23/10/2026
On my third week of an unexpected extended stay in Istanbul, I met Ebru Hos through our lovely Bulgarian friend Lili Nikolova
When she found out I was staying there on my own, she felt Ebru and I were two kindred spirits who would instantly click. And truly, the moment I met Ebru, it felt just like reuniting with an old friend. Only ten minutes into our conversation, she proposed hosting a tea ceremony the very next day.
This idea had already been on my mind ever since I had to extend my stay unexpectedly. The opportunity simply came to me, so I went with the flow and said yes. I firmly believed that whoever showed up would be someone deeply connected to me, or to tea.
At that point, I had no fixed plan and did not know when I would be able to leave.
Thanks to half a day’s preparation by Manuel | creative studio and the warm support of my tea friend Toganoo Tea, we made this happen.
It felt destined. Every guest who joined was someone I was meant to meet.
When I left the event, I felt my mission was complete — and I knew I would head home the next day. And so I did.
Life is so unpredictable, yet that is what makes every moment unique and precious.
Grateful for this whole experience. Special thanks to Manuel | creative studio — a creative space in Istanbul where you can freely express your creativity.
