Roman Empire. From that point on, the city was known as Constantinople. The mid 400's AD was a time of enormous upheaval in the empire. Barbarians conquered the western Roman Empire while the Eastern, also called the Byzantine Empire, kept Constantinople as its capital. In 532 during the reign of Justinian I, antigovernment riots destroyed the city. It was rebuilt, and outstanding structures such as Hagia Sophia stand as monuments to the heights Byzantine culture reached. The attribute that made the city so desirable, its incomparable location for trade and transport between three continents, was also its nemesis. For the next several hundred years Persians, Arabs, nomadic peoples, and members of the Fourth Crusade (who for a time governed the city) attacked Constantinople. Finally, weakened by almost constant battle, the Ottoman Turks lead by Sultan Mehmet II conquered Constantinople in 1453. Renamed Istanbul, it became the third and last capital of the Ottoman Empire. It was the nerve center for military campaigns that were to enlarge the Ottoman Empire dramatically. By the mid 1500's, Istanbul, with a population of almost half a million, was a major cultural, political, and commercial center. Ottoman rule continued until it was defeated in WWI and Istanbul was occupied by the allies. When the Republic of Turkey was born in 1923 after the War of Independence, Kemal Ataturk moved the capital to the city of Ankara. But Istanbul has continued to expand dramatically; today its population is approximately 13 million and increases at an estimated 700,000 immigrants per year. Industry has expanded even as tourism has grown. It continues to be a city that creates its own history at the intersection where both Continents meet. There are many interesting museums, castles, palaces, mosques, churches, and historic hammams. Some of the interesting districts of the city are: Haydarpasa, Uskudar, Eyup, Galata, Perapalas, Ortaköy, Bosphorus, Taksim, Eminönü and Sultanahmet. Princess Islands are a popular summer resort for local people. ISTANBUL İstanbul is very important place in the world.The city is spread over an area of 7.500 km2 150 km long and 50 km wide.Istanbul became the biggest and the most crowded city of Europe.Because, ıts location between Asia and Europe, the city always had a great geopolitical importance.the city population is estimate 12 to15 millions. Around 2 millions tourists visit İstanbul every year.They are see the historical and natural beauties of the city. The city has a lots of historical mosque,church and museums of Turkey. THE ÇAMLICA HILL Çamlıca hill is the higgest hill in İstanbul.It is 263 m. high from the sea level.It was used as a picnic area.In the 1980 is the Touring Automobile Association built a series of restaurant,a Turkish cafe and a park. THE TAKSIM SQUARE he large square at the end of the Istıklal street is the Taksim square, which is one of the most active centers of İstanbul.The square is the most important for Istanbul.There are a lot of different counturies people.There are a lot of big department store this place is really beatiful. BOSPHORUS BRİDGE OR THE ATATÜRK BRIDGE The project preparations were started in1950.The bridge building started in 1970.It was completed on 29 October 1973. It was built by German and England engineers.Thirty five engineers and four hundred Turkish workers were employed during the construstion.Its cost was $25 millions.The height of the bridge from sea is 64 m. The Atatürk Bridge carries 200.000 vehicles and 600.000 people a day. THE FATİH SULTAN MEHMET BRIDGE The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge was built between 1985 and 1988 the opening date was at the save time the 535th anniversary of the Otoman conquest of the city. THE SÜLEYMANIYE MOSQUE It was built by Architect Sinan, the most famous architect at Ottoman history between 1550-1557 Süleymaniye Mosque, according to the construction reports of those days,5.723 workers (of these 1.713 are Moslems, 3.523 Christians ) completed the construction in 2.7 million working days.The cost of the mosque is $60 millions today. THE LEANDROS TOWER The leandros Tower covers on area of 1250 m2 and was built 200 metres from the Usküdar beach.It has got a intelligent history. One day a witch has got apples for the girl and gave her a poisana us apple, she did after eating it.That is why the tower is called the Leandros Tower THE GALATA TOWER This tower at the slopes of Galata is visible every where in the city, and is 61 m. tall.The tower is at the hill which over looks both to the Bospherus and the Golden Horn and the sea of Marmara. One day,an scientist named Hazerfen Ahmet Çelebi jumped down the tower and flew to the opposite side of the Bosphorus strait by using the wings which he had invented ( 17th century ) THE FORTRESS It was constructed with the order of Yıldırım Beyazıd in 1393, during one of the sicges of İstanbul.It is opposite to the Rumeli Hisarı.In the previous period there was a Christian Church at the same place. Its original name was Güzelce Hisar. There are a lots of pashas villas.These are the Bahriyeli Sedat Bey Villa, the Zarif Mustafa Pahsa Villa, constructed in the 19 th century; the Yağcı Sefik Bey Villa, constructed in 1905 and the Hasan Pahsa Villa. THE DOLMABAHÇE PALACE MUSEUM The Dolmabahçe Palace Museum was built between 1611-1614.It ıs that 14 tens of gold and 40 tons of silver were used for the decoration of the palace.The furniture was bought from Paris, the vases from Hereke and Lyan , the crytal materials from Bccarant and the the can dlesticks from England with special order.Almost all of 131 large and 99smal hand-made carpets are silk carpets, and they were woven in the royal workshops in Hereke.The total area covered by the carpets is 4.500 square meters.The total area at the palace is 250.000 square meters. There are 12 gates.There are 285 rooms, 43 holls, 6 balconies, 6 hamams and 1427 windows.In the deconation, 156 clocks, 280 vases and 58 candle sticks.By the way, the carpet of 124 m2 is the second largest hand-made Hereke carpet in Turkey.

