Hi,
Made it to Egypt. Arrived here Egyptian time 5pm...Athens time 6pm. As advised by my contact in Egypt Jean Isteerio,wife of Egyptian Editor of the Upper Room I asked for a limo(but is was more like a taxi)to the Victoria Hotel where we were to meet for the Intepid Tour.
Met Esom,our handsome Egyptian guide,two guys from Australia,and one girl,Josie, from UK.
Yes, only four of us. According to Josie who has been on many Intrepid Tours this is the smallest group she has had. She feels this is probably due to it being Ramadan,the most important time for Muslins,and many shops would be closed.
I like the philosopher of Intrepid. They strongly believe in responsible tourism which means respect for the people and culture and place.
We meet for breakfast now and we will be off at 8:00am to see the pyramids and tombs.
Shari emailed saying they just saw a special on T.V. on Egypt.
Aloha and Malama Pono and A hui hoa,
Joanne
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Now In Athens, Greece
I met two very nice people on the ferry to Samos. Jon of Australia and Burcu pronounced like bonjour of Turkey. It was kind of funny how we met. I thought Burcu might be from U.S. So I asked her. She was sitting across me. I thought she was an especially attractive young girl. She said that she was Turkish,but worked in L.A. for 14 months and would love to go back. Jon sat next to me with a book in his face and had a strange looking musical instrument on the floor. He said I am sorry and moved his instrument at which time I introduced myself and Burcu to him.
Jon was going to Mykonos and Burcu had plans to go to Santarini. I asked if I could join her. I had no definite plans except I knew I wanted to spent sometime in the Greek islands before going on to Athens. I was told Athens was more expensive.
Anyway we hit it off so well we spent time together on Samos,Mykonos,Delos and Naxos islands. And I think I started a romance between Jon and Burcu. Anyway time wll tell.
Burcu changed her mind so we did not go to Santarini. Burcu left us after Mykonos to return to Turkey. Jon has many interests and talents. He loves Ancient ruins so I joined him on a half day ferry trip to Delos,a very important rich city in ancient B.C.
Jon comes from the hill country of Australia so loves hiking. So when we got to Naxos island which is situated almost equal distance from Turkey and mainland Greece, we hiked 5-6 miles into the central part of the island. We met James of Kent, England in Chiaki, a young man probably a little younger than Jon (33 years old)who joinned us. I told them to go at their pace and I will follow behing at my pace. They were nice enough to check on me now and then and wait for me if I fell back too far. We visited old,old churches following narrow paths. One had pictures and story of John the Baptist. The truncks of the olive trees around the churches were so huge I am sure if they could talk they would be able to tell us a lot.
I really liked Naxos. It was a good place to rest and relax. Jon stayed for three nights before he left for Athens where he was meeting some old friends. Jon has been working in Scotland for 3 years as a Maritime curator. But before he left we rented a car together and went completely around the island. We had a funny experience when we stopped at a beach to eat our home packed lunch. We had two groups of people waving to us to come. We tossed a coin to see which we would sit and have coffee. Apparently we choose the restaurant of a couple who had been there for 30 years. They felt very threatened by their neighbor(restaurant)who had been there for 6 years.
The sea was too rough here so we looked for another nice beach where we could swim and rest.
The waters here are very clear and blue. It was much cooler her than when we took that gulet around the cloves of Fethiye. There the waters were unbelieveably warm.
Anyway after Jon left I stayed on until the 24th of Sept. Totally 11 days on Naxos. While Jon was here he introduced me to the concerts offered by the Museum which was fairly inexpensive.
I especially enjoyed the Local Folk singers and dancers group so I went back to see them three times. The director said you are more than a visitor. You are part of us. I especially like the two male dancers. They were terrific!!! And so handsome;not only in looks but they zest and pose.
Last night the moon was big and full. I, all of sudden forgot her name,but a nice young girl,a dorm mate and I walked about three miles to find the Dora Stratou Dance Company. Apparently they aren't performing anymore. Anyway we decided to have late dinner at a Lonely Planet suggested eating place right near Student Inn, called Byzantino. It was very nice.
