This morning we headed to Topkapi Palace. It was built by the Ottoman's in the 15th century, and used as the seat of government as well as the home of the Sultan until the mid 19th century. At that time it was moved to Dolmabace Palace (a very modern and European facility that was occupied for all of a few months). Topkapi is a well preserved and huge complex, elaborately decorated with beautiful tiles and mosaics, and containing a stunning library, harem and treasury. On display in the Treasury are some of the magnificent jewels including one of the world's largest diamonds (the size of the palm of my hand) and many many emeralds. The palace also houses purported relics: Mohammed's mantle, Moses' staff, Abraham's cooking pot, Joseph's turban, St. John the Baptist's arm etc. Not ... read more

Early morning flight out of Innsbruck got me into Frankfurt in time to meet my son and fly on to Istanbul. We will be spending the next two weeks in Turkey - we decided that rather than have him use limited vacation time to come 'home' we would meet some where this year and combine a visit with vacation. Our flight into Istanbul was very full and very eventful. High winds had the jet rocking side to side on landing, so much so that someone closer to the front started screaming. Now I have been in small planes that react that way in the wind, but never in a large jet coming in for landing. Weather in Europe this winter has been rough, and a warm front was coming into Turkey that was reacting with the ... read more

Today I want to go to a hockey game in Salzburg. I ask around and am assured that an advance ticket is not necessary, and to get there I simply needed to take a bus. Bus number 6. This is repeated to me a number of times, complete with directions to the bus stop so off I head as the hour approaches, allowing lots of time for wrong turns. I arrive at the bus stop and wait patiently after confirming I am at the correct stop. Along comes a pretty full Bus Number 6. I get on with my fare in hand, and ask one more time: 'This is the bus to the eis stadium, ja?' He looks at me like I have two heads and says 'Whaat?' I repeat my question, this time adding, 'Eis ... read more

It is very snowy and cold here in Munich. I arrived yesterday around noon, armed with good advice from the very kind lady who sat in my compartment on the train ride from Innsbruck. My hotel was pretty easy to find from the train station, and thankfully very clean and warm. After checking in I headed out to find an internet cafe to see about accommodation for my next destination, but was not able to confirm anything. All was not lost however, since I found my way to the Marienplatz where I decided to secure my tour to Dachau for the following day, in advance. Dachau was the reason for my return to Munich. This morning arrived, cold and very very snowy. I headed to the meeting place for my Dachau visit to discover that I ... read more

Today my nephew and I did a one day run up to Munich and joined a walking tour that visited sites that traced the history of the Third Reich. Munich was where Hitler came to power and the Nazi Party's headquarters. It was an extremely informative day, but COLD!. We warmed up over a late lunch at a beer hall:) There is more that I would like to do in Munich and will spend a few days here later this week. ... read more