[muscledemandsrespect]

WELLNESS CITY BREAK TO BATH!

Last weekend, I voyaged westward to Bath for a distinctly British wellness escape. For years, I’d sampled the Instagram candy that was geotagged from this beautiful Georgian city, once revered by the Romans as the only hot springs in the UK – but this was my first IRL trip. VisitBath asked me to pop down for a weekend to experience the wellbeing benefits of this UNESCO World Heritage site for myself, so I jumped at the chance! What I found was an intoxicating blend of fresh air, relaxing proportions, historic significance, aesthetically arresting architecture, and a pace of life so wholly different to London (yet just 1hr 20 mins away on the Paddington flyer) that it was hard not to cut loose the stresses of the working week! Click more to see the key highlights of what I unearthed!

This city is so rarely beautiful that it has been designated as one of the UK’s 30 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and over 3 million people visit every year. The moment you step off the train (a short 1 hour 20 minute hop from London Paddington) you’re immersed in a different era. It feels as though you are on an immaculate movie set; part London, but part countryside. It’s both rural and urban, a seemingly paradoxical city! The architecture is at once familiar in its aesthetic (Georgian symmetry, Palladian flourishes, Regency grandeur – all very W1), but at the same time unfamiliar in its creamy golden colour; almost everything is built from Bath stone, which glows a gorgeous shade of honey in the warmth of the sun… Watching that transformation of colour from shade to shine is a real boost to the mood!

Back in c. 40 A.D. the all-conquering Romans named this city Aquae Sulis , after founding their Roman Baths on the site of the UK’s only hot springs. Their sprawling temple complex was an early progenitor to modern day spa suites, and demonstrated an incredibly advanced ethos of wellbeing, exercise, and relaxation from the Roman Empire’s civilization – whereas I’d always simply considered them to be brutally obsessed with violent conquest. Spring water was believed to be a healing goddess, and at the time water was recognized by our Roman progenitors for its cleansing powers, both inside and out. That may sound obvious to you and I, but read a little about the Georgians and you’ll soon discover they were not as clean as you may have thought. We’ll come on to that later… In the meantime, this was a transportative experience, a real mental escape, and invariably the most ancient structure I’ve been able to wander through. It really fires up the imagination as to how life was many millennia ago, and unearths some charming similarities to today.

After a long period of being forgotten, the Georgians then revived the city’s heritage as a spa break destination, building beautiful holiday homes to which they could withdraw when in need of some restorative (and social ‘scene’) time. Even today this grand city fills the visitor with a relaxing tranquil sensation which yesterday’s Lord and Lady might have felt. Whilst compact relative to London’s urban sprawl, still caters to the wellness crowd, and I found to be a sterling a place for socializing and eating – plenty of café’s, restaurants bars and of course spas to choose from!

Often I struggle to unwind not even realizing how wound up I am living in a buzzing 24/7 city, but the following elements made it feel like a trip to another land, and another time!

HOW TO RELAX IN BATH?

The Thermae Spa is the only day spa to be totally serviced by the thermal waters of Bath, and can claim a spectacular view from the open-air roof-top pool. There are treatment rooms, and in around a month, there will be brand new steam rooms and saunas, inspired by the Romans and Georgians! Photos aren’t permitted inside the complex, but the below images from their website should give you an impression of the proposition!

