I mentioned these but did not comment. Because everything is costing double then expected I decided not to take the Gallipole tour and just let Rakhat go. In 1915 Kyrgyzstan was asked to help Turkey. About 250 went and 200 perished in the war. Many Turks have never forgotten and are very grateful. Frequently on this trip I have experienced Turkish hospitality. But everywhere we have been as soon as they discover that Rakhat is a Kyrgyz and speaks Turkish a immediate bond is formed. Bus drivers,hotel clerks,people at restaurants,information center,etc. are so eager to hold a conversation with him. And they are also very curious to find out what is our connection to each other. Kyrgyzs can not travel because of the cost so I am realizing that Rakhat is one of the few Kyrgyzs they have met. Each comment that they come from the same origin and are really brothers. I am amazed how well Rakhat can speak with them. Last night walking back to the hotel from the town a young boy about Rakhat age sitting on the side walk started talking to Rakhat and invited him to have tea. The boy attends a university which sends many teachers to the private boys high school in Kyrgyzstan. Infact he discovered they know the same people. I would have let Rakhat stay and talk with him but it was late and I was concerned about booking a flight from Istanbul to Samos when Rakhat leaves.
I will let Rakhat use the computer and have my Turkish breakfast.
Aloha, Joanne
Thursday, August 30, 2007
So Much, So Fast, I can not keep up!!!
Hopping on the FEZ Bus was a good thing,but I have not time to record all we have done.
One of the nicest things about this program is that we get together with many young people. Most of the participants are between the ages of 22 to 35. So far Rakhat is the youngest and I am the oldest.
We have been with people from Cypress,Macedonia,U.S. and many from different parts of Australia. We pick up new people every day.
Today we went river tube riding. The Fez tour guide sets up the tours for us. It was great fun.
Tomorrow Rakhat, myself, and Julie from Seattle will be going on a 2 night,3day cruise out side of Fetihye. I am looking forward to that.
This is a free computer at the hotel we are staying in. Someone is waiting their turn so I need to sign off.
I hope everyone is well.
Aloha,
Joanne
One of the nicest things about this program is that we get together with many young people. Most of the participants are between the ages of 22 to 35. So far Rakhat is the youngest and I am the oldest.
We have been with people from Cypress,Macedonia,U.S. and many from different parts of Australia. We pick up new people every day.
Today we went river tube riding. The Fez tour guide sets up the tours for us. It was great fun.
Tomorrow Rakhat, myself, and Julie from Seattle will be going on a 2 night,3day cruise out side of Fetihye. I am looking forward to that.
This is a free computer at the hotel we are staying in. Someone is waiting their turn so I need to sign off.
I hope everyone is well.
Aloha,
Joanne
Monday, August 27, 2007
From Istanbul down the Aegean Coast
Spent 4 nights in Istanbul. It is like a dream. We bought a Fez Bus ...Hop On,Hop Off program.
We are now in Kusadasi. Toured Gallipole,Troy,Pamakkele, and today sailing to Greek Island Samos.
Aloha until next time.
Joanne
We are now in Kusadasi. Toured Gallipole,Troy,Pamakkele, and today sailing to Greek Island Samos.
Aloha until next time.
Joanne
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Arrived in Istanbul yesterday August 21,2007
Ihope this is the right site to input a new post.
The flight over on Turkish airlines was very pleasent. Rakhat slept most the way. Turkish Airlines serves a very nice breakfast and gives you a gift in a little bag with a pair of socks,shoe horn,comb, and toothpaste and paste. I immediately took off my boots and put on the socks,filled up my travel pillow and got comfortable. A young handsome Turkish youth 21 years old sat between Rakhat and me. He is now a citizen of Australia having moved there from Istanbul 10 years ago. He was in Kyrgyzstan for 5 weeks as an intern for a petro company as part of his university course in international business. There were two American movie shown. One with Anthony Hopkins in Fracture and the other with Richard Greer about Howard Howard Hughes.
