Buchenwald concentration camp near the town of Weimar. Being the 3rd largest camp under the 3rd Reich it was set up in 1938 to deal with the problems of non workers and other dissedents who did not want to be part of the new Germany. Over 56,000 died there from 1938 to 1945 with adults and children being sent there from all over Europe. Gypsies, homosexuals, handicapped, Jews, Jehovah Witnesesses, and political dissedents were among the people from 57 nations who were starved, beaten, tortured, medically experiementated on, forced into work parties and cremated in this place. It is a large site with many of the exisiting buildings still remaining. An audio guide is a must and it explains all the details sensitvely and takes you from point to point. It is not gruesome or depressing ... read more

Yesterday it rained and dribbled and poured and was generally miserable so we visited Dresden which is a big city on the Elbe river. On a warm summer day you would sit in the cafes and near the Elbe enjoing a very scenic city but since it rained we visited the Art Gallery and the church, Frauenkirche a Lutheran church. The church was extensively bombed in the second world war and has been rebuilt almost exactly as it was. The Art Gallery houses an impressive collection of art from the 15th to 18th centuries including Vermeer and Rembrandts and has been in existence for over 300 years. All the art was evacuated during the second world war. Beside the art gallery is also a massive collecton of armour, guns and swords from the early ages. Massive ... read more

My last day in Istanbul was spent on firstly on leisurely cruise on the Bosphorous sea. This important water way connects the Marmar Sea and the Black Sea and is open to all ships. Massive palatial homes are built right on the waters edge complete with pools and pavilions and will cost millions of Turkish Lire. People enjoy fishing and some brave souls were swimming, with one area having a beach. After visting a botanical garden right in the inner city we took a minibus to The Sapphire which is tallest tower in Europe, slightly taller than the Eiffel Tower and some big tower in Frankfurt. Magnificent views of the whole of Itstanbul and the seas. Istanbul to Turkey is 2 1/2 hours by plane, Lufthansa is a great choice to fly this route and cost ... read more

Another whirlwind day of visiting here there and everywhere. Today's agenda includes Topkapi Palace, the Post Office, A ferry trip to Kadikoy which is the Asian side of Istanbul and going past the Maiden Tower followed by another night out eating. Topkapi palace was made in 1500's by a Sultan and occupies the most wonderful piece of land overlooking the sea and Golden Horn. It has many pavilions, large grounds, and was home to a harem, many wives and many more servants. The treasures of the day are carefully preserved and displayed including so many jewels. One area was devoted to the artifacts of the prophet Mohammed including his footprints. This area included an Iman chanting from the Koran making it very atmospheric. The Asian side of Istanbul includes spice markets, fish markets and many alleyways ... read more

Turkey is an intriuging mix of Eastern, European and Middle East with women wearing the strictest of hijab down to the shortest of skirts. A muslim country but one that practices tolerance and peace. Mosques are everywhere and the call to prayer can be heard all the time.... read more