Later we heard Greek Folk music and followed the sound. It came from another restaurant so we just enjoyed it sitting in a near by courtyard.
Jon was going to Mykonos and Burcu had plans to go to Santarini. I asked if I could join her. I had no definite plans except I knew I wanted to spent sometime in the Greek islands before going on to Athens. I was told Athens was more expensive.
Anyway we hit it off so well we spent time together on Samos,Mykonos,Delos and Naxos islands. And I think I started a romance between Jon and Burcu. Anyway time wll tell.
Burcu changed her mind so we did not go to Santarini. Burcu left us after Mykonos to return to Turkey. Jon has many interests and talents. He loves Ancient ruins so I joined him on a half day ferry trip to Delos,a very important rich city in ancient B.C.
Jon comes from the hill country of Australia so loves hiking. So when we got to Naxos island which is situated almost equal distance from Turkey and mainland Greece, we hiked 5-6 miles into the central part of the island. We met James of Kent, England in Chiaki, a young man probably a little younger than Jon (33 years old)who joinned us. I told them to go at their pace and I will follow behing at my pace. They were nice enough to check on me now and then and wait for me if I fell back too far. We visited old,old churches following narrow paths. One had pictures and story of John the Baptist. The truncks of the olive trees around the churches were so huge I am sure if they could talk they would be able to tell us a lot.
I really liked Naxos. It was a good place to rest and relax. Jon stayed for three nights before he left for Athens where he was meeting some old friends. Jon has been working in Scotland for 3 years as a Maritime curator. But before he left we rented a car together and went completely around the island. We had a funny experience when we stopped at a beach to eat our home packed lunch. We had two groups of people waving to us to come. We tossed a coin to see which we would sit and have coffee. Apparently we choose the restaurant of a couple who had been there for 30 years. They felt very threatened by their neighbor(restaurant)who had been there for 6 years.
The sea was too rough here so we looked for another nice beach where we could swim and rest.
The waters here are very clear and blue. It was much cooler her than when we took that gulet around the cloves of Fethiye. There the waters were unbelieveably warm.
Anyway after Jon left I stayed on until the 24th of Sept. Totally 11 days on Naxos. While Jon was here he introduced me to the concerts offered by the Museum which was fairly inexpensive.
I especially enjoyed the Local Folk singers and dancers group so I went back to see them three times. The director said you are more than a visitor. You are part of us. I especially like the two male dancers. They were terrific!!! And so handsome;not only in looks but they zest and pose.
Last night the moon was big and full. I, all of sudden forgot her name,but a nice young girl,a dorm mate and I walked about three miles to find the Dora Stratou Dance Company. Apparently they aren't performing anymore. Anyway we decided to have late dinner at a Lonely Planet suggested eating place right near Student Inn, called Byzantino. It was very nice.
Later we heard Greek Folk music and followed the sound. It came from another restaurant so we just enjoyed it sitting in a near by courtyard.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Reflections and Comments
It has been good to just sit and reflect on the past three months.
My decision to make this round the world trip was not decided until last October so had really little time to plan and study. Nevertheless it has been an incredible journey.
Looking back;
Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Greece were countries I knew very little about so everything seen and experienced has been very unexpected. I learned a lot about Rakhat by my visit with his family,friends, and associates. I have a greater understanding and respect as to the kind of culture adjustments he had to make. The language...totally strange;spelling,sounds,pronouciations,etc. Here in Greece...I nowunderstand more deeply what is meant by "It's Greek to me!!!" Yesterday on the street a very nicely dressed lady elderly lady started talking to me. I shrugged my shoulder and said,"I speak only English"She kept speaking to me,but our only way of communicating was laughing. She may not have been speaking Greek. She spoke to passer bys and they did not respond to her. I saw her looking at postcards so she must have been a tourist also.