For a while we were uncertain at the airport on Arrival in Istanbul,after a while a young Kyrgyz sent by Rakhat friends in Bishket arrived and helped us get on the light rail transit and etc. to get to our hotel and also visit the amazing mosque and churches. The Blue Mosque is unreal!!!
Simply amazingly beautiful. Can not get a good photo to capture its magnificents. I will have to find a good postcard.
The hotel we are in is lovely but much too expensive for my pocket book. I think I need to end here for now. Need to wake up Rakhat so we can took advantage of the fabulous breakfast that comes with the price of our stay. I told Rakhat we need to take full advantage of this place while we are here. Today we move to a less,but very nice place a little a way from here but walking distance.
Until next time. Aloha. Joanne
The flight over on Turkish airlines was very pleasent. Rakhat slept most the way. Turkish Airlines serves a very nice breakfast and gives you a gift in a little bag with a pair of socks,shoe horn,comb, and toothpaste and paste. I immediately took off my boots and put on the socks,filled up my travel pillow and got comfortable. A young handsome Turkish youth 21 years old sat between Rakhat and me. He is now a citizen of Australia having moved there from Istanbul 10 years ago. He was in Kyrgyzstan for 5 weeks as an intern for a petro company as part of his university course in international business. There were two American movie shown. One with Anthony Hopkins in Fracture and the other with Richard Greer about Howard Howard Hughes.
For a while we were uncertain at the airport on Arrival in Istanbul,after a while a young Kyrgyz sent by Rakhat friends in Bishket arrived and helped us get on the light rail transit and etc. to get to our hotel and also visit the amazing mosque and churches. The Blue Mosque is unreal!!!
Simply amazingly beautiful. Can not get a good photo to capture its magnificents. I will have to find a good postcard.
The hotel we are in is lovely but much too expensive for my pocket book. I think I need to end here for now. Need to wake up Rakhat so we can took advantage of the fabulous breakfast that comes with the price of our stay. I told Rakhat we need to take full advantage of this place while we are here. Today we move to a less,but very nice place a little a way from here but walking distance.
Until next time. Aloha. Joanne
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Finally back to Bishkek and use of a computer
WoW!!!
Outside of Bishket no internet access. But finally back after a wonderful journey to Rakhat's home town of Naryn and area called Isskyk Kul,where the weather and vegetation is like in the mountains of Kokee.
It took nearly 6 hours by taxi to get to Naryn. Kyrgyzstan is 90% mountains. Just gorgeous!!!!!
Some white capped with snow and always mountains,meadows, and rushing streams and rivers.
At one point we traveled pass huge container trucks. Trucks from China following the Old Silk Road. We were about 200 miles from China.
We arrived in Naryn about 5-6pm. Although I was a bit tired I could not resist going for a walk into the mountains behind Rakhat's home. Rakhat, his mom, 12year old brother Danielle and I climbed the mountain trail along a running stream. I felt like Heidi. Goats and sheep walked along the mountain side. An elderly couple were at their mountain home to tend them. Danielle climbs the mountains like the herd. He dashed over the stream and rocks to help redirect the live stock when he noticed they were going in the wrong direction. Mother found some berries and plants used for medicial purposes. The air was fresh and the sun was setting between two mountains. It was lonely. We spent about an hour enjoying to walk and just being there. Rakhat said the water was clean and pure,but I was afraid being warned to only drink boiled,or bottled water.
In Naryn we visited Rakhat's Turkish Boys' School and met the new principal who greeted us warmly and offered us special Turkish coffee. After a tour of the school which was being repainted and upgraded we went outside and found 4 of Rakhat's classmates waiting for us with more refreshments. All his friends are now enrolled in universities in Bishket,but were back in Naryn to meet Rakhat's Hawaii mother. They spoke English amazingly well. They all learned English in high school,but have little opportunity to speak it.
Next day they arranged a picnic in the mountain,their favorite retreat from boarding high school.
