Word origins

When we were in a Turkish gemstone store (jewelry store) and the woman talked about the different types of turquoise, Turkish, American. I don't remember the other places it comes from. What came to me at the time was the similarity of the word Turquoise and Turkey. So I looked it up. Sure enough, the name of the stone comes from the area of Turkey.

turquoise
precious stone, 1560s, replacement from M.Fr. of M.E. turkeis, turtogis (late 14c.), from O.Fr. turqueise, fem. adj. "Turkish," in pierre turqueise "Turkish stone," so called because it was first brought to Europe from Turkestan or some other Turkish dominion (Sinai peninsula, according to one theory)

Home after 3 weeks

We made it home. Almost 14 hours of travel time, airport to airport.

We are tired but glad to be home.

In Paris again

We are in Paris again. This time it is scheduled.

We are on our way home after 3 weeks away.

Starting our voyage home

We are awake and getting ready the leave the hotel for the airport. We have been sleeping in lately so it is early for us. We should be home in 20 hours or so.

Tired feet, rested minds

ok, we are returning to the USA tomorrow- our three week vacation is almost over. Sure went fast, telescoping time. At first we looked out over an ocean of water and now only drops remain!

Have thought about work a few times while we have been away. Joel has checked his work e-mail occasionally. I will wait until we are home!

Yesterday we spent the day in the town of Plovdiv. The old town is very picturesque- wait til you see the photos! It was a fun excursion, we enjoyed taking a bus trip out of Sofia through the rolling hills and golden fields of Bulgaria. In Plovdiv we toured the old town and saw several Roman ruins in the city. Archeological preservation is at a different level ( no pun intended!) than in Turkey. Some areas are cordoned off, however other areas contain trash and grafitti. We toured an excellent Ethnographic museum. This is the common word used in Bulgaria to mean the cultural history museum.

Today we did our final walk about in Sofia. Went inside some of the buildings that we first saw during our walking tour. Went to another street market and bought more fresh peaches. Yes, they are delicious!!!! It is warm here, around 75F and sunny. Later on we found a small shop selling croissant sandwiches and we found a park bench near a fountain and rested our tired feet.

Even though our Bulgarian vocabulary is pretty small we have been successful communicating our needs. Not everyone speaks English! My spanish words show up when I am talking to the vendors.

Soon we will be back in the real world... it's been a great vacation.

Buses in Sofia

On Saturday we went to the Bloyana church. After that we went to the History museum.

We caught a bus on the way back. It was a tired old bus. One thing you have to do here is punch your ticket. There several are punches in the bus. I thought you stick it in and it would punch. I gave up. I kept looking at it and figured out it was mechanical. I went back and pushed the handle. Then it worked.

We got off the bus and got on a light rail trolley. With the help of the GPS in my camera we knew where to get off. We walked a bit back to the hotel.

Plovdiv Bulgaria

Yesterday we took a day trip to Plovdiv. We had been thinking of going to the Rila Monastery but the leader of the walking tour suggested Plovdiv instead.

Plovdiv is very old. They have Roman ruins. They have restored the Roman amphitheater and use it regularly. There is an old city that we walked through, following a route from out guide book. We stopped for lunch along the way. Went in a house from the 1850s that is now a museum. This was very nice. At the end of the tour you are on top of one of the hills of the city.

We took the inter-city bus both ways. It cost just $9 each one way, for a 2 hour drive (140 km).

Today will be spent strolling through Sofia. Maybe buying a few items to bring home.

Not enough time

We seem to run out of time each day to write in our journals or post on the travel log. I think I have forgotten a lot of things on the trip. That is okay because we are enjoying ourselves.

Early on I was using all my computer time to find my lost bag.

fresh cashews and dried peas

Greetings!

We arrived in Sofia, Bulgaria yesterday. Our flight from Varna to Sofia took less than an hour. Bulgaria is about the same area as Tennessee according to the CIA fact book.

We participated in a walking tour of the old city in the evening. Our guide, Boyko, was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable young man who one could see truly loved his city and country. ( and this was a free tour!) I wish our guide in Turkey had had 1/3 of his energy. I think Hafiz was a bit burnt out ferrying tourists across Turkey.

