a website for curious travelers
Shopping is always a good way to spend a rainy day and the Grand Bazaar has been the place for shopping in Istanbul since 1461. Originally a place where merchants from throughout the Ottoman Empire Read More …
Istanbul’s Archaeological Museum is actually three museums, the Ancient Orient Museum, the Archaeology Museum, and the Tiled Kiosk Museum (the Çinili Pavilion). There is also a lovely garden filled with artifacts (and cats), but it Read More …
The Harem at Topkapı Palace is on my must-see list, not because of the romance and mystery associated with it, but because it is supposed to have stunning tiles. We all have our priorities. I Read More …
Topkapı Palace served as the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for about 400 years (between 1465 and 1856) until Domabahçe Palace became the official residence. Established as the seat of government for the Ottoman Read More …
The Blue Mosque was built early in the 17th century to rival the Hagia Sophia. Today it remains among the most splendid buildings in a city rich in magnificent architecture. Today the mosque’s courtyard bustles Read More …
The Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) in Istanbul, Turkey, remains one of the world’s most iconic buildings through almost 2000 years of change. As such, it is a key component of the Historic Areas of Istanbul Read More …
Out walking in the city, we pass a small – but elegant – monument (which will quickly become a key navigational landmark) and head for the plaza beyond. The open space around us was Read More …
The grounds of the Protea Hotel Wanderers in Johannesburg is quite