They brought watermellon,honey dew,and drinks which they cooled in the mountain stream. Rakhat's mother brought fresh cucumber/tomato salad, delicious round bread,cookies, and chai to add to the meal. It was so nice. The boys took me on a walk into the woods.There were places they had to carry me over the stream. I asked them to sing for me and they burst into song. There were only 18 in their class and so became very close and enjoyed singing together.
Next day we headed for another mountain/lake where we were invited to have a meal in a yurt or Bozo. I taught Rakhat, his mom and brother Gi Gong and we climbed a mountain and took a nap on the top. We even went horseback riding before leaving to go home.
Next day we packed to travel to another area called Issyk Kul or "hot" lake because the lake never freezes even though there are snow capped mountains everywhere. It is a huge lake and a tourist resort for people from neighboring countries as well as Kygyz people. I met several from Bishket while swimming in the lake. Here we stayed four nights with Rakhat's aunty,sister to his father. Father stayed home to watch the house. But this time 6yrs old Byjohn also came along. I learned that it has been nearly 5 years since they visited with these relatives. They had much to talk about and catch up. Later, when they prepared a huge meal from the sheep they had slaughtered and skined,etc especially for me I learned that the host was mayor of this district. He had also invited his older brother and two sons from Bishket to stay in his big house.
We had some very interesting conversations with Rakhat as translator and interpreter.
Later in the T.V. room I got a chance to converse with the boys who are about the same age as Rakhat. The mayor also has two sons Rakhat and Sultan's age. Sultan, Rakhat's classmate, also came along on this trip so I used him as translator. Six boys and me. At discos they dance to American/Russian music and they also like hip hop. In this group only Sultan and Rakhat to could speak English well. They attended public high school. Earlier Rakhat mentioned that many students from public high schools did not like the kids from the Turkish Private High School. They felt that the private high school boys felt they were better. Whether they liked it or not kids in private school had a big advantage over kids in public schools everywhere. It was very obvious when we visited his school. They have better school materials,smaller classes,and they are a select group. Only those who can afford it or were superior and able to get scholarships could attend private school.
We returned to Bishket on Friday so we could arrange for our tickets to Turkey with Turkish Airlines.
Yesterday one of Rakhats former teachers arranged to have us stay at the boys dornmitory for a very low cost at a new two year old building. We can stay there until Aug. 24. The university students will be returning to the dorm on the 25th. We are very fortunate. We have confirmed reservations to fly to Istanbul on the 27th,and watlisted for Tuesday Aug. 21th.
We are getting some help from Rakhat's Turkish friends for places to stay in Turkey.
Yesterday I was invited to Rakhat's grandparents (his mother's parents)in the outskirts of Bishket. Both are doctors. They have a very nice big house. They expressed their appreciation for my having Rakhat in my home in Hawaii. They didn't want Rakhat to go just as they are fearful of his going to Turkey. They are afraid something might happen to him and he will not return. They raised Karkat,Rakhat's older brother,because Rakhat was a 7 month 4 lbls premature baby and gave his mother a hard time. Rakhat tends to be asmathic like his grandmother.
It has been just an amazing journey. I have enjoyed every minute of it. I thank God for making this all possible. Soon Rakhat and I will be in Turkey. There is so much to see and do there.
I expect to be in Greece when Rakhat leaves to return to Bishkek.
Until next time Aloha,Mahalo,& Malama Pono.
Joanne
Outside of Bishket no internet access. But finally back after a wonderful journey to Rakhat's home town of Naryn and area called Isskyk Kul,where the weather and vegetation is like in the mountains of Kokee.
It took nearly 6 hours by taxi to get to Naryn. Kyrgyzstan is 90% mountains. Just gorgeous!!!!!
Some white capped with snow and always mountains,meadows, and rushing streams and rivers.
At one point we traveled pass huge container trucks. Trucks from China following the Old Silk Road. We were about 200 miles from China.
