In-Between
Travel on side roads
-
Between Konya and Cappadocia: Dervishes, Caravans, and Turkish Rugs
As we traversed Turkey, we followed narrow roadways over uneven landscape, tracing ancient trade routes and stumbling upon small towns nestled among the hills. We visited the monastery of Mevlana, a caravenserai, and experienced demonstrations of stunning Turkish artisanship.
-
Pamukkale: Sunken Cities and White Travertines of Healing
Everyone loves a good spa. Especially one with magical healing properties. Pamukkale, in the coastal Aegean region of Turkey, is one such place. Well, the magic is hear-say, though I found it magical. With white stone, perfect turquoise water, and roman ruins beneath my kicking feet--it's about as magical as one can get.
-
Kusadasi: Seaside Getaway with a Hidden Face
Kusadasi, on the Turkish coast, is a seaside town with beautiful views. Bargain beach hunters flock to Kusadasi in the summer months, but, it’s not just a beach town. Truly magnificent history lies only a few miles away… But first, some relaxation! And now, the sites! House of the Virgin Mary Mary is believed to have spent the last years…
-
The Ruins of Ephesus: A City Out of Time
I've never seen anything like Ephesus. I've never seen a Roman home with original tiling. I've never seen rows of shops with the original carved signs detailing the shops offerings. And most importantly, I've never seen it all together, so well preserved as a single city. That's Ephesus, a true step back in time. A true city preserved like no…
-
Healing and Horrors at a Roman Psychiatric Hospital
Perhaps it's only because the United States is so void of ancient cities and archaic remnants that I am so enamored with ancient things. I wonder about the people living in Turkey. Is it meaningful to them that they can throw a rock and hit yet another gorgeous ancient ruin? Or it simply another thing that hardly warrants noticing, like…
-
To Breach the Walls of Troy
1000 ships. 10 years. 1 hollow horse. Luckily, I only had to wait in line for 10 minutes to breach the walls of Troy. I grew up on myths. I remember reading a child-friendly version of The Iliad in the fourth grade. As a school project, I created a home video of the Twelve Labors of Heracles, including putting a…
-
Along the River Danube: Ancient Fortresses and Fearless Kings
I was doing an excellent job of clutching the trappings of Romanticism tight, so I hardly needed help, but the beautiful countries of Eastern Europe continued to prop up my escapism. After all, now we were starting to see castles!