Turkey is indeed a country that has a lot to offer a traveler. There transportation is very good;especially the bus system. It is cheap comparately. The highways are very good for long distance travel and the country is beautiful;terrain extreme varied, and many many interesting places to visit. Because we traveled on the Fez Bus we met many many young people between the ages of 20-40. Australians are great travelers and know how to do it cheap...backpacking,and there are many low cost places.
As Pastor Olaf said...you can eat very cheaply in Greece. The gyros pronounced "Euro" like the money is one of those. And no matter where you get it it is the same price. I did find a place that makes it better than another, though and told them so. It is delicious and filling.
I have met so many interesting people that I will have to devote one blogspot to it.
Using the internet in Greece is more expensive than Turkey as is everything else since it is in the European community. I am so glad I had Rakhat with me in Turkey. Greece is a safer place to travel as a single female than Turkey. But having had a Turkish speaking companion was a tremendous asset. My two hours is up so I shall try to continue next time.
Aloha, Joanne
My decision to make this round the world trip was not decided until last October so had really little time to plan and study. Nevertheless it has been an incredible journey.
Looking back;
Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Greece were countries I knew very little about so everything seen and experienced has been very unexpected. I learned a lot about Rakhat by my visit with his family,friends, and associates. I have a greater understanding and respect as to the kind of culture adjustments he had to make. The language...totally strange;spelling,sounds,pronouciations,etc. Here in Greece...I nowunderstand more deeply what is meant by "It's Greek to me!!!" Yesterday on the street a very nicely dressed lady elderly lady started talking to me. I shrugged my shoulder and said,"I speak only English"She kept speaking to me,but our only way of communicating was laughing. She may not have been speaking Greek. She spoke to passer bys and they did not respond to her. I saw her looking at postcards so she must have been a tourist also.
Turkey is indeed a country that has a lot to offer a traveler. There transportation is very good;especially the bus system. It is cheap comparately. The highways are very good for long distance travel and the country is beautiful;terrain extreme varied, and many many interesting places to visit. Because we traveled on the Fez Bus we met many many young people between the ages of 20-40. Australians are great travelers and know how to do it cheap...backpacking,and there are many low cost places.
As Pastor Olaf said...you can eat very cheaply in Greece. The gyros pronounced "Euro" like the money is one of those. And no matter where you get it it is the same price. I did find a place that makes it better than another, though and told them so. It is delicious and filling.
I have met so many interesting people that I will have to devote one blogspot to it.
Using the internet in Greece is more expensive than Turkey as is everything else since it is in the European community. I am so glad I had Rakhat with me in Turkey. Greece is a safer place to travel as a single female than Turkey. But having had a Turkish speaking companion was a tremendous asset. My two hours is up so I shall try to continue next time.
Aloha, Joanne
Saturday, September 15, 2007
I am back finally
It has been a trying time for me since Rakhat left last Friday in more than one way. I took an over night regular Turkish bus the same night to Kusadasi with plans to catch the ferry to Samos after a night's rest. To my dismay I discovered on Saturday that I did not have my credit card.
I thought back as to when I last used it. It must have been at the ATM machine in Istanbul. So relieved after finally being able to figure out the best plan,cost and time wise I relaxed my guard.
I called Greg in Layton, Utah to talk to Shari whoes family was vacationing there. It must have been early early morning there. I had very little cash because, only to carry me for two days. I did not want to be holding anyTurkish litr since I could not use it in Greece.
On the over night bus I met two really nice Australian boys both 19 years old. They were traveling for a year before entering college. In Australia they encourage this. The schools will hold their space until the following year. They were going to Samos also on Monday so I asked them if I could join them.
Because it was the weekend Shari said that I would have to wait till Monday before she could wire some funds to me which meant I could not go with them.
I prayed earnestly. Apparently God had better plans for me.
I stayed another night in Kusadasi,Turkey. Finally got myself on the ferry on Tuesday morning.
