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Izmir

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    • TravelerTurkey
      1
      12
      Day 6

      Day 93/94: Food Poisoning from Hell

      April 13 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

      We try to stay honest with everyone when it comes to travel because it’s not always “beautiful” and “amazing”.

      Since Tunisia, we had been planning to visit a Hamam, which is a traditional public bathhouse in the Muslim world (similar to Korean/Japanese spas which are fully naked). We decided Turkey was the best location and wanted to pay for a nicer experience (sauna, steam room, wash, scrub, massage). As we ran to our hamam we grabbed some sandwiches. The experience was nice even though Mary got roasted for having shoulder, back, and leg issues.

      However, while walking back it went downhill very quickly. It started with fever and then the sweats appeared. Within an hour both of us were puking. Kieran tried to order food but neither of us could eat. The whole night was aches, pains, voms, and groans. It could have been the sandwiches or the tap water Kieran said was safe.

      Worse part is we had a 5 hour train the next day at 7am. The alarm sounded at 6am and we both got our shit together (mentally, physically, and digestively) and made that train. It was a miserable ride but we made it to Pamukkale and proceeded to sleep 5 hours. Woke up for a nice dinner (Kieran couldn’t finish) and went back home to recover for the next day. Pictures of our most miserable days this far.      Read more

    • EuroCrossing & Türkiye 2022
      1
      Day 49

      Murals Around İzmir

      May 6, 2022 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

      Longtime readers all know of my love of murals. The medium doesn't matter ... paint, tile, mosaic. So, of course, when I came across a few as we wandered around the city yesterday and today, I had to photograph them.Read more

    • International Jaunts 2020
      Day 21

      Last Day of Abbreviated Europe Trip

      March 18, 2020 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 46 °F

      Our departure day is nearly at hand ... much earlier than anticipated when we set out from Colorado on 27 February. Tomorrow morning we head to the airport to begin the long haul back.

      We’re sad, but the circumstances are what they are. Our goal now is to get home safe and sound. Reports from several friends who have entered the US from overseas in the past few days indicate no hassles or delays at the airports ... at least at the international terminals. 🤞🏻our experience follows suit.

      This morning Aylin hosted us for breakfast. Afterwards, Mui and I left to get haircuts at the barber at the US military facility here in İzmir ... one less thing to have to deal with when we get home.

      Since we had time before our appointment, we decided to take a circuitous route to get to the barber. The weather was nice and a bit of fresh air was in order ... felt really good after two bone-chillingly cold days. I’ve never seen Kordon, the waterfront promenade, this deserted ... except perhaps on census day. With all the bars, pubs, cafés, bistros, coffee houses, and similar establishments temporarily closed by government decree, only a few souls were out and about ... and most of those people were fishing on the boardwalk. The shops were mostly deserted ... some limiting the number of patrons who can enter at any one time to two or three.

      I’m now at mom’s ... Aylin and Murat joined us for afternoon tea. As did Mui ... after taking care of a few last minute errands. We’ll have dinner together as a family before Mui and I head back to the condo for an early night ... we’ll be off to the airport at 6:00a.      Read more

    • Turkey - Gate1 - October 2019

      Trip to Ephesus

      October 21, 2019 in Turkey ⋅ 🌙 52 °F

      Starting two nights at this hotel, so nice not to pack again. Here’s the schedule for today. ( interesting that we used to live in Smyrna, GA). Call to prayer boomed out of loudspeakers every day reduces the need for an alarm clock. :)

      DAY 6, Monday - Full Day in Izmir
      Enjoy a full day at leisure in Izmir. With over 3500 years of history, the port city known historically as Smyrna offers a variety of impressive archaeological sites, not to mention easy access to ancient Ephesus. Perhaps, relax in the city and sip Türk kahvesi, authentic Turkish coffee, at a café set along the scenic Pasaport Quay. Don't miss the optional tour to Ephesus, considered one of the greatest ancient cities of the world. Here, you'll visit the House of the Virgin Mary, Basilica of St. John, the library of Celsus, temple of Hadrian, the theater and the Odeon. After lunch at a local restaurant return to Izmir
      Optional: Full Day Ephesus & House of the Virgin Mary with Lunch Overnight: Izmir
      Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

      On the highway heading south , we learn that when they were constructing this Highway, they found a marble highway used by Alexander the Great.

      Heading to the House of the Virgin Mary this morning ( see map) https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_the_Vi…      Read more

    • Türkiye 2021
      Day 76

      Nature, Gardens & Fantasies

      November 19, 2021 in Turkey ⋅ ⛅ 55 °F

      The Arkas Family, though of French Origin, have a history in Turkey that goes back to 1902 when the company carrying their name was founded. I’m guessing the family actually arrived in the country earlier than that, but for my purposes knowing this much is enough.

      In the building where the French Consulate is housed, two floors are dedicated as the Arkas Art Center. The family frequently sponsors art exhibits here … often featuring pieces from their own collection. We've gone to several of these exhibits over the years … none have disappointed. This one — Nature, Gardens, and Fantasies in the Arkas Collection — did not either.

      The exhibit is billed as offering “… the opportunity to reconsider the relationship between art, nature, garden and humankind … .” Mom, Aylin, Deniz, and I went to the exhibit together. None of us was familiar with any of the artists, but their pieces inspired a feeling of peace and quiet. I also enjoyed the few tapestry pieces with the same theme. Even the vases on display were selected in the same vein.

      After wandering around the exhibit, the four of us went to Léone, a popular patisserie, for afternoon tea. We were lucky with our timing as the place filled up within minutes of our arrival. A sweet treat was the perfect way to wrap up our day.      Read more

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