Good People of vitruta: Selen Akın

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am a graduate of Koç University with a degree in Business Administration, and I have been working as a communicator for 9 years. As a child, I would observe people, go to the tables of strangers at dinner, and even return to their homes with guests who visited ours, trying to understand what they did and how they lived. Now, I do this professionally, and I can say I enjoy it a lot. I’m from Eskişehir. I love cooking, and I am an approved chef by my friends, although my mom calls me “an accidental rookie”. I have been dancing for a long time, and dance has become my greatest therapy. I paint and turn the bizarre things that come to my mind into short stories. I’m a Netflix addict. To keep up with all of these, I usually sacrifice my sleep. :)

What would an enjoyable day in Istanbul look like for you? What would you do?

A perfect day for me would start with breakfast at a place that has great tea, followed by a visit to a museum or gallery with friends, trying out new restaurants, patisseries, or cafes we researched, and ending with drinks at a stylish spot in the evening. Istanbul is truly a beautiful city, but sometimes we get caught up in the inertia of life and forget its beauties. I find it very enjoyable to experience days where I stop, appreciate, and even slow down to enjoy the city’s charm.

If we went outside, what would your ideal vacation be like? What are some of the places you’ve enjoyed the most, and do you have any recommendations for us?

I am a city vacationer. I’m not a very planned person, the only thing I research before a trip is food and drink. I know exactly what I’ll eat at what time of day, and other than that, I just hit the streets, walk, and get lost. Barcelona holds a special place in my heart. It’s rare to find a city that blends summer, urban life, taste, art, and history so beautifully.
I have many recommendations, as I’ve created a massive Excel worksheet in preparation for my vacations. My biggest challenge is finding the best cocktail bar in the city I’m visiting. For instance, La Pharmacie Anglaise in Brussels surprises you with how it makes you lose track of where you are.

What are your must-haves when packing for a vacation? What do you always bring with you?

As much sneakers as I can fit in my suitcase, a phone charger, a backpack, and since I love traveling alone, a book to read while eating.

Do you have any recent book/music/film recommendations that have impacted you?

Among the films I’ve seen recently, Parasite was definitely the best. When you compare it to other Asian films like Shoplifters and Burning from recent times, it offers amazing insights into the people portrayed there (professionally influenced). I’ve been getting into Jim Jarmusch films. For this filmmaker, who’s difficult to understand and appreciate, I’d recommend Broken Flowers.
Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of Ólafur Arnalds. Among the books I’ve read recently, Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway was very impressive.

There are platforms that play a big role in all our lives these days; Netflix, YouTube, audiobooks, podcast apps… Which ones are part of your life, and to what extent? Maybe you'd like to share your favorite channels, podcast series, or your favorite shows and documentaries?

Did I mention I’m a Netflix addict? Apart from the time I dedicate to it, if I can watch Netflix while doing something else, I’ll definitely do it. Explained, BoJack Horseman, The Good Place, Mindhunter are some that come to mind, but if I keep going, I could talk about it until morning.
Socrates’ YouTube channel is the only channel I browse outside of work. For podcasts, I listen to Fularsız Entellik. As for audiobooks, I’ve never really warmed up to the idea.