The buildings began to glow as dusk fell. Several of the churches had metallic roofs/structures and it was a magical experience. By chance we are here during a holiday weekend so there are less cars therefore less noise and exhaust. We learned about the importance of mineral waters of various types that course through the city. After the tour Joel and I went to a traditional Bulgarian restaurant with several of the participants and the guide. I like the drink 'Ayran' which is basically watered down yogurt.

Sofia is a city that is both new and old, and feels wide open compared to the narrow streets in the old part of Istanbul. The local men and women dress very fashionably. I don't know how the women are able to walk in their stiletto heels on the uneven sidewalks and cobblestone streets! There is a lot of graffiti on the buildings. Lots of monuments. We learned a little bit more about the history of Bulgaria during our walking tour. It's very complicated.

We plan to take a bus to the town of Plovdiv tomorrow.

The cashews are delicious and Joel doesn't like the dried peas for a snack.

Finished walking tour of Sofia

After getting into Sofia at around 2, we relaxed in our hotel room for a bit. Then we went out and had some dinner before our walking tour started at 6.

We had a really excellent time on the Free Sofia Walking tour. The guide, Boyko, was really fun to listen to. The two plus hours went by very quickly. Some of us went out for a bite to eat afterwards. More travel stories and politics.

This tour is highly recommended. http://www.freesofiatour.com/

Our day in Varna

Today we took the city bus to another town along the Black Sea and visited a small monastery carved into the cliffs above the sea. We also walked along a woodland trail to see some catacombs. The vegetation is different than in Turkey. There were parts of Turkey that reminded us of Southern California. Here in Bulgaria it feels a bit more like the arboreal forest but more southern than Minnesota. Trees with names that we have never heard of and also familiar faces like walnut, maple, oak.

While waiting for the bus to take us out to the monastery several taxis stopped to try and persuade us to hire them for the ride. We have learned to say "Neh" and nod our head up and down. Bulgarians shake their head from side to side when they say "Da" which means yes. Have to be careful with our head movements!

This afternoon we walked from our hotel down to the beach. There is a hot mineral water river that flows into the sea. First we found a calm area where the waves were just gentle swells and swam for a while, then we went over to the hot pools that the city built next to the river. We joined the locals for a good sulfuric soak. Mmmm, smells so good.

Tomorrow we will fly to Sofia, back to a busy city. Hard to believe that our trip is coming to a close.

Swimming in the Black Sea

After a visit to an ancient monastery this morning, we made our way down the Black Sea. The waves were strong but we found a spot behind a breakwater that was more calm. We swam a bit and bobbed up and down in the swells.

On the way back we stopped at a small hot pool. A large stream flows into the sea and the water is diverted into the pool. There are also showers. We were the only tourists there.

Eating in Bulgaria

After 10 days in Turkey with all our meals provided we have been on our own for food here.

We have had some very nice dinners. They are quite inexpensive.

We have had lunch at a couple of vendors. Yesterday we ate a chicken kebab in the square in downtown Varna. We also had some raspberries. We tasted a peach and bought one. We might have it tonight for dessert. Today we had some sandwiches from a shop near the bus stop. They guys there didn't speech English. They didn't seem like they wanted to serve us until we walked in and started pointing. That seems to work for communication with food.

Greetings from Varna

Zdraveite!

Our hotel is alongside a very large park, a few kilometers away from
the town center. It is a restful place and we are happy to stay in
one location for a few days. We were very tired last night after our
marathon travel experience. Overnight train from Istanbul to Sophia,
then finding a reliable taxi from Sophia to the airport, flying across
the country to the east coast of Bulgaria. The train was very spartan.
Two other passengers shared our compartment. They were both english
speakers and friendly.

Today we walked through the park to the town, saw a lot of sites,
bought delicious raspberries from the market and also bought a peach
because our Polish friend, Ewa, said they were very good. Will try it
later and let you know. All of the food has been wonderful, tomatoes
have so much flavor they are like candy. Fresh fish is always on the
menu. I did enjoy pork last night, something not readily available in
Turkey!

In one part of the park there was a place where mostly elderly women
were selling crocheted table cloths, doilies, knitted socks. The
owner of our hotel told us that the average wage in Bulgaria is
$400/month. Price of gas is very high.

