Ceren Baykal
I record what I see and write what I think.This site is a quiet archive where digital spaces, visual narratives, and mental notes come together.
LATEST VIDEO
Valensole Lavender Fields: The Story Behind Purple Horizons
A journey through Valensole’s lavender fields, from Rome to Grasse, reflecting on calm born of struggle and purple’s ancient legacy.
Palace of the Popes in Avignon: An Extraordinary Era of the Middle Ages
The story of Pope Clement V's escape from Rome, 70 years of Avignon exile, and the massive Papal Palace's 14th-century Gothic architecture.
Eleanor of Aquitaine: From the French Throne to England
The history of Vézelay Hill, the Second Crusade, and Eleanor's political struggle. The story of a woman who refused to be a spectator in her own life.
Living in Silence: The 900-Year-Old Fontenay Abbey
A look at the modern world through the 900-year history of Fontenay Abbey, Cistercian architecture, and the life of monks in silence.
The Story of an Exile: Château de Bussy-Rabutin
The exile history of Château de Bussy-Rabutin and its walls filled with satirical portraits. How anger turns into creativity and a lasting masterpiece.
City of Tango and Football: The Historic Streets of Buenos Aires
Discovering Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina: Exploring the Obelisk, Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo, La Boca, Recoleta, and El Ateneo Grand Splendid.
1,000 Kilometers in a Campervan on Argentina's Endless Roads
A 1,000 km driving day from Patagonia to Buenos Aires: a tire breakdown, fuel prices, and the experience of long-distance driving in a campervan.
Penguins Living on the Argentine Coast: Punta Tombo by Campervan
A penguin colony on the Atlantic coast: Magellanic penguins, interesting facts, and the challenges of camping in Argentina.
El Chaltén, Argentina's Magical Town: The Hub for Nature Enthusiasts
El Chaltén: Patagonia's colorful town resembling The Sims, its founding story, and trekking routes.
Singapore Changi Jewel Airport: Is It the World's Best?
12 hours at Changi Airport: The Jewel waterfall, free water, automated passport control, and a movie theater.
Singapore, City of Rules: Laws, Fines, and Modern Life
24 hours in Singapore: Travel notes from chewing gum, littering, and jaywalking fines to Merlion and Marina Bay Sands.
Surprising Local Traditions on the Island of Bali, Indonesia
Bali's 8 most surprising traditions: names given by birth order, Nyepi day of silence, tooth filing ceremony, and more.
The World's Most Expensive Coffee: Luwak Coffee
How Luwak coffee is produced, its prices, and the animal welfare issues behind it: a perspective from Bali.
What You Don't Know About Bali's Most Popular Spots
A visit to Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida and the social media illusion behind the "Gates of Heaven" photos at Lempuyang Temple.
Climbing an Active Volcano at Midnight on Bali Island
Unguided climb of Mount Batur in Bali: setting off at midnight, a challenging trail, and a sunrise experience at the summit.
Island of Spirits Bali: Unusual Festivals and Dangerous Rituals
All the details about the meaning of the Galungan and Kuningan festivals in Bali, local families' preparations, Penjor decorations, Barong, and the Munggu Mekotek ritual.
Meeting the Waves of Bali: First Surfing Experience
First surfing experience in Bali: balance in a choppy sea, falls, and unexpected fun.
Life in Bali, Prices, and the Kecak Dance
Bali travel guide: accommodation prices, scooter rentals, Uluwatu Temple, and Kecak Dance ticket fees all in one.
Thailand River Kwai Hotel
Located on the banks of the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, X2 River Kwai Resort is a getaway hotel that stands out for its peaceful atmosphere surrounded by nature and its private villas.
India Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
In this guide, I have compiled everything you need to know before traveling to India. It covers all essential information regarding transportation, prices, accommodation, safety, hygiene, cultural rules, and daily life i
Life at the Peaks of the Himalayas: The City of the Dalai Lama and Mountain Life
Himalayan diaries: Dharamshala, the village where the Dalai Lama lives, a challenging mountain climb, and simple yet peaceful days.
Time Travel in the Himalayas: UNESCO Heritage Historic Toy Train
A challenging yet unforgettable Himalayan journey extending from Amritsar to Dharamshala via a 100-year-old historic Toy Train, mountain bus, and hiking.
Sikhism and the Golden Temple, the Kaaba of Sikhs: Culture and Life in Amritsar
Amritsar Golden Temple: A must-see destination in India with its sacred center of Sikhism, impressive architecture, and the open-to-all Langar kitchen.
Taj Mahal: An Epic Love Story Beyond Ottoman Borders
The love story behind the construction of the Taj Mahal in Agra, its architectural details, and the tragic end of Shah Jahan, all together.
India's Historic Pink City: Jaipur
Jaipur is a historic center located in India's Rajasthan state, known as the "Pink City." With its palace architecture, forts, and planned urban layout, it stands out as one of India's most deeply rooted settlements.
Malaysia, the Meeting Point of Faiths: Three Religions, One Geography
A look at Malaysia's cultural diversity through three key places of worship: Thean Hou Temple (Buddhism), Batu Caves (Hinduism), and the Federal Territory Mosque (Islam).
Life in the Shadow of Skyscrapers: Kuala Lumpur
Petronas Towers, Petaling Street, Central Market, and the city's botanical gardens: The side of Kuala Lumpur where the old meets the new.
Siquijor: A Philippine Island Full of Mystery and Legends
Witch legends, healing traditions, Salagdoong Beach, and waterfalls come together on the magical island of Siquijor in the Philippines.
Cebu, Queen City of the South: From Kawasan Falls to the Chocolate Hills
The city of Cebu in the southern Philippines, Kawasan Falls, and the Chocolate Hills in Bohol come together in a single trip.
Untouched Philippines: Palawan’s Unspoiled Island Life
An unplanned road trip story off the beaten path of Coron and El Nido, spent along the deserted beaches and villages of Palawan.
The Hidden Paradise of the Philippines - Turquoise Lagoons and Limestone Cliffs
A journey across Coron Island in the Philippines, covering Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, and Calauit Safari Park.