But since I was so depressed, I guess, I fell down twice. Once Sunday afternoon off the side walk into the street. Luckyly the people at the restaurent I went to which was recommended by Lonely Planet were kind enough to give me some ice in a bag so I could put it on my knee. And before I left I met two lovely Turkish girls eating at the restaurant. They were older college students camping near by. We had a wonderful conversation.
Next day on Samos I tripped and fell again. Also the sun screen offered me got into my eyes and really bothered me for a couple days. But all that is in the past and I am fine now.
I need to get back to my pad. I will continue this saga tomorrow. Now that I am on Naxos,a very peaceful small island,where I plan to rest for the next 10 days before getting myself to Athens I will have more time to sit,reflect, and write.
Alooooha,and God Bless,
Joanne
I thought back as to when I last used it. It must have been at the ATM machine in Istanbul. So relieved after finally being able to figure out the best plan,cost and time wise I relaxed my guard.
I called Greg in Layton, Utah to talk to Shari whoes family was vacationing there. It must have been early early morning there. I had very little cash because, only to carry me for two days. I did not want to be holding anyTurkish litr since I could not use it in Greece.
On the over night bus I met two really nice Australian boys both 19 years old. They were traveling for a year before entering college. In Australia they encourage this. The schools will hold their space until the following year. They were going to Samos also on Monday so I asked them if I could join them.
Because it was the weekend Shari said that I would have to wait till Monday before she could wire some funds to me which meant I could not go with them.
I prayed earnestly. Apparently God had better plans for me.
I stayed another night in Kusadasi,Turkey. Finally got myself on the ferry on Tuesday morning.
But since I was so depressed, I guess, I fell down twice. Once Sunday afternoon off the side walk into the street. Luckyly the people at the restaurent I went to which was recommended by Lonely Planet were kind enough to give me some ice in a bag so I could put it on my knee. And before I left I met two lovely Turkish girls eating at the restaurant. They were older college students camping near by. We had a wonderful conversation.
Next day on Samos I tripped and fell again. Also the sun screen offered me got into my eyes and really bothered me for a couple days. But all that is in the past and I am fine now.
I need to get back to my pad. I will continue this saga tomorrow. Now that I am on Naxos,a very peaceful small island,where I plan to rest for the next 10 days before getting myself to Athens I will have more time to sit,reflect, and write.
Alooooha,and God Bless,
Joanne
Monday, September 10, 2007
Rakhat and I said our farewell and I am on my own
Rakhat wished the travel would never end. He was having such a wonderful time. Yet, he had to confess that he really missed particular people back home. You would not guessed that seeing him enjoying all the pretty girls from London and elsewhere. He is definitely a normal 19 year old boy with healthy interest in the opposite sex. He is hopefully back in school today.
I emailed him but have not heard from him yet.
Gosh, What can I say. The 18 days in Turkey was packed with amazing sights. I had never been interested in Turkey so had not read too much about it. So many of the things we saw and did was a complete surprise to me. The Blue Mosque in Istanbul was one of them. We took in all the sites recommended by Loney Planet travel guide book and Rakhat high school teacher friends...
Aya Sofya..Church of Holy Wisdon..Blue Mosque..Topkapi Palace...The Grand Bazaar...I did not like it...too commerical. We really enjoyed taking the ferry on the Bosporus Sea to get to Beyoglu, the modern Istanbul. But eating at Burger King was one of Rakhat joys. It reminded him of Kauai and there is no Burger King or McDonald in Kyrgyzstan.
Seeing Turkey on the Fez Bus Hop On and Hop Off program was a good thing. It caters to the 20 to 30 age group so Rakhat got to meet many people his age. Not only do they take us to some off beat places but the bus holds only 8 to 10 people so you really get a chance to get to know each other. We drop people off and we see them again in a few days. It is like seeing old friends.
Morocco,Kyrgyzstan,Turkey are all Muslin countries so everyday several times a day I hear the call to prayer sung out loud from the Mosque to all parts. As Rakhat says not everyone is a good Muslim just as not all Christians practice their religion. Not all woman wear cover up clothing , but you definitely notice the difference in the various towns we visited.
