Blogs from Turkey, Middle East

there is a certain smell about Turkey that I really like. I'm not sure if its the soap they use or perfume/cologne but I hope that I never forget the smell. Other than getting attacked by a mosquito right now I'm quite enjoying myself. last night in Mykonos i met a mother/daughter from London and gay Pakistani who lives in Switzerland, at a wonderful restaurant. We drank wine and laughed and talked. It was like I have known them forever. I lost track of time and before I knew it I had 15 minutes to get to my ship. i was so full from dinner and wine that I had a very difficult time stepping up the pace to make the ship. I was thinking that I don't even have my visa in the event I ... read more

Monday May 13, 2013. Kusadasi, Turkey. Kusadasi is located on the western coast of Turkey. Itis a resort town that attracts tourists from all over the world. The area was first settled by the Leleges in 3000 BC and subsequently has a rich cultural history. Many ancient ruins can be found relatively close to the town; the most important being the famous Greek temple of Didyma, the Amphitheatre, Ephesus and Artemison which is known as one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. We awoke this morning to find that it was tipping down with rain. We hadn't planned to do anything in particular today (having done all the ancient stuff before) but had thought that a boat ride around the local islands would be nice - but not in this weather. We also noticed ... read more

Five fishermen dressed in multicoloured robes and turbans gather their fishnets near the shore. It must be spring. Beside cypresses grow violets, daisies and lilies. Fishing has been abundant and soon seagulls will appear trying to catch their part of the booty. On a similar vegetation, next to a haima, the harem entertains a gentleman. Two women play the lute for his ears while other offers coffee to him. Another harem enjoys a warm scented bath in a hammam. As these I was passing, one after another, pages once attached to a book and now dismembered. Endless pages, each so beautiful, decorated with fine flat colours and gold leaves. Gently profiled. Full of patiently hand-drawn calligraphy. Pages that slid in front of my eyes while changed in my ... read more

Cappadocia region is very beautiful and unique. Cappadocia being a region of Turkey similar to what one should call the Okanagan. Travelling by car was very easy to navigate and drive. The Turks drive normal so I would never think twice about renting a car. Stopped at one of the many hundred underground cities where Christians went into hiding to escape persecution when the religion turned to Islam. in order to survive they lived in a series of underground caverns. They had - barns, churches, living quarters, ventilation shafts, grave yards, baptism pool, schools, living rooms - all underground. They hid under the surface and it must have been a scary time For them. They did their duty in pottery buckets and sealed them with cheese until they could come to surface - apparently. The rock ... read more