  The Roman Baths, whilst not functional for practicalpurposess of bathing, and which trigger you into tourist mode, I think are a must! The original thermal waters, and remains of the Roman temple still flowing with natural hot water are a curiosity for the relaxation of the mind!

HOW TO STAY ACTIVE?

As with any new city the best way to experience it is by foot and Bath is, at worst, a wonderfully picturesque walk! I easily notched up a good 20,000+ steps a day, recorded on my Apple watch. However, for more of a countryside walk I would recommend;

  … hiking along the Bath Skyline. Here you’ll look down upon the beautiful city below whilst enjoying the greenery, hidden valleys, rich limestone, and beach woodlands famous for all the wild flowers. Stop for some green tea and a healthy picnic.

‘Shopping is my cardio‘ ? In which case you’re in luck as there are so many cute independent shops to explore! My favorites were Topping, an independent little book store in which I got lost for a few hours, as well as Rossiters (for quirky, Georgian inspired home decorations). I was quite taken by ‘Jolly’s’, which is Englands oldest department store! And indeed the Farmers Market on a Saturday morning had plenty of healthy fresh fare and authentic Bath trinkets to commemorate the trip! It all adds to the step-count as you pound your way around this beautiful city.

  WHERE TO STAY?

For a truly immersive and relaxing stay that captures the essence of this special city, there can only be one destination; the iconic Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, located at the very center of a dramatic, sweeping semicircular Grade-1 listed terrace of 30 uniform Georgian townhouses, all steeped in masses of important history. Bath can claim more crescents than anywhere else in the UK, and this hotel is mere minutes walk away from the famous Bath Circus. It’s also right in the thick of the city, so it’s super easy to travel anywhere on foot from this base of operations, yet at the end of a day’s exploring, it feels sufficiently remote and quiet a retreat to instill a sense of gentle tranquility. At least for me, I felt as though I was tucked away in the countryside, nestled in my slice of hidden peacefulness.

The rooms, as can be seen in my photos below (the Duke of York suite), invoke the purest essence of Georgian splendor, boasting all original features and intensely intricate ceilings; but they’re also appointed with the key modern luxuries you’d want for a relaxing escape, including a vast and indulgent bed, in which I sought 8+ hours of restorative sleep each night. The volume of the rooms, and height of the ceilings help to promote a sense of ease and comfort, and the menu in their excellent Dower House restaurant was perfectly in keeping with my healthy designs (e.g. the beetroot-boiled quinoa superfood salad!). A recently renovated pool, sauna and steam room provided me with all I needed to undertake the sweat-and-rehydrate ritual. From every angle, this was the right way to enjoy my wellbeing weekend.

   SOME OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

The Acorn Vegetarian Kitchen is a delicious and cosy vegetarian bistro where I chose to enjoy a healthy spot of dinner on the Saturday evening. These images below are the warm, totally delectable dishes we sampled!

       One I didn’t get a chance to sample was The Priory – the only Michelin starred restaurant in Bath. That I’ll save for my return visit in Summer!

I hope that was a helpful visual guide to some of this city’s wellness treasures. The trip left me relaxed, revived and just less stressed! If you plan to go, I wish you an enjoyable and rejuvenating trip!

Faya x

The post WELLNESS CITY BREAK TO BATH! appeared first on Fitness on Toast.

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[yolandadsims]

WELLNESS CITY BREAK TO BATH!

Last weekend, I voyaged westward to Bath for a distinctly British wellness escape. For years, I’d sampled the Instagram candy that was geotagged from this beautiful Georgian city, once revered by the Romans as the only hot springs in the UK – but this was my first IRL trip. VisitBath asked me to pop down for a weekend to experience the wellbeing benefits of this UNESCO World Heritage site for myself, so I jumped at the chance! What I found was an intoxicating blend of fresh air, relaxing proportions, historic significance, aesthetically arresting architecture, and a pace of life so wholly different to London (yet just 1hr 20 mins away on the Paddington flyer) that it was hard not to cut loose the stresses of the working week! Click more to see the key highlights of what I unearthed!

This city is so rarely beautiful that it has been designated as one of the UK’s 30 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and over 3 million people visit every year. The moment you step off the train (a short 1 hour 20 minute hop from London Paddington) you’re immersed in a different era. It feels as though you are on an immaculate movie set; part London, but part countryside. It’s both rural and urban, a seemingly paradoxical city! The architecture is at once familiar in its aesthetic (Georgian symmetry, Palladian flourishes, Regency grandeur – all very W1), but at the same time unfamiliar in its creamy golden colour; almost everything is built from Bath stone, which glows a gorgeous shade of honey in the warmth of the sun… Watching that transformation of colour from shade to shine is a real boost to the mood!