We definitely covered a great deal of miles. From Istanbul the bus took us around the Marmara Sea to get to Gallipoli,Canakkale, and Troy. I did not take the Gallipoli tour. I let Rakhat go.Men from his country participated and dead in that war on the side of Turkey. Learning about that war I can understand why Turkish people are very patriotic and lift up Mustafa Kemal,later known as Ataturk, father of modern Turkey. The flag of Turkey is flown everywhere and Ataturk statue stands in every town.
The tour guides at both Gallipole and Troy had personal attachments to each place..someone in their families were connected some way. I learned a lot of history from before B.C. and after.
We traveled to Ephesus and visited the site of that once florishing city that Apostle Paul refers to. The baths were the place to hold your business meetings so they were interestingly designed.
The guide said that Cleopatra was not a beautiful lady in physcal appearance,but it is true she was quite a lady who held great power. I did not even realize that she had been in Ephesus and many other places outside of Egypt.
A place I knew nothing about was PAMUKKALE. That place was fascinating. From afar it looked like the mountain side was covered with snow....it really looks like snow.
I will quite now. People are waiting to use the computer.
Aloha until next time. Joanne
I emailed him but have not heard from him yet.
Gosh, What can I say. The 18 days in Turkey was packed with amazing sights. I had never been interested in Turkey so had not read too much about it. So many of the things we saw and did was a complete surprise to me. The Blue Mosque in Istanbul was one of them. We took in all the sites recommended by Loney Planet travel guide book and Rakhat high school teacher friends...
Aya Sofya..Church of Holy Wisdon..Blue Mosque..Topkapi Palace...The Grand Bazaar...I did not like it...too commerical. We really enjoyed taking the ferry on the Bosporus Sea to get to Beyoglu, the modern Istanbul. But eating at Burger King was one of Rakhat joys. It reminded him of Kauai and there is no Burger King or McDonald in Kyrgyzstan.
Seeing Turkey on the Fez Bus Hop On and Hop Off program was a good thing. It caters to the 20 to 30 age group so Rakhat got to meet many people his age. Not only do they take us to some off beat places but the bus holds only 8 to 10 people so you really get a chance to get to know each other. We drop people off and we see them again in a few days. It is like seeing old friends.
Morocco,Kyrgyzstan,Turkey are all Muslin countries so everyday several times a day I hear the call to prayer sung out loud from the Mosque to all parts. As Rakhat says not everyone is a good Muslim just as not all Christians practice their religion. Not all woman wear cover up clothing , but you definitely notice the difference in the various towns we visited.
We definitely covered a great deal of miles. From Istanbul the bus took us around the Marmara Sea to get to Gallipoli,Canakkale, and Troy. I did not take the Gallipoli tour. I let Rakhat go.Men from his country participated and dead in that war on the side of Turkey. Learning about that war I can understand why Turkish people are very patriotic and lift up Mustafa Kemal,later known as Ataturk, father of modern Turkey. The flag of Turkey is flown everywhere and Ataturk statue stands in every town.
The tour guides at both Gallipole and Troy had personal attachments to each place..someone in their families were connected some way. I learned a lot of history from before B.C. and after.
We traveled to Ephesus and visited the site of that once florishing city that Apostle Paul refers to. The baths were the place to hold your business meetings so they were interestingly designed.
The guide said that Cleopatra was not a beautiful lady in physcal appearance,but it is true she was quite a lady who held great power. I did not even realize that she had been in Ephesus and many other places outside of Egypt.
A place I knew nothing about was PAMUKKALE. That place was fascinating. From afar it looked like the mountain side was covered with snow....it really looks like snow.
I will quite now. People are waiting to use the computer.
Aloha until next time. Joanne
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Fairy chimney,and all,fantastic
Again I am at a free computer at the Rock Valley Pension,and someone is waiting and we are allowed only 10 minutes so I shall try to get back later.
We leave for Istanbul at 8pm tonight. I plan to get to Greece somehow, I am not sure yet.
