ISTANBUL, TURKEY

I have to admit we were a little apprehensive about going to Turkey in the first place given its location so close to the Syrian and Iranian borders, and the millions of refugees pouring in at the moment, not to mention all the turmoil in this part of the world! But we are glad we did!
One cannot come to Turkey and be neutral about it. It is an important country for its historical significance, its location between Europe and Asia, and its enormous size and population of mostly Muslims. That this 90% Muslim country could maintain its secular government all these years is amazing, but the winds of change are palpable.
Ephesus was captivating, an ancient city that was only excavated in the 1970's which was originally built hundreds of years B.C. Our guides were wonderful and we enjoyed our stay out in the countryside of Turkey. The layers of different civilizations were amazing-especially the Terrace Houses!

We read an amazing book entitled, "Yes, I would love another Cup of Tea!" which
gave us insight into the Turkish life, the importance of family and their daily routine including the call to Prayer 5 times a day that would first sound before sunrise. Along with "Birds Without Wings", another wonderful read, we were quite ready to explore Turkey and Istanbul in particular.
 Istanbul is uniquely fascinating, with contrasting people, its new and its old, its unrivaled mosques and its melting pot of the East and the West into one enormous city. The beauty of the Bosphorus and both sides of its waterfront were captivating. We walked and we walked and Scott was saved by carry-on suitcase capacity from the magical bazaars! What a show! We even loved Turkey in spite of the Turkish young men who would yell at you to buy their wares, and follow you and want to be your guide and the taxi drivers who would either charge you too much or return improper change!