Dogs run freely through the park. Most of them have a plastic ear tag,
which I surmise is some sort of registration. A few cats were in the
park. My heart was stolen last night at the restaurant by a sweet
calico kitten.

Bulgaria is so different from Turkey! It feels and looks much more
western. Less muslim population and we have not heard the call to
prayer. People are friendly. Apparently few Americans visit Varna.
When we use our little bit of Bulgarian language the locals are quite
impressed! The Cyrillic alphabet is a challenge but we are having
fun decoding words.

We went to the Ethnographic Museum today which was interesting. Love
the textiles and native dress . Lots of walking, took the bus back to
our hotel.

Tomorrow we plan to spend some time at the beach. We can see the
Black Sea from our hotel.

Don't forget to check out some of our pictures of our trip on our website!

In my 23rd country

We made our way to Bulgaria today via an overnight train from Istanbul. We stopped at around 3 AM to leave Turkey and about 30 minutes later we had our passports stamped for entering Bulgaria.

It was a long trip. More of a voyage. We got to talk with the other two men in our compartment. We saw the countryside we were traveling over.

We are now in Varna, Bulgaria. Our hotel is near the Black Sea. We are on the 3rd floor so we can actually see it from our room. Very romantic.

We have two days to visit here. We are going to not be moving around as much while we are in Bulgaria. Time to relax a little bit on our vacation.

Last views of Turkey

We did a bit more touring of Istanbul this morning. Went underground into the Basilica cistern. Then off to find the aqueduct. It really is not on the normal tourist trail. We rode the tram (light rail) both ways. On the way there it was free so we were packed in like sardines. It was only mildly better when we returned.

We then walked to the Turkish bath. It was very relaxing to sit in a warm room and wash off. Robin had an attendant give her a complete wash.

We had a nice relaxing dinner as well. Now we have recovered our bags from the hotel and are waiting for the shuttle to the train station.

We have some bread and jam for the trip.

Markets

Everywhere there is something to buy here in Istanbul. We have held back from buying much since we still have a week and a half to go before returning home. Bulgaria may be where we do a little shopping. However I do have my eye on a pair of delightful, embroidered boots....

Gulegule Turkey

Merhaba everyone!

Today is our last day in Instanbul, Turkey. Donna and Herb will be
picked up here at the Amiral Palace Hotel this morning and driven to
the airport. I don't know if we mentioned that upon arrival in Turkey
because we were delayed we ended up taking public transportation from
the airport to the area of town where our hotel was located.

Yesterday we spent a lot of time at the Jewish Museum. On Saturday
night we met with Berna, who works for Oasis- our Istanbul tour
agency. She is a Sephardic Jew and was interested in meeting Herb and
Donna. Herb had some information about his family and she recognized
some of the family names. She also told us what it is like to be
Jewish in Turkey. Historically there were good relations between the
Muslims and Jews, in fact the Ottoman Empire invited the Jews to
settle in Turkey after the Edict of Spain in 1492. However current
events have changed the situation. An important synagogue in Istanbul
was bombed in 2003 and Berna lost a dear friend (who was 5 months
pregnant). Berna told us that some people have been able to get
Spanish passports if they can prove their heritage.

The museum was in an old synagogue, tucked away near the entrance of
the funicular. The sign for the museum was very subtle. Security guard
and a cursory check of our bags. We were the first visitors. Good
displays. Joel found the administrator who was very interested in
talking with Herb. She gave him some contact information and called
the curator who also has the name Avigdor. Since it was Sunday he was
not at the museum. Herb told her about his mother and the little
information he has, including showing a picture of his mother on a
balcony of an Istanbul apartment.

We walked the streets of the area near the museum, didn't see the
building. Joel approached some men and showed them the picture.

It was a fun day, lots of walking. I have started taking some pictures
so that Joel will be in some of them. Herb and Donna are looking
forward to returning home.

We will spend the day out touring the city, hope to see the Cisterns
and possibly experience a Turkish Bath. Our train to Bulgaria leaves
at 10pm.

Last day in Turkey

This morning our traveling companions, Herb and Donna, fly home. Robin and I will do a bit more touring of Istanbul. We hope to see the underground cistern and the Roman aqueduct. Robin wants a Turkish bath too.