Aloha, Joanne
We thank God we have been well. This has been a marvelous trip. I would not have come to Turkey if was not for Rakhat.
We leave for Istanbul at 8pm tonight. I plan to get to Greece somehow, I am not sure yet.
Aloha, Joanne
We thank God we have been well. This has been a marvelous trip. I would not have come to Turkey if was not for Rakhat.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Awesome,Awesome,Awesome
I always thought of the mediterranean Sea as the playground of the rich. Now I understand why. The scenery is unbelieveably beautiful,clear blue waters surrounded by tree covered hills and mountains.....many many small coves where the gulets can anchor...and the scene is like a painting...unimagineably beautiful. I arise at 6am ,everyone else is asleep,even the cook. The sky colors before the sun peeks over the mountains...it is so beautiful. We slip into the warm,clear,blue waters before,and after each meal. The waters are warmer and saltier than the Hawaiian waters I am accustomed to. It is easy to slip in the early morning because of its warmth and you can not drown. It is so easy to float...your body is half way above the water.
We were 11 besides the crew of 4. Most were from Istanbul,5 career girls all friends,a newly married couple,also from Istanbul,one health nurse from Sidney,Australia,one young lady lawyer from Seattle and Rakhat and I. As always Rakhat was the youngest and I the oldest.
We had so much fun,sharing our culture and talents. It was a very congenial group. The girls were between 34 to 44 years old,all nice looking Turkish girls and almost always in their biniki swim wear.
Rakhat had fun listening and talking to them in Turkish as well as feasting his eyes on their lovely bodies. They loved to sing and dance,one read Turkish coffee cups and came up with some interesting stories about our lives. The nurse from Sidney also read Tara cards and had some interesting things to say about each. I shared a hula and taught them Qi Gong.
Do not be surprise if we have some of these girls on Kauai in the future.
One plans to take English classes in Australia. Her girl friends plan to escort her there than leave her to complete her course and return to pick her up when she is through. Then they may stop in Hawaii.
I loved sleeping on the upper deck where I can watch the moon and stars. It was a wonderful experience. The cook was very good. The crew very nice.
We returned at 6pm this afternoon and tomorrow we take off on the Fez bus for Olympus.
I am so thankful that God has provided us with all the wonders of his world and has kept us safe.
There has been very few adverse situations. My children Shari and Greg have been in touch with me through email and have been helping me whenever I needed help.
To my Bible study class. I will be able to tell you about Ephesus. The tour was fascinating.
Aloha,and Malama Pono,
Joanne
We were 11 besides the crew of 4. Most were from Istanbul,5 career girls all friends,a newly married couple,also from Istanbul,one health nurse from Sidney,Australia,one young lady lawyer from Seattle and Rakhat and I. As always Rakhat was the youngest and I the oldest.
We had so much fun,sharing our culture and talents. It was a very congenial group. The girls were between 34 to 44 years old,all nice looking Turkish girls and almost always in their biniki swim wear.
Rakhat had fun listening and talking to them in Turkish as well as feasting his eyes on their lovely bodies. They loved to sing and dance,one read Turkish coffee cups and came up with some interesting stories about our lives. The nurse from Sidney also read Tara cards and had some interesting things to say about each. I shared a hula and taught them Qi Gong.
Do not be surprise if we have some of these girls on Kauai in the future.
One plans to take English classes in Australia. Her girl friends plan to escort her there than leave her to complete her course and return to pick her up when she is through. Then they may stop in Hawaii.
I loved sleeping on the upper deck where I can watch the moon and stars. It was a wonderful experience. The cook was very good. The crew very nice.
We returned at 6pm this afternoon and tomorrow we take off on the Fez bus for Olympus.
I am so thankful that God has provided us with all the wonders of his world and has kept us safe.
There has been very few adverse situations. My children Shari and Greg have been in touch with me through email and have been helping me whenever I needed help.
To my Bible study class. I will be able to tell you about Ephesus. The tour was fascinating.
Aloha,and Malama Pono,
Joanne
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