Blogs from Mediterranean, Turkey, Middle East - page 34

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Middle East » Turkey » Mediterranean » Antalya July 31st 2008

We've seen so many ruins over the past few weeks it's been amazing and kinda of mind boggling. The mediterranian is such a beautiful place. The turquoise waters mixed with beautiful hotels, boat trips and ancient sunken and lost cities have been incredible. We're just about to head home now but we've downloaded some pictures of a little of what we saw. Our trip started on the eastern coast of Anatalya. We travelled along the south coast through Kas, Olympus, Fethiye and up the Agean coast to Ephesus, Kusadasi, Izmir, Troy and Gallipoli. We then headed to Greece took a side trip to the island of Thassos and headed back to Bulgaria where we stayed in an Orthodox monistary for a night that was built in 492AD..really neat! Thanks to everyone for the kind comments and ... read more
Kaymakli - Underground city
Kaymakli - Underground city
Eiiks!

Middle East » Turkey » Mediterranean » Olympos July 29th 2008

well, how can i possibly be writing a blog right now when i am so relaxed i barely bother to think anymore...??? the reason being, we just did a blue cruise that ended in olympos. but i will go back to the beginning of sorts, to santorini. Santorini, one of the most beautiful of Greek islands, was created by a volcano and was further molded and moved by subsequent volcanoes and earthquakes. It's a fairly small island and is the shape of a smile, and where the nose should sit, is a semi dormant volcanic island. And where the eyes would be, is another island that used to be connected to Santorini. Hope that makes sense! All up one side of the island is a big cliff face with multiple colours (white, red, black, grey, brown), ... read more
Red Beach
chilling out on Santorini
nice view, Santorini

Middle East » Turkey » Mediterranean July 18th 2008

Status: Currently about to attend friend's wedding (in 4hrs). Very much looking forward to a Turkish (secular) wedding. -Extremely friendly humans here. Multiple times ended up having dinner with random Turks, last one the owner of the Scooter Rental place from which I rented the scooter. -Absolutely beautiful places in Turkey. If anyone is considering going, one must visit Cappadocia (region) Goreme (city). -Love scootering (word exists?). Rented one in Goreme for 8 hours. Drove from one city to another, then looked around or just stopped at abandoned houses or cave houses to take a peek/peak (which one?). Love driving without knowing the road signs. Also, had to call the rental facility because i didn't know how to start-up the scooter. -Got completely destroyed by bed bugs (over 100 bites). Never been bitten so thoroughly. Upper ... read more

Middle East » Turkey » Mediterranean » Antalya July 10th 2008

Today I went to rehab center #1, and spoke with Stella about how a particular child was doing after I introduced a technique called "brushing" to him and his mother last week. Stella said the mother had reported yesterday that the child did not like the brushing (although the child did appear to like it when he was in control of the brush doing it on himself) last week during his therapy session. The 6 (I think) year old child recieves therapy for mild mental retardation, hyperactivity, and behavioral difficulties. When I walked in the room last week the mother was in tears, and Stella was talking with her. It was the first time I had seen a parent cry since I have been here. I wished so badly that I could talk to her directlly ... read more

Middle East » Turkey » Mediterranean » Antalya July 9th 2008

Some of you may be wondering about my safety over here in Turkey, due to the recent shootings in Istanbul at the US consulate, and the kidnappings of Germans in the far eastern Turkey. I'm sure it's made the US papers. This update is to assure you that we are taking extra safety precautions here in Antalya, (such as not hanging out at American type places like Starbucks for long periods of time, avoiding large tourist crowds, etc). Verna is not too concerned. 3 years ago when there were bombings in Antalya that injured some people, we were made to stay home for several days. If the concern is great for us being here as Americans, I can assure you she will take the appropriate precautions! On another note, things are going well. Except for I ... read more
View of sunset from Linda and Phil's apartment
Walking to the fires at midnight
Standing outside the fire

Middle East » Turkey » Mediterranean » Side June 28th 2008

Turkey has its own flair! The trip to Side was mainly about lying on the beach and enjoying the food, which was not really enjoyable I must say. That's what you get from All Inclusive, I guess. Anyway the beach was nice and it was really really hot. You can take "buses" to visit some ruins near the old town. What I remember the most are the little local shops, which try to sell their own products, clothes, bags or shoes. If you want to go to Side, I recommend you to take a Hotel from a higher categorie and with good food, I'm sure it is a great and relaxing way to spent your holidays and if you're interested in the local culture you can make go sightseeing around the city.... read more
Turkey-Side
Turkey-Side
Turkey-Side

Middle East » Turkey » Mediterranean » Olympos June 27th 2008

About halfway along Turkeys Mediterranean coast lies Olympos, a favourite beach destination for Turks and backpackers alike. The water here is a clear pale blue, it is warm, and the lack of tide and waves make it an ideal swimming spot, which makes the unbearable heat bearable. Behind the beach the Lycian city of Olympos lies in ruins. İt flourished from the 2nd century BC, when the Olympians worshipped Hephaestus, the god of fire. This probably has something to do with the chimaera on nearby Mt Olympos. There is gas trapped in the base of the mountain which finds its way out of various pores throughout the mountain and spontaneously combusts upon contact with the air. Flames have been continually spouting out of the mountain for thousands of years. The Romans took over in the 1st ... read more
entrance to the theatre
tortoıse
sarcophogus

Middle East » Turkey » Mediterranean » Antalya June 27th 2008

It’s been a couple weeks since I wrote, so there is a bit to catch up on. I can’t believe I have been here for a month. Despite everyday being quite different with new surprises coming at me consistently, I’ve gotten used to a kind of basic routine. I’ve been enjoying walking a lot, usually at least 3-4 miles each day. Despite the heat and getting drenched in sweat, its more fun to walk to the rehab center than ride the dolmesh/bus because there are so many things to look at along the way- lots of window shopping, interesting people, and of course it’s good exercise. Sometimes I run in the morning or run to the sea for a short swim, but as it gets hotter it’s not enjoyable to run if I get up too ... read more
Special Olympics swim meet
Karn, Pinar, and I
My swimming spot




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