Turkey 2013

Istanbul -The only city that straddles two continents - Asia and Europe.  It is located between the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea.  The Bosphorus separates the city and is one of the world's busiest waterways.

Blue Mosque, a 17th century Ottoman Mosque famous with its six minarets and magnificent interior with blue tiles.

Hippodrome, the place chariot races and competitive athletic events took place during the Roman period.

St. Sophia (Haiga Sophia) – the great Byzantine Basilica built in the 6th century, which remained the largest cathedral in the world for almost a thousand years, it was later converted to a mosque and now serves as a museum.

Topkapi Palace 

Grand Bazaar 

Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise  

Spice Market 

Istanbul Crowds -  Istanbul has a population of 13.9 million, and is the third largest city in the world. Istanbul has a land area of 5,343 square kilometers. The crowds can make getting anywhere very tedious.  The vehicular traffic is unbelievably slow.

City of Troy - classical city of Troy. Tour this 4000-year-old city and legendary center of the Trojan War, made immortal by Homer's epic poem The Iliad.

Canakkale 

We crossed the Dardanelles by ferry and drove to Canakkale.

Pergamum Asclepion - a powerful kingdom during the ancient Hellenistic period (289-129 B.C.), and visit the Asclepion, the ancient Roman spa center. Modern treatments that have been used for centuries such as physiotherapy, massage, mud bathing, and herbal medicine were practiced here.

Izmir - a city believed to be the birthplace of Homer. 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.

Ephesus & House of the Virgin Mary 

Necropolis & Hieropolis - Necropolis and the ancient city of Hieropolis ("Holy City"), situated atop the Pamukkale is a UNESCO World Heritage Site - The hot springs have served as a thermal bath since the 2nd century B.C., primarily for the ailing and elderly, many of whom have retired here.

Antalya -  Founded by King Attalos of Pergamum as "Heaven on Earth," Antalya is an international resort city that has become a prime destination in Turkey.

Cappadocia - a large abandoned city and shelter in Cappadocia, built on the Silk Road, whose main portal gate is considered a fine example of Turkish Seljuk art. During the Seljuk period, trade flourished, requiring roads for caravan transport and inns for the traveling traders. The Caravanserai provided these traders, both foreign and native, with heated rooms, food, medical attention, equipment repair and many other common conveniences. There was even a small mosque, known as "Kosk Mescid," in the courtyard's center where the travelers could conduct religious practices.

Caravanserai - 13th-century Caravanserai of Sultanhan

Nevsehir in Cappadocia
Cappadocia - A region of surreal rock formations and incredible cultural heritage, Cappadocia is home to rock-cut temples, ancient underground cities, and unparalleled landscapes

Cappadocia Balloon Ride

Whirling Dervishes 

Ankara - The capital and the second largest city of Turkey.

Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk - Ataturk was founder and first president of the Turkish Republic. Leading up to the Mausoleum, also known as the Anitkabir, lies a vast brick courtyard and monumental avenue lined with NeoHittite stone statues and cenotaphs beneath its colonnades. The most noted cenotaphs within the complex are those of General Ismet Inonu, a close comrade of Ataturk's and his successor, and that of Ataturk himself, a large and highly decorative marble cenotaph, beneath which lies his tomb.

Anatolian Civilizations Museum – built in two Ottoman buildings located near Ankara Castle. The Museum, being among exceptional museums with its unique collection, has Anatolian archaeological artifacts, artifacts from the Paleolithic Age to the present are exhibited. It was elected as the first "Museum of the Year" in Switzerland on April 19, 1997