Tonight it is off to Bulgaria on the Orient Express. Well on the same route the Orient Express took.

Touring Jewish Quarter

Today we took the tram to the Jewish quarter. We visited a nice Jewish museum that is housed in an old synagogue. We chatted the the curator. We also bought some items from the gift shop.

Then we walked the streets trying to find the location of Herb's mother's house. He has a picture of her at a house. We asked a few people where it was located. None knew for sure.

We had coffee at the Pera Palace. This is the hotel built for traveler's on the Orient Express. Robin and I will be on the train to Sofia tomorrow. It follows the same line.

Back in Istanbul

Our tour is over. We are in Istanbul for two more days.

We need to recount our trip. It has been a world wind tour of Turkey. Not enough time at any one place. Days packed with sites and travel. Most nights we had time for dinner, a shower and then right to sleep.

Thoughts on Turkey

Have I mentioned cucumbers, egg plant, tomatoes, yogurt, olives or
pudding? Now very familiar with all of the aforementioned products.
Forgot to tell you that we have also been the captive subjects of a
turkish delight (lokum) store, onyx outlet, ceramic outlet, carpet
weaving demonstration and carpet showing ( I did like seeing the silk
coccoons and how silk is made), and the most fantastic was the leather
fashion show. Actually Joel and I passed on the fashion show and spent
the time outside the leather den of inequity (sp?). We'll tell you all
about that fiasco, just ask.

People are very surprised by our use of a few Turkish words- but now
we must focus on Bulgarian as we will be traveling there by overnight
train Monday night. It is a sleeper car for 4 people- and there is
the possibility we will have to share the space!? We'll let you know.

We have been so busy that I have had very little opportunity to write
in my travel journal. Joel has been taking a lot of pictures, and I
have been taking a picture of Joel occasionally . Donna and Herb are
also taking a few pics so it will be fun to share pictures.

We are traveling with a couple from Australia and a young couple from
New Zealand. Aussies and Kiwis. So tomorrow we will be touring
Gallipoli, a place that is seared into their countries national
consciousness. Sounds like it is a real pilgrimage for them. The
guide book says that it is one of the few places with out a tourist
market outside the site.

Today we were in Troy. When I was 13 or so I made a model of the
Trojan Horse ( complete with trap door) and drew a map of the Aegean
Sea. It was really something to visit that site. Now I need the Cliff
Notes version of Homer's writing.

We also went to Aesclepion, a healing center. That was pretty cool.
Washed my hands in the water from the well, very moving to think about
how many ill people traveled there for assistance. Water was an
integral part of the healing process including having the sound of
water surround the sleeping rooms.

It's late and we have an early ferry to catch tomorrow morning.

Talking Turkish

I spoke with a guide (not ours) at a site and asked him where the exit was in Turkish. He asked if I knew Turkish. I ran down my list of phrases. He said I had excellent pronunciation. I guess that means all those trips home listening to Turkish Pimsleur tapes paid off.

Turkey Trot

Here are a few pics from our trip, now that we have our battery charger we can freely take photos. Those of you who have traveled to Turkey may be able to tell where we are- first is in a very large amphitheater in Ephesus, and second is on the Travertines in Hierapolis (Pamukkale). There are more pictures in the photo gallery of this blog.

We miss our family and friends, but are having a great time here in Turkey. Herb and Donna are great fun to travel with. I had no idea Donna was such a shopper!

We hear many languages spoken, and in fact we have had the opportunity to speak some Spanish! Now to quick learn a few Bulgarian phrases.

Reunited with my bag

We got to Kusadasi and my bag was there. It was nice to wear something different. It is easier to travel with no stuff though. Less worry about putting things away.

All the batteries are charged. Pictures downloaded.

Off the Sılk Road

If all goes well Joel should have hıs bag tonıght and we wıll be able to post some pıctures from our trıp. Our travelıng companıons Herb and Donna are enjoyıng thıs adventure also and they have been takıng more photos than Joel because we have been unable to charge the camera battery.

we are soakıng ın the sıtes,sounds and hıstory of Turkey. When we have our own laptop up and runnıng we wıll post more.

love to all,

Robın and Joel

More Turkey

The great news ıs that I should have my bag tonight.

