Good City Guides Mag – Good City Guides

Series That Transport Us: Killing Eve

11 June 202011 June 2020 by goodcityguides, posted in Good City Guides Mag

I love Phoebe Waller-Bridge and I loved her Fleabag. Watched 2 seasons in 1 night, in the blink of an eye. Its funny, shocking, and beautifully written. When it was finished, I was still under its influence. So when I heard she also wrote Killing Eve, and there are 3 seasons available for me to watch; I was over the moon.

Killing Eve is a captivating spy-thriller. The main character and assassin is Villanelle; a psychopath who loves expensive things, fashion and travel! Even though she kills people with cold blood; one can’t withhold from loving her. As she travels from one city to another to perform her assigned “tasks”; it’s so nice to watch all these beautiful cities that create the setting: London, Berlin, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam and Barcelona!

Before you proceed any further, bear in mind that following scenes might be a spoiler.

Here are my favorite 6 locations where the series are shot:

La Casa Ramos, Plaça de Lesseps, Barcelona

Villanelle’s Art Nouveau apartment in the third season. First, I thought this apartment was just a set decor; because its too good to be true. But later I learned that its real, its a flat that was built in 1906 and what’s more: you can rent it in Airbnb! Here is the link!

Placa de la Barceloneta, Barcelona

Villanelle and Dasha are eating tapas and having conversation at Placa de la Barceloneta. Villanelle has recently kidnapped a baby (to practice her role); but the baby starts crying and Dasha gets annoyed. She holds the baby and threws her into the rubbish bin.

Place Vendôme, Paris

Villanelle with her show-stopping bubble-gum pink dress, after her doctor’s appointment. The designer is Molly Goddard.

Villa Adriana, Tivoli, Rome

The dramatic scene at the end of Season 2 was shot at Villa Adriana, 30 kms outside Rome’s city center. Villanelle and Eve find themselves at these ancient ruins for a closure.

Red Light District, Amsterdam

This scene was not shot in original Red Light District (since you can’t enter with a camera); but a street in Amsterdam was re-created for the sake of the story. Villanelle was hired as a private assassin for this case. She prepared a scene for the audience watching.

Bar Garibaldi, Siena

The last location is the first scene in season 1, episode 1 where we meet Villanelle.

The series open up with Vienna, in-fact it was shot in Bar Garibaldi in the village of Colle di Val d’Elsa, northwest of Siena. In the scene, Villanelle is making an eye contact with a small girl who eats ice-cream. Don’t be fooled by these words; its not a very “pleasant” moment.

Did you watch the series? Let me know, if you did!

Cheers

Ozge

First 9 Episodes of Good City Sounds

30 April 20202 May 2020 by goodcityguides, posted in Good City Guides Mag

A project that is born in “Self Quarantine” times: Good City Sounds!

Imagine yourself in a beautiful moment, in your favorite city: sitting on a terrace in Paris, traveling by tram 28 in Lisbon or listening to street musicians under Barcelona Cathedral. All of these are possible through sounds and your creativity in dreaming.

Good City Sounds is the fastest way to travel with your own imagination.

Barcelona: Listening “Entre Dos Aguas”

Close your eyes. You’re under Gothic Cathedral Barcelona. You turn right to the narrow cobblestone street, and see a small crowd. 3 street musicians with guitars are preparing to play Entre Dos Aguas. You find an empty stair within the crowd to sit and list. Next 5 minutes are so magical.

Gozlerini kapat. Barselona’da Gothic Katedralí’nin altındasın. Kapının önünden sağa dönüyorsun ve dar, yerleri taşla döşenmiş bir sokağa giriyorsun. Köşede ufak bir kalabalık toplanmış. 3 sokak sanatçısı var; ellerinde gitarlar, “Entre Dos Aguas” çalmak için hazırlanıyorlar. Kalabalıktan sıyrılıp, katedralin merdivenlerinde ufak bir boşluk bulup oturuyorsun. Önümüzdeki 5 dakika boyunca müziğin ritmine kapılıp, büyüleniyorsun.

Photography by me, Good City Guides.
Sound by wilari, on Youtube.

Biarritz, Watching Kids Surfing

Close your eyes. You’re at La Grande Plage, Biarritz. Sitting at the beach, your toes are buried under the warm sand. Kids are surfing with wedges. They are cheering every big wave with great enthusiasm.

Gözlerini kapat. Biarritz’de, La Grande Plage’desin. Sahilde oturuyorsun, ayak parmakların sıcak kumun altına gömülmüş. İçin ısınıyor. Küçük çocuklar denizde, dalgalara karşı sörf yapıyorlar. Her gelen büyük dalgayı coşkuyla karşılıyorlar. Sen de onları dinliyorsun.

Photography by, me, Good City Guides.
Sound by Surfing Biarritz, on Youtube.