We arrived in Naryn about 5-6pm. Although I was a bit tired I could not resist going for a walk into the mountains behind Rakhat's home. Rakhat, his mom, 12year old brother Danielle and I climbed the mountain trail along a running stream. I felt like Heidi. Goats and sheep walked along the mountain side. An elderly couple were at their mountain home to tend them. Danielle climbs the mountains like the herd. He dashed over the stream and rocks to help redirect the live stock when he noticed they were going in the wrong direction. Mother found some berries and plants used for medicial purposes. The air was fresh and the sun was setting between two mountains. It was lonely. We spent about an hour enjoying to walk and just being there. Rakhat said the water was clean and pure,but I was afraid being warned to only drink boiled,or bottled water.
In Naryn we visited Rakhat's Turkish Boys' School and met the new principal who greeted us warmly and offered us special Turkish coffee. After a tour of the school which was being repainted and upgraded we went outside and found 4 of Rakhat's classmates waiting for us with more refreshments. All his friends are now enrolled in universities in Bishket,but were back in Naryn to meet Rakhat's Hawaii mother. They spoke English amazingly well. They all learned English in high school,but have little opportunity to speak it.
Next day they arranged a picnic in the mountain,their favorite retreat from boarding high school.
They brought watermellon,honey dew,and drinks which they cooled in the mountain stream. Rakhat's mother brought fresh cucumber/tomato salad, delicious round bread,cookies, and chai to add to the meal. It was so nice. The boys took me on a walk into the woods.There were places they had to carry me over the stream. I asked them to sing for me and they burst into song. There were only 18 in their class and so became very close and enjoyed singing together.
Next day we headed for another mountain/lake where we were invited to have a meal in a yurt or Bozo. I taught Rakhat, his mom and brother Gi Gong and we climbed a mountain and took a nap on the top. We even went horseback riding before leaving to go home.
Next day we packed to travel to another area called Issyk Kul or "hot" lake because the lake never freezes even though there are snow capped mountains everywhere. It is a huge lake and a tourist resort for people from neighboring countries as well as Kygyz people. I met several from Bishket while swimming in the lake. Here we stayed four nights with Rakhat's aunty,sister to his father. Father stayed home to watch the house. But this time 6yrs old Byjohn also came along. I learned that it has been nearly 5 years since they visited with these relatives. They had much to talk about and catch up. Later, when they prepared a huge meal from the sheep they had slaughtered and skined,etc especially for me I learned that the host was mayor of this district. He had also invited his older brother and two sons from Bishket to stay in his big house.
We had some very interesting conversations with Rakhat as translator and interpreter.
Later in the T.V. room I got a chance to converse with the boys who are about the same age as Rakhat. The mayor also has two sons Rakhat and Sultan's age. Sultan, Rakhat's classmate, also came along on this trip so I used him as translator. Six boys and me. At discos they dance to American/Russian music and they also like hip hop. In this group only Sultan and Rakhat to could speak English well. They attended public high school. Earlier Rakhat mentioned that many students from public high schools did not like the kids from the Turkish Private High School. They felt that the private high school boys felt they were better. Whether they liked it or not kids in private school had a big advantage over kids in public schools everywhere. It was very obvious when we visited his school. They have better school materials,smaller classes,and they are a select group. Only those who can afford it or were superior and able to get scholarships could attend private school.
We returned to Bishket on Friday so we could arrange for our tickets to Turkey with Turkish Airlines.
Yesterday one of Rakhats former teachers arranged to have us stay at the boys dornmitory for a very low cost at a new two year old building. We can stay there until Aug. 24. The university students will be returning to the dorm on the 25th. We are very fortunate. We have confirmed reservations to fly to Istanbul on the 27th,and watlisted for Tuesday Aug. 21th.
We are getting some help from Rakhat's Turkish friends for places to stay in Turkey.
