Everyone I know who has visited Edinburgh says it’s a great city. They’re right. We visited Edinburgh in July 2016. I know, I’m way behind in my writing. Perhaps there will be a time when I have the time and
Edinburgh
Greek Style Slow Food
There’s a story about a wealthy Greek American who visited one of his homeland’s islands on vacation. While out walking he meets a Greek man sipping Greece’s national drink, ouzo, while watching the sun set over the ocean. The American
Beauty and Danger in Albania
My two older boys and I grabbed sticks and rocks as the dogs circled closer, barking wildly. I took hold of a long pole that happened to have a nail sticking out the end. I stepped out between my boys
Albania – a little history
We spent nearly three weeks in Albania. The purpose was twofold: visit Rebecca’s good friend and her husband and family (who are now all our friends), and for me to spend more contemplative time. Some of my thoughts have come
Turkey’s Turquoise Coast
We flew to Antalya on the southern coast of Turkey, called the Turquoise Coast for good reason, as you will see from the color of the sea in the photos. Again we rented a car with the same iffy company,
Cappadocia’s Valleys, Volcanoes & Theologians
Day 3 Cappadocia We drove through the country to Derinkuyu, one of the larger of several underground cities. That’s right. Not only did the Cappadocians carve out caves; they carved out entire underground cities -with tools made of bone. Our
Cappadocia, Land of the Cave Monks, Part 2
Day 2 Cappadocia In the morning we enjoyed the lavish breakfast spread at the hotel. Our philosophy throughout this time was stuff yourself at breakfast, eat a light lunch on the trail, and eat out for dinner. We sent one our
Cappadocia, Land of the Cave Monks, Part 1
Day 6 Istanbul / Day 1 Cappadocia We landed at the airport in Kayseri, a fairly large city whose design was unusual. Though widely spread out, most of the housing seemed to be in high rise apartments. And the apartments
Into the City – Part 2
Day 4 in Istanbul Our fourth day in Istanbul, a Monday, we had arranged to see the major sites of Istanbul with a Turkish tour guide we met at the afternoon worship service the day before. What was interesting was
Into the City – Part 1
The name of the city of Istanbul comes from the Greek phrase eis ten polin, which means “into the city.” For centuries, it was simply The City. The emperor Constantine changed the name of Byzantium to “New Rome” when he