Barcelona, Rushing to Dinner

Close your eyes. You’re in Barcelona, El Born neighborhood, on your way to dinner. Time is around 10pm. You’ll meet some friends for some drinks and tapas; starting at El Xampanyet. Then you’ll continue to Cal Pep and maybe later to Bormuth. You feel the breeze while motorcycles pass near you, and hear families and friends chatting as they walk the same street as you. You’re happy that you’re about to feast.

Gozlerini kapa. Barselona’da El Born mahallesindesin ve akşam yemeğine doğru yürüyorsun. Saat 10 civari. Arkadaşlarınla buluşacaksınız, ilk durağınız El Xampanyet, hem biraz tapas atıştırır hem de ayak üstü sohbet edersiniz. Eğer doymazsanız Cal Pep’te hatta belki de sonra Bormuth’ta sonlandıracaksınız yemeği. Yürürken ufak bir esinti hissediyorsun, yanından motorsikletliler geçerken. Çocuklu aileler ve arkadaş grupları da yanından, arkandan yürüyüp geçiyor. Mutlusun, az sonra kendine bir ziyafet çekmek üzeresin.

Photography by me, Good City Guides
Sound by, Nomadic Ambiance on Youtube

Paris, Sitting on a Terrace

Close your eyes. You’re sitting out a on a terrace in Saint Germain neighborhood, Paris. It’s around 6:30 pm, locals are leaving their offices and slowly filling up streets. Everybody is on the hunt for the perfect seat. You have been there early, already ordered a glass of wine, waiting for your friend. You hear locals laughing, eating, chit chatting around you.

Gözlerini kapa. Paris’te, Saint Germain mahallesindeki cafelerden birindesin. Hava güzel, terası açmışlar, sen de en güzel masalardan birini kapmışsın. Saat 6:30, Parisliler işten çıkmaya ve sokakları doldurmaya başladılar. Sen erkencisin, içki siparişini vermiş arkadaşının gelmesini bekliyorsun. Etrafındakiler sohbette; yemek yerken çıkan çatal bıçak sesini, gülüşmelerini dinliyorsun.

Photography by me, Good City Guides.
Sound by Headphone Recorder, on Youtube.

Lisbon, Travelling by Tram 28

Close you eyes. Imagine, you’re sitting on the tram 28, travelling through cobbled streets of Lisbon. The driver is taking turns, playing his favourite songs; and you are sitting on a seat watching tiled buildings from the window. It’s just a 5 minute ride. You hear people speaking Portugese and think what a beautiful language it is.

Gözlerini kapat. Lizbon’un arnavut kaldırımı sokaklarında sallana sallana dolanan 28. tramvayın içindesin. Tramvayın sürücüsü sert dönüşler yapıyor, bir yandan da en sevdiği şarkıları çalıyor. Ve sen de camdan Lizbon’un seramik çini kaplı binalarını izliyorsun. Sadece 5 dakikalık bir yolculuk için tramvaya binmişsin. Etrafındaki insanların Portekizce konuştuğunu duyuyorsun ve kendi kendine ne kadar güzel bir dilleri olduğunu düşünüyorsun.

Photography by me, Good City Guides.
Sound by “mjnuij” on Youtube.

Amsterdam, Riding on a Bike

Close your eyes. You’re in Amsterdam and its 8 A.M; riding on your bike to work. You just love this route; from your home in De Pjip to your office in Jordaan district. The weather is nice and clear, you get comfortable on your seat and put on your headphones. Music is not too loud, so you can hear the traffic. While riding to work, you pass by your favorites: Scandinavian Embassy, Bocca Coffee, Huis Marseille Museum, Burgerlijik, Libertine Comptoir de Cuisine and many more. You listen “Night Running” and “Nevermind” on repeat.

Gözlerini kapa. Amsterdam’dasın, saat sabah 8, evden çıktık ve işe gidiyorsun bisikletinle. Bu rotayı çok seviyorsun, evin De Pijp’de işinse Jordaan’da. Kısa, 6 dakikalık bir yol. Hava ılık ve temiz; seleye rahatça oturup kulaklıklarını takıyorsun. Müziğin sesi çok açık değil, trafiği de duyabilmen için. Bu rotada bisikletini sürerken, şehirdeki en favori yerlerinin önünden geçiyorsun: Scandinavian Embassy, Bocca Coffee, Huis Marseille Müzesi, Burgerlijik, Libertine Comptoir de Cuisine, ve diğerleri. Arka planda “Night Running” ve “Nevermind” tekrarda.

Photography by me, Good City Guides.
Sound by Eray Video, on Youtube.

Bologna, Cheering to “Bella Ciao”

Close your eyes. You’re in Bologna, walking around old town. You pass by Caffe Terzi, walk down on Via Guglielmo Oberdan. You’ll be at La Stanze in a few minutes for the aperativo hour. Suddenly you realize Italians are singing, not far away from you. You change to another street, follow the sound and there they are: singing Bella Ciao!