Yesterday I was invited to Rakhat's grandparents (his mother's parents)in the outskirts of Bishket. Both are doctors. They have a very nice big house. They expressed their appreciation for my having Rakhat in my home in Hawaii. They didn't want Rakhat to go just as they are fearful of his going to Turkey. They are afraid something might happen to him and he will not return. They raised Karkat,Rakhat's older brother,because Rakhat was a 7 month 4 lbls premature baby and gave his mother a hard time. Rakhat tends to be asmathic like his grandmother.
It has been just an amazing journey. I have enjoyed every minute of it. I thank God for making this all possible. Soon Rakhat and I will be in Turkey. There is so much to see and do there.
I expect to be in Greece when Rakhat leaves to return to Bishkek.
Until next time Aloha,Mahalo,& Malama Pono.
Joanne
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Continue from Tanger,Rabat,Fes, and Marrakesh
Looking at the computer in Russian is very change. It seems my second blog entry did not take. I didn't end in time to get my story posted.
I am in Kyrgyzstan now. All is well now but for a while I didn't know what to do when Rakhat did not appear. Several taxi drivers try to insist on taking me to a hotel. I guess I did look lost.
Just before leaving the plane I talked to two oriental looking ladies. They said that they now in New Jersey but was home for a visit. I started searching for them for help. I found one who offered to have her son call the number Rakhat gave me for his grandparents living in Bishket. Her son said it was the wrong number. The lady was nice enough to give me her name and phone number if Rakhat didn't appear and I needed help. I made up my mind to stay at the airport and wait. I did consider calling the U.S. embassy, but remembered that this was Saturday so it would probably be closed. I prayed. About an hour later Rakhat and his friend did appear. Was I relieved. They said that the flights are usually an hour late. Today it was on time.
I was so happy to see Rakhat. However, I immediately noticed that he had lost a lot of wait. He said that he lost about 20lbs. Other than that he is the same Rakhat. His friend and high school classmate was an exchange student in South Carolina.
There taxi driver friend helped us look for a place for me to stay in Bishket. We found an apartment and right now Rakhat and his cousin(girl age 19 years)are at the apartment cooking,while Chyngyz,his high school classmate and best friend,and I are at the internet cafe.
After spending all morning searching for a place,I took a good nap this afternoon. At 6pm they came back and all for us went shopping for groceries. We plan to tour Bishket for 5 days than head for Naryn,Rakhat's home.
I was told by a woman on the airplane that Kyrgyzstan was not as highly developed as Georgia.
I was prepared not to expect anything. Although Bishket is the capitol it doesn't appear to be a big city. However much preparation is being made because seem leaders from neighboring countries will be here in Bishket for a conference to see if some sort of alliance can be formed like the Euro-community. Rakhat said that countries Kazastan,Russia,Kyrgyzstan,Uzbeckistan,China and maybe Turkmanistan.
I will go back to talking about my experiences in Tangier,Rabat,Fes and Marrakesh another time. There is so much I would like to tell you.
Jakshy kal ....means Aloha until next time. Joanne
I am in Kyrgyzstan now. All is well now but for a while I didn't know what to do when Rakhat did not appear. Several taxi drivers try to insist on taking me to a hotel. I guess I did look lost.
Just before leaving the plane I talked to two oriental looking ladies. They said that they now in New Jersey but was home for a visit. I started searching for them for help. I found one who offered to have her son call the number Rakhat gave me for his grandparents living in Bishket. Her son said it was the wrong number. The lady was nice enough to give me her name and phone number if Rakhat didn't appear and I needed help. I made up my mind to stay at the airport and wait. I did consider calling the U.S. embassy, but remembered that this was Saturday so it would probably be closed. I prayed. About an hour later Rakhat and his friend did appear. Was I relieved. They said that the flights are usually an hour late. Today it was on time.
I was so happy to see Rakhat. However, I immediately noticed that he had lost a lot of wait. He said that he lost about 20lbs. Other than that he is the same Rakhat. His friend and high school classmate was an exchange student in South Carolina.
