Our hotel breakfast options are much different than typical American fare. Olives, cucumbers, feta, and Turkish tea are standard. Yet another reminder of how accustomed we become to routine. Below are images of breakfast at Ottoman Hotel Cağaloğlu. Advertisements Continue reading Breakfast
One of my favorite things about living in Morocco so far is the strong thrifting/reuse culture. While one can certainly buy new clothes, household items, appliances and furniture, it’s just as easy to find used items, and much of the time the used items are better quality, perfectly functional, and cost much less than buying new. And rather surprisingly, I often find things here that are made … Continue reading Thrifting In Morocco
While walking to lunch with Erika and our new friend Catherine in Selçuk, Turkey, there came behind us the sound of honking car horns and music. At first, I thought it was young people garnering attention like I see so often at home, but as the procession came closer, I saw a boy dressed all in shimmering white. I remembered seeing a poster of a … Continue reading Random Street Celebration
Today was our first full day in Pamukkale, Turkey. The name means “cotton castle” and it is famous for its travertine cliffs into which Romans, and others, built baths. For centuries, the Pamukkale waters have been seen as a therapeutic treatment for various ills and people migrate here from around the world to bath in the waters. Tourists used to be able to enter many … Continue reading Pamukkale Adventures
It was hard to leave this morning. Ayvalik was an extraordinary little town. It was just the right mix of relaxation and stimulation. Yet, there are other equally lovely places that await us. On to Selçuk this morning for an exploration tomorrow of the ancient Roman ruins of Ephesus! Continue reading Goodbye Ayvalik
There was some sort of celebration today that involved military displays with cannon fire. These girls danced wonderfully, for whatever the purpose, and shook their shoulders like nobody’s business! Continue reading Beyoncé Has Nothing On These Girls
Admittedly, I knew very little about Gallipoli (Gelibolu in Turkish). The United States played a negligible role in that particular theater during World War I, so our history doesn’t pay it much mind. Most of what I know about its significance comes from the popular Australian ballad, And the band played Waltzing Matilda. The song is an account of the memories of an old Australian man, … Continue reading A Tour of Gallipoli (Gelibolu)
The beautiful seaside town of Ayvalik, Turkey. It’s quite the tourist town, but they’re all local tourists, so it doesn’t seem as bad. Continue reading Ayvalik
Olive trees for miles in every direction! We’re driving through an olive forest! Continue reading Olive Trees Everywhere
Heavy sheep traffic in the mountains of Turkey. Continue reading Mountain Traffic