Back in c. 40 A.D. the all-conquering Romans named this city Aquae Sulis , after founding their Roman Baths on the site of the UK’s only hot springs. Their sprawling temple complex was an early progenitor to modern day spa suites, and demonstrated an incredibly advanced ethos of wellbeing, exercise, and relaxation from the Roman Empire’s civilization – whereas I’d always simply considered them to be brutally obsessed with violent conquest. Spring water was believed to be a healing goddess, and at the time water was recognized by our Roman progenitors for its cleansing powers, both inside and out. That may sound obvious to you and I, but read a little about the Georgians and you’ll soon discover they were not as clean as you may have thought. We’ll come on to that later… In the meantime, this was a transportative experience, a real mental escape, and invariably the most ancient structure I’ve been able to wander through. It really fires up the imagination as to how life was many millennia ago, and unearths some charming similarities to today.

After a long period of being forgotten, the Georgians then revived the city’s heritage as a spa break destination, building beautiful holiday homes to which they could withdraw when in need of some restorative (and social ‘scene’) time. Even today this grand city fills the visitor with a relaxing tranquil sensation which yesterday’s Lord and Lady might have felt. Whilst compact relative to London’s urban sprawl, still caters to the wellness crowd, and I found to be a sterling a place for socializing and eating – plenty of café’s, restaurants bars and of course spas to choose from!

Often I struggle to unwind not even realizing how wound up I am living in a buzzing 24/7 city, but the following elements made it feel like a trip to another land, and another time!

HOW TO RELAX IN BATH?

The Thermae Spa is the only day spa to be totally serviced by the thermal waters of Bath, and can claim a spectacular view from the open-air roof-top pool. There are treatment rooms, and in around a month, there will be brand new steam rooms and saunas, inspired by the Romans and Georgians! Photos aren’t permitted inside the complex, but the below images from their website should give you an impression of the proposition!

  The Roman Baths, whilst not functional for practicalpurposess of bathing, and which trigger you into tourist mode, I think are a must! The original thermal waters, and remains of the Roman temple still flowing with natural hot water are a curiosity for the relaxation of the mind!

HOW TO STAY ACTIVE?

As with any new city the best way to experience it is by foot and Bath is, at worst, a wonderfully picturesque walk! I easily notched up a good 20,000+ steps a day, recorded on my Apple watch. However, for more of a countryside walk I would recommend;

  … hiking along the Bath Skyline. Here you’ll look down upon the beautiful city below whilst enjoying the greenery, hidden valleys, rich limestone, and beach woodlands famous for all the wild flowers. Stop for some green tea and a healthy picnic.

‘Shopping is my cardio‘ ? In which case you’re in luck as there are so many cute independent shops to explore! My favorites were Topping, an independent little book store in which I got lost for a few hours, as well as Rossiters (for quirky, Georgian inspired home decorations). I was quite taken by ‘Jolly’s’, which is Englands oldest department store! And indeed the Farmers Market on a Saturday morning had plenty of healthy fresh fare and authentic Bath trinkets to commemorate the trip! It all adds to the step-count as you pound your way around this beautiful city.

  WHERE TO STAY?

For a truly immersive and relaxing stay that captures the essence of this special city, there can only be one destination; the iconic Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, located at the very center of a dramatic, sweeping semicircular Grade-1 listed terrace of 30 uniform Georgian townhouses, all steeped in masses of important history. Bath can claim more crescents than anywhere else in the UK, and this hotel is mere minutes walk away from the famous Bath Circus. It’s also right in the thick of the city, so it’s super easy to travel anywhere on foot from this base of operations, yet at the end of a day’s exploring, it feels sufficiently remote and quiet a retreat to instill a sense of gentle tranquility. At least for me, I felt as though I was tucked away in the countryside, nestled in my slice of hidden peacefulness.

The rooms, as can be seen in my photos below (the Duke of York suite), invoke the purest essence of Georgian splendor, boasting all original features and intensely intricate ceilings; but they’re also appointed with the key modern luxuries you’d want for a relaxing escape, including a vast and indulgent bed, in which I sought 8+ hours of restorative sleep each night. The volume of the rooms, and height of the ceilings help to promote a sense of ease and comfort, and the menu in their excellent Dower House restaurant was perfectly in keeping with my healthy designs (e.g. the beetroot-boiled quinoa superfood salad!). A recently renovated pool, sauna and steam room provided me with all I needed to undertake the sweat-and-rehydrate ritual. From every angle, this was the right way to enjoy my wellbeing weekend.