Gözlerini kapa. Bolonya’dasın, akşamüstü eski şehir merkezinde yürüyorsun. Şehirde en sevdiklerinden Caffe Terzi’yi geçip Via Guglielmo Oberdan üstünden yürüyorsun. Birkaç dakikaya La Stanze’desin, tam aperatif saati. Bir anda sesler duyuyorsun, çok da uzaktan gelmiyor. Yan sokağa geçip sesleri takip ederek meydana varıyorsun; karşında İtalyanlar toplanmış Bella Ciao söylüyorlar! Sen de onlara eşlik ediyorsun.

Photography by me, Good City Guides.
Sound by Luce for All, on Youtube

Barcelona, Hanging Around Parc de la Ciutadella

Close your eyes. You’re in Barcelona, hanging around Parc de la Ciutadella. Its a beautiful summer afternoon; families are having a picnic and groups of youngsters are chilling. Birds are singing and you’re just wandering aimlessly, breathing fresh air.

Gözlerini kapa. Barselona’dasın, Ciutadella parkında dolanıyorsun. Güzel bir yaz günü, saat öğleni gösteriyor. Küçük çocuklu aileler piknik yapıyor, gençler çimlere uzanmış sohbetteler. Kuşlar cıvıldıyor ve sen temiz havayı içine çekerken öylesine uzun uzun yürüyorsun.

Photography by me, Good City Guides.
Sound by Watched Walker, on Youtube.

Madrid, Listening “Buena Vista Social Club”

Close your eyes. Tonight, you’ve planned the best night out. You met with friends for the tapas crawl at Sylkar (for spanish omelette) first, then Fide, El Doble and La Sastreria. For drinks, you head to Kike Keller which is a design shop in day, a hidden bar at night. Leaving Kike Keller, you’ve arrived to the venue where Buena Vista Social Club will play. It’s one of their last times, “The Adios Tour”. The crowd is happy and enthusiastic.

Gözlerini kapa. Efsane bir akşam planlamışsın. Önce arkadaşlarınla tapas barlara uğradınız tek tek – Sylkar ile başlayıp, Fide, El Doble ve La Sastreria’ya gittiniz. Hepsi aynı sokak üstünde zaten. Sonra Kike Keller’e geldiniz; burasi sabah dizayn dükkanı geceleri ise gizli bir bara dönüşüyor. Birşeyler içtikten sonra Kike Keller’den çıktın, konsere gidiyorsun. Buena Vista Social Club çalacak, en sevdiğin gruplardan ve bu onların son turları. Konser alanına geldin, kalabalık, insanlar mutlu ve heyecanla sahneyi bekliyor.

Photography by me, Good City Guides.
Sound by World Circuit Records.

5 Of My Paris Photos and Their Vintage Versions From Almost The Same Locations

27 April 202030 April 2020 by goodcityguides, posted in Good City Guides Mag

Paris is a cabinet of curiosities!

Today, I was getting lost at Pinterest (as a “stay home” activity) to feed my sense of discovery. You know how that happens: first you click on a photo and then to another one and next thing you know you’re down the rabbit hole.

Some vintage Paris photos began to appear on my feed, and later I started realizing some of them were almost taken at the same location I took them. Only one difference, these were nearly 100 years ago!

So follow me through the rabbit hole while I showcase side by side old photos of Paris and my takes.

No.1 La Tour Eiffel from la rue Saint Dominique

This is a marvelous location to capture La Tour Eiffel. The vintage photo is from 1957.

Today:

No.2 Montmarte, from la rue Norvins

The first two vintage photos are from 1950. The third one is from 1954, shot by Inge Morath. All from the same street.

Today:

No.3 La Maison Rose

It is estimated that “La Maison Rose” was constructed before 1850. The first photo was taken between 1910 and 1920, of Laure Germaine and her husband Catalan artist Ramon Pichot; the first owners. The house frequently visited by famous artists of the time, including Picasso. The second one is from 1920s and the latest one from 1970s.

In 1970s, with the change of management, we see that the house started to lose its charm and turned into a tourist trap. In 2018, Laure’s granddaughter re-claimed it with hard work and restored it by being loyal to her family history.

Today:

No.4 La Buvette

In French, Buvette means “bar”, where you enjoy some drinks with a laid back attitude. On the other hand, La Buvette is one of my favourite restaurants in Paris. Not sure, whether this vintage photo taken in 1938 by Fritz Henle is the same La Buvette today; but it would be so cool if it is!

Today:

No.5 Au Petit Fer A Cheval

This one is the most surprising discovery! I knew that Au Petit Bar was one of the oldest bars in Paris, in Le Marais neighborhood but finding its vintage photo was jaw dropping. Unfortunately, I don’t know the date nor the photographer of the first photo but definitely its the same bar!

Today:

Paris Photo Fair is At Your Fingertips Now

25 April 202030 April 2020 by goodcityguides, posted in Good City Guides Mag

Each year, New York is hosting world’s biggest photography fair: Paris Photo. Like all festivals and events, its cancelled due to Covid. I was not going to visit the fair nor I’ve had a plan to go to New York in April; but now I can! And you can, too; the fair is available online. For your eyes only, until 30th of April.

Here are my favorurite photos, linked with their artists.