Charming Puerto Vallarta

My return to Puerto Vallarta and Los Muertos beach was long overdue after an extended absence of more than a quarter of a century. Things have changed vastly with sprawling development and the emergence of a substantial Canadian and American ex-pat community. There is a brand new pier on Los Muertos Beach which is definitely a hub of activity. It is a very modern structure and the jury is still out as to whether it is an enhancement to old town or just too modern to fit in. The pier does allow for spectacular views of the shoreline – especially at night with all of the city lights. Still much of the authentic Mexican charm remains making Puerto Vallarta one of the most popular destinations in Mexico and with good reason. Situated on the Pacific coast, the Puerto Vallarta area has magnificent beaches and perfect weather. No wonder there are so many repeat visitors to the area. Puerto Vallarta combines the relaxation of beach time with lots of fun activities. There is a wide range of options for accommodations (including hotels, condo rentals and all inclusive resorts) to be had at reasonable prices. If you are looking for dining and nightlife in Puerto Vallarta you will not be disappointed. Stroll along the ocean front in the “Romantic Zone” for the seaside dining options with their magnificent views, beautiful lighting creating romantic ambiance and often live music to dine by. Or head to the Basilio Badillo (restaurant row) or Olas Altas Street area for Mexican food and international cuisine There are restaurants for all tastes including French, Italian, German, Argentinean, Chinese, Thai and of course, authentic Mexican food! For dancing and cocktails loads of bars and clubs that will keep you partying until the next day, if you choose. For the late night parties head over to the Malecón for live bands and dancing. On Saturdays, enjoy the street markets on Basilio Badillo and The Paradise Community Centre to purchase food products and artisan creations. Have lunch at the food court at Nacho Daddy’s for a sampling of the local restaurants. Take a stroll down the Malecón at any time of day. A paved walkway all along the shore of downtown Puerto Vallarta, it's a very popular place to go as you can enjoy shopping, restaurants and people watching. In the morning, you can enjoy a quiet stroll, enjoying the ocean air before the heat of the daytime sun. And then again in the evening, stroll the Malecón with crowds of tourists and locals, while watching street buskers perform as pantomime statues playing chess, dressed as mermaids and Neptune. Or take in a cultural show at the Plaza de Armas Amphitheater (Los Arcos). This is the city's main plaza and the site of many public concerts. Explore the numerous sculptures by famous artists, including In Search of Reason (ladder) by Bustamante, The Rotunda of the Sea (chairs) by Colunga. They range from traditional to modern are interesting to view. Walk up from the Malecón for a visit to the Parish Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe and then continue to explore the residential neighbourhoods up the hill (including the Gringo Gulch area where Elizabeth Taylor’s once impressive home stands in a condition of decay). Here you will see a mixture of magnificent houses as well as places in near ruin. Views from higher up are spectacular. The Mexican flare and disorganized nature of this area showcases a charm beyond expectation. Strolling on Isle Cuale (Island on the centrally located Cuale River) provides a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of Puerto Vallarta with its tree lined banks. Look up to spot tropical birds and iguanas in the trees. For the shoppers, there are two large public markets along the banks of the Cuale selling a variety of artisan and souvenir goods as well as souvenir shops. The commercial areas near Constitucion and Insurgentes Streets provide a glimpse into the small business charm of Puerto Vallarta. You will find the tiniest shops nestled in any available nook squeezed between two larger businesses, or someone that opens a door in their home to create a lunch or coffee take out counter during the day. If you have a watch needing repair, stop by and have it repaired by a man standing on the Cuale River Bridge. Line up with the locals and buy some tortillas as hot and fresh from the conveyor belt and then line up for fresh fish and sea food. Such is the charm and beauty of Mexico. If you are looking for more tranquility while still enjoying the charms of Mexico, hop a bus to the marina and enjoy strolling past the yachts while dreaming of winning the lottery! Then dine in one of the many quality restaurants of the area. There are many day trips to take from Puerto Vallarta including the beach village of Bucerias and the remote village of Yelapa which is available only by water taxi. Transportation is easy to access with inexpensive local buses and water taxis that can be caught at the new pier on Los Muertos Beach or at nearby Boca de Tomatlan. It looks like I will need to return to Puerto Vallarta to continue to explore more! Here are some of my favourite images! Click on the first image to enlarge it & scroll.