This city has completely swept me off my feet — a place where two continents meet, and somehow so does history, music, and pure chaos in the best way.

I’ve had the honour of performing as resident artist at Club 360 Istanbul, one of the most iconic venues in the city with jaw-dropping views over the rooftops. On top of that, I got to do a few other performances around town as well — this city really knows how to bring the energy at night!

But it wasn’t all stages and soundchecks. I made the trip out to Gallipoli, and standing at the monument to the Australian soldiers was one of the most moving moments of this whole trip. Being Australian, it hit somewhere deep — a reminder of just how much history is tied to this part of the world.

From there I went to Troy, and yes, I saw “the” Trojan horse — the giant wooden one built for the film, not the original, obviously! Still incredible to stand there and picture the whole story playing out.

Back in the city, I wandered through the Blue Mosque, and lost myself completely in the Grand Bazaar. The spice stalls alone were worth the trip — the colours and the way everything is presented is like walking through an art installation. I could have stayed there for hours…

One horrid but super amazing thing was seeing a real scorpion in my apartment! Yikes… I’m glad I caught it.

Istanbul, you’ve been unforgettable. More adventures to come!

Sophie xo