   SOME OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

The Acorn Vegetarian Kitchen is a delicious and cosy vegetarian bistro where I chose to enjoy a healthy spot of dinner on the Saturday evening. These images below are the warm, totally delectable dishes we sampled!

       One I didn’t get a chance to sample was The Priory – the only Michelin starred restaurant in Bath. That I’ll save for my return visit in Summer!

I hope that was a helpful visual guide to some of this city’s wellness treasures. The trip left me relaxed, revived and just less stressed! If you plan to go, I wish you an enjoyable and rejuvenating trip!

Faya x

The post WELLNESS CITY BREAK TO BATH! appeared first on Fitness on Toast.

from Health And Fitness Updates http://fitnessontoast.com/2017/03/03/fitness-travel-active-escape-bath-visit-retreat-wellness-uk-spa/

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Master Post - Other Series

Themes

Costumes | Jewellery | Props

Kızılelma: Bir Fetih Öyküsü / Golden Apple: The Grand Conquest

Çandarlı Halil Paşa

Gülcicek Hatun

Mara Branković

Mehmed II

Nergis Hatun

Orhan Çelebi

Şehzade Alaeddin

Unnamed Enderûn Students

Mehmed Bir Cihan Fatihi / Mehmed the Conqueror (2018)

Çandarli Süleyman

Esleme Hatun

İshak Paşa

Leyla Hatun

Mehmed II

Melike Hatun

Mehmed Fetihler Sultani / Fatih (2024)

Halime Hatun

Hüma Hatun

Mara Branković

Zoe Paraspondyle

Rise of Empires: Ottoman

Elena Hatun

Hüma Hatun

Mara Branković

Tozkoparan İskender

Asya Türkönder

Efsun

Elif Baharvadi

Matrakçı Nasuh

Sinan Karayaman

Unnamed Istanbul Citizens

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This Blue and golden dress is first worn on Kösem Sultan in the Season 1 Episode 24 (2016) in Magnificent Century: Kösem.

The dress appears again on Mara Brankoviç in the Season 1 Episode 2 in Golden Apple: The Grand Conquest (2023)

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This blue and golden dress was first worn by Kösem Sultan in the twenty-fourth episode of the first season of Magnificent Century: Kösem.

The dress appears again on Mara Branković in the second episode of the first season of Golden Apple: The Grand Conquest.

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This blue and golden dress was first worn by Princess Farya Bethlen in the second episode of the second season of Magnificent Century: Kösem.

The dress can be seen again on Mara Branković in the fourth episode of the first season of Golden Apple: The Grand Conquest.

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This kaftan was first worn by Şehzade Mustafa (later Sultan Mustafa I) in the first episode of the first season of Magnificent Century: Kösem. It was altered by adding gold trim before it was worn again by Şehzade Bayezid in the twenty-seventh episode of the same season. The kaftan was used twice in the second season, first on Şehzade Ahmed in the second episode and then on Şehzade Osman in the twenty-seventh episode.

The kaftan also appeared in the fourth episode of Golden Apple: The Grand Conquest where it was worn during a flashback by Şehzade Mehmed (later Sultan Mehmed II).

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This red and silver kaftan was first worn by Sultan Murad IV in the thirtieth and final episode of the first season of Magnificent Century: Kösem. It was worn again by Murad's nephew Sultanzade Selim in the second episode of the second season.

The kaftan also appeared in the second episode of the first of Golden Apple: The Grand Conquest on Şehzade Mehmed (later Sultan Mehmed II).

[magnificentlyreused]

This blue and golden dress was first worn by Kösem Sultan in the twenty-first episode of the first season of Magnificent Century: Kösem.

The neckline was altered before it was used again on Mara Branković in the fourth episode of the first season of Golden Apple: The Grand Conquest.

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This brown and golden kaftan was first worn by Şehzade Mehmed in the twenty-sixth episode of the second season of Magnificent Century.

It was worn again by Şehzade Murad (later Sultan Murad IV) in the twenty-first episode of the first season of the spin-off Magnificent Century: Kösem.

The kaftan also briefly appears on an unnamed Enderûn student in the first episode of Golden Apple: The Grand Conquest.