There taxi driver friend helped us look for a place for me to stay in Bishket. We found an apartment and right now Rakhat and his cousin(girl age 19 years)are at the apartment cooking,while Chyngyz,his high school classmate and best friend,and I are at the internet cafe.
After spending all morning searching for a place,I took a good nap this afternoon. At 6pm they came back and all for us went shopping for groceries. We plan to tour Bishket for 5 days than head for Naryn,Rakhat's home.
I was told by a woman on the airplane that Kyrgyzstan was not as highly developed as Georgia.
I was prepared not to expect anything. Although Bishket is the capitol it doesn't appear to be a big city. However much preparation is being made because seem leaders from neighboring countries will be here in Bishket for a conference to see if some sort of alliance can be formed like the Euro-community. Rakhat said that countries Kazastan,Russia,Kyrgyzstan,Uzbeckistan,China and maybe Turkmanistan.
I will go back to talking about my experiences in Tangier,Rabat,Fes and Marrakesh another time. There is so much I would like to tell you.
Jakshy kal ....means Aloha until next time. Joanne
Friday, August 3, 2007
I am now in London. Came in from Casablancaa yesterday. Today I fly to Kyrgyzstan. I hope Rakhat is at the airport to greet me at 5am tomorrow. Getting to a computer has been difficult in Morocco. Besides the computers have French keyboard was frustrating.
I don't know whether getting to a computer will be any better in Kyrgyzstan. Anyway it has been very interesting and eventful since leaving Seville. First the train service from Seville to Cordoba to Algerciras is not as good. I really enjoyed seeing the country side. Lots of rolling hills and mountains and little towns in between. Lots more huge olive groves miles and miles covering the mountains.
The train got stalled just before Algeciras so I didn't get to the ferry port in time to catch my fast ferry. Because my ticket was for that ferry which left it caused much confusion. There were two men who were going on the ferry to Tanger or Tangier...it is written and pronounced so many different ways it can cause problems for a person who doesn't know the language... anyway these two guys were so helpful. They carried my bags and tried to help me. They were able to leave before me. I finally got a ferry...slow boat....took one official a whole hour to check everyone's passport. The ferry was full of families returning to Morocco. One of the most interesting things about traveling is meeting all kinds of interesting people. A young teenager standing next to me spoke English. He and his family have been living in Holland but were back to visit family. A father with to young boys ages 11 and 6 wanted his son who is learning English in school to practice his English with me. I took a photo of him. After all the hassel it was nice to lay down on the deck on the top of the ship and take a nap. I enjoyed watching the young (head covered)young pretty teenage Muslin girls eyeing the young teenage boys and vise versa.
Being an innocent traveler I got caught twice.
I don't know whether getting to a computer will be any better in Kyrgyzstan. Anyway it has been very interesting and eventful since leaving Seville. First the train service from Seville to Cordoba to Algerciras is not as good. I really enjoyed seeing the country side. Lots of rolling hills and mountains and little towns in between. Lots more huge olive groves miles and miles covering the mountains.
The train got stalled just before Algeciras so I didn't get to the ferry port in time to catch my fast ferry. Because my ticket was for that ferry which left it caused much confusion. There were two men who were going on the ferry to Tanger or Tangier...it is written and pronounced so many different ways it can cause problems for a person who doesn't know the language... anyway these two guys were so helpful. They carried my bags and tried to help me. They were able to leave before me. I finally got a ferry...slow boat....took one official a whole hour to check everyone's passport. The ferry was full of families returning to Morocco. One of the most interesting things about traveling is meeting all kinds of interesting people. A young teenager standing next to me spoke English. He and his family have been living in Holland but were back to visit family. A father with to young boys ages 11 and 6 wanted his son who is learning English in school to practice his English with me. I took a photo of him. After all the hassel it was nice to lay down on the deck on the top of the ship and take a nap. I enjoyed watching the young (head covered)young pretty teenage Muslin girls eyeing the young teenage boys and vise versa.
Being an innocent traveler I got caught twice.
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