We had a long day of travel yesterday. We got up early and drove most of the day. We stopped at a caravan stop. Most of our other rest stops were at truck stops, with the obligitory shops and stalls.

We fınally got to Pammukale. Thıs ıs near Denezili. We headed straight for the hot pool and very nıce swımmıng pool.

Today after seeiıng the thermal springs we are off to the Aegean sea.

We saw Istanbul too

Looks like we were so busy with the baggage that we forgot to write about Istanbul. (Still lost but our travel agency will work on it tomorrow, Monday)

The first night we walked around the Blue Mosque area. Ate at the Dervish cafe.

The next day we toured the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi palace. All very interesting.

Saturday we walked to the Spice market. Then on a ferry cruise of the Bosphorus. Then we walked through some of the city. Our guide Muge invited us to her flat. We met her husband. This was very kind and a highlight.

She dropped us at the grand bazaar. Robin and I thought it would be full of pushy vendors. They didn't hassle us at all. It is really big. You could get lost in there.

No dinner, just on the computer looking for baggage.

In Cappadocia

We got up very early today and flew to Ankara. There we met our guide (Not an Oasis person, but someone from a guide service). We met a few of the other folks on the tour. We went to the archeological museum and the mausoleum of Ataturk. Then the 3+ hours to Cappadocia. We saw some great things as the sun was setting. I wish I could have stopped and taken some pictures. They would have been great in the orange glow of the moonrise.

Oasis travel is aware of my missing bag. Hopefully they will find it tomorrow when their office is open.

Tomorrow starts early again. This time with a hot air ballon ride.

Pictures

Without my laptop I don't have a way to copy my pictures. I didn't bring a USB cable. I will run out of battery for my camera pretty soon anyway.

Hopefully my bag will catch up to me soon. I could use the cables and other stuff. I need my swim suit.

Istanbul luggage woes

Well we are adjusting to the time change pretty well, and we have been so busy touring that we haven't had a chance to think about being in a different time zone.

We had a great day being tourists, however the big downer is that Joel's luggage is sitting in London!!!!! We don't know if we will get the bag prior to our departure tomorrow for Ankara. Highly unlikely. So Joel will get to buy some Turkish clothing items and see what Herb can lend him!

I am not happy about this situation, but will keep on smiling.

City tour of Istanbul

We walked over the city. Saw the big classic buildings of the Blue mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi palace. We put off the spice palace until tomorrow.

Still no bags. Hopefully tomorrow.

Finally in Turkey

Finally made it to Turkey. Our bags are not here yet.

After filing for lost baggage we got on the metro and transferred to the tram. That was very easy and only 2 lira for each leg. We walked to the hotel, the long way because we were off by a block.

We met up with Herb. Donna has not shown up yet.

Robin is napping after 24 hours awake with a few naps.

We hope to go out for dinner when Donna gets here.

In Paris

We didn't think we would be in Paris until our return flight. Unfortunately our plane had a mechanical problem and left about 4 hours late. That would have caused us to miss our flight in NY. Instead we flew to Chicago and then to Paris. We will arrive in Turkey about 4 hours later than planned.

We are on our way

We are up and finishing little things around the house. Soon we will off to the airport. Tomorrow we will wake up in Turkey.

No swimming this morning

We thought we would get one more swim in before we left. Unfortunately the pool was being cleaned this morning. There really isn't enough time tomorrow to swim before we leave for the airport.

New camera: part 2

About a month ago I bought a new camera. It is a Casio EX-H20G. It has a built in GPS for tagging the photos. It is a nice camera and I won't have to carry a GPS to tag my photos. That was new camera part 1.

On Sunday we were at Camp Unistar in Minnesota. Robin and I were on the beach and we took a picture of ourselves. Unfortunately I dropped the camera in the sand. The lens doesn't like to retract now. It also has a hard time focusing. I decided to get a new one.

The local camera store didn't have one. One of their other stores had the last one on display. I was verify fortunate because I got a good deal on it.

One strange side note. When I upload geo-tagged photos to my Picasa photo album, they don't show where they are on the map. Picasa wants to make me tag them with their tools. Very strange.