Turkey

For my librarian readers (and I know there are more than just a few), here is a glimpse of the adorable public library in Bodrum. The library is located right across from the beach in a touristy shopping area. The building was originally a stone house from 1914. Very nicely decorated inside with small reading…

Where to even start with Bodrum Castle?  It has the most convoluted, Da Vinci Code-style history. Today, the castle is a historical museum as well as the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. It sits right in the middle of Bodrum’s harbors with an amazing view of the Aegean Sea that will have even the most seasick…

It’s been challenging finding a good rhythm for cooking every night here in Turkey. Both our apartments so far have just had electric hot plates for stoves and two small pans. And the grocery stores seem so specific. Imagine if an American market only sold everything you needed for a 4th of July BBQ: hamburgers,…

Today was a real adventure! Rob and I got a late start this morning. Ten days in to the trip, we’re at that second wave of “jetlag” that comes with feeling kind of gross and worn down from traveling. The cure? A visit to a Turkish Bath, or Hamam. Several of the resorts in Bodrum…

Before there was Bodrum, there was Halicarnassus. This ancient Greek city was famous around the world for it’s architecture and scenery. Today, Rob and I walked a trail uncovering the hidden remnants of Halicarnassus in Bodrum.   First stop, the Bodrum Ampitheater. Built in the 4th century, it seated as many as 10,000 in the…

Alright, you guys ready for a new city? Welcome to Bodrum! The flight from Istanbul to Bodrum just takes an hour and cost only $40 each. It was actually cheaper than our taxi to the airport. The moment you get off the place, you can tell things are different: An hour long bus shuttle brings…

Now that we’re off to a new city, let’s recap Istanbul for future reference. I wasn’t sure what to expect of this city and it took me a couple days to settle in to it. However, I left really loving the people and the spirit of Istanbul. Where to Stay We had an amazing little…

As much as I liked Istanbul, I don’t think I really understood it until we crossed over the Bosphorus to explore the Asian side of the city. The ferry to Kadikoy costs $1.50 and takes about 20 minutes. Normally, the ferry would drop you off at an open waterfront plaza, but yesterday it was packed…

Since it was raining this morning, Rob and I decided to see the underground cisterns next to the Hagia Sophia. The Basilica Cistern was built in the 5th century to hold up to 100,000 tons of water. It is one of the hundreds of ancient cisterns under Istanbul. Drained to just a few feet of clear…

Another day, another new outfit from my tiny carry-on bag. I brought along this flexible black Theory dress – with pockets! – to layer during the day and have as an option for any fancy nights out.  Here, it is paired with a lightweight J.Crew sweater in pale pink, belt, scarf, tights and flat boots.…