It is a very wise idea for my American comrades who are living or even just visiting Turkey, to register your whereabouts with the U.S. Embassy. In fact, I encourage those traveling anywhere abroad to register. This is easily done online. The State Department now has a secure online traveler enrollment website which will allow... Continue Reading →
Izmir
I am currently enjoying the holidays in the States. But right before I left Turkey, my husband and I spent a fabulous albeit quick weekend in Izmir. Below are some photos for you to enjoy.
Remembering Ephesus
If you are Catholic and practiced at one time, it is hard to forget St. Paul's letters to the Ephesians. You may forget the text, you may even forget who wrote them, but that name, "the Ephesians," is somehow stamped on our brains. Most likely, it was because we heard the term "Ephesian" so many... Continue Reading →
Eurasia Marathon 2011
This past weekend was Eurasia Marathon - a run that starts in Asia and ends in Europe! You may remember that last year my husband participated in the Eurasia marathon events by running an 8k. This year he stepped it up a notch, running the 15k. My nephew, who has been studying this semester in... Continue Reading →
Ekim
So now it's October, Ekim. The days are still bright and sunny. The evenings have become crisp and chilly. My thoughts have turned to things I enjoyed in the States. Going to the old Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia for the Halloween tours. Selecting and carving a pumpkin. Planting mums. Haunted hayrides while enjoying... Continue Reading →
Ups and Downs
It's just about 8:15 p.m., and I feel as if I should just go to bed. It's been a weekend full of ups and downs. I am at an "up" right, now. Hence, the desire to end the weekend on a good note by going to bed. Friday evening started off with a bang. A... Continue Reading →
Bayram, food, friends, and more . . .
There's nothing like a good Şeker Bayram to raise one's foul mood. I had been down in the dumps for a few days. Şeker Bayram, the three day holiday to celebrate the end of Ramadan arrived on Tuesday evening. A three day holiday in the middle of the week quickly turned into a 9-day holiday for... Continue Reading →
When It Rains, It Pours
It's starting to feel a little like early Autumn in Ankara. The days are still sunny and hot, but rather pleasant in the low 80's. The evenings bring a cool breeze. And this morning, as I enjoyed my coffee on the balcony, it was downright cold! I am a summer baby, and although I love... Continue Reading →
Yalikavak – Back to the Bodrum Peninsula
While on vacation, we had several opportunities to visit Yalıkavak. Yalıkavak is a bit larger than the village of Gümüşlük, and not nearly as big and commercial as Bodrum. Yalıkavak is super cute! The beaches are small, but great. Restaurants on the beach allow visitors to use their lounge chairs free of charge. Be careful if you... Continue Reading →
Gümüşlük & Turgutreis
Gümüşlük is a seaside village and fishing port on the Bodrum Peninsula. It was built above the remains of the ancient city of Myndos. Some remains of Myndos can still be found in the waters that lead to Rabbit Island. We walked through these waters, however, Rabbit Island is currently closed for excavation. Gümüşlük has... Continue Reading →
Windows, Doorways, and Walkways of Bodrum
Recently, my husband and I spent two weeks on the Bodrum Peninsula. We were based in a small village called Gümüşlük. We visited the towns of Turgutreis, Yalakavak, Ephesus, Selcuk, Kuşadası, and of course, Bodrum. On the way there, we even stopped in Afyon which is known for a yummy candy called Kaymak Şekeri and spent... Continue Reading →
Holiday in Gumusluk
Just a quick note to keep you updated. Last week we headed out by car seeking another adventure. We made a pit stop in Pamukkale. Absolutely fabulous! I will write more on that later. But you should look it up online when you get a chance. Naturally created travertines formed from the calcium deposits of... Continue Reading →
The Black Sea – Karadeniz
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the Black Sea region. It was amazingly beautiful. It looked as if someone had set the ocean down right in the middle of Chester County, PA. We visited Safranbolu on the way to the water in Amasra. We stopped for breath-taking views of the countryside as we enjoyed... Continue Reading →
Adventures in Ankara 