Finding a Turkish guidebook in the Greek islands proved impossible. In the long-standing feud between these two countries, perhaps no self-respecting Greek would dare to cross the line into Turkey. Bu
I'm amazed at modern Turkey's bus system. In our short 1 1/2 hour journey from Çesme to Izmir (in a brand new Mercedes bus), a conscientious attendant offered us no less than hand disinfectant,
Although I have been a Christian most of my life I am embarrassed to admit I've remained quite ignorant of early church history. So I was surprised to learn Turkey, although 99% Muslim, overflows in e
Turkey is full of ancient ruins and they pop up in unexpected places - an ancient theater sits beside a city street, a Byzantine aqueduct stands along a road, 1000-year old tombs carved into cliffs ov
I waited for our next bus on the curb a small station, watching people and killing time. I was particularly engrossed in the chatty conversation of some old Turkish women when a boy carrying a basket
Riding on long bus rides can be hot, uncomfortable, and cramped but I find these rides offer a glimpse into local life I otherwise might not see. The steady rumble of a bus usually has a way of coaxin
We left this morning on a four-day boat cruise. It's a six cabin boat and there are eleven passengers and three crew. Each cabin has its own bathroom, there are comfortable mats to lay on the deck, a
Our cabin room was hot and stuffy so I grabbed a blanket and slept on the deck under the stars. I fell asleep to the gentle rocking of the boat, to the sound of music and laughter coming from surround
We ended our sailing cruise in the seaside town of Olympos, a 2000 year old city known simultaneously for its rich history and as a destination for cheap hippie backpackers. Ironically, Tur
We spent the day on the beach of Olympos with our new friends from the boat cruise. It was another lazy day. We sunned on the sand, every so often running to the sea to cool down. For lunch we bought
Egirdir, a small picturesque town, sits on a peninsula jutting into Turkey's fourth largest lake. We had heard it was a quiet peaceful place with a hometown feel and decided to visit for a day or two.
Nothing reminds visitors they are in a 99 percent Muslim country more than the call to prayer. Forget the fact that Turkey has a secular government and relaxed atmosphere. When the call is broadcast s
We hiked the steep 7 km switchback road to the nomadic village of Alepinar in the late morning heat, arriving hot and thankful for the shade provided by a row of tall poplar trees. The old stonewall w
School children, shop owners, bakers, and young men called out Japanese greetings to me as we strolled through the narrow cobblestone streets of Sanfranbolu. I found the attention a bit unnerving sinc
My sister is expecting a baby and asked me to come home and help. She is the first sibling to have a child and it's a really big deal for the family. So I agreed to cut my trip short and fly home earl
My forehead pressed against the small window as I studied the green earth below. Farms and houses grew larger as the plane descended over the familiar Virginia farmland. Thirteen months ago I had flow
Topkapi Palace in Istanbul housed the leaders of the Ottoman empire for 623 years, surrounding them in luxury befitting an empire that stretched from Hungary to Yemen and from north Africa to Iran. It
I've been home for two days and little things fill me with amazement, things that I took for granted before I left. I feel like a small child walking into a toy store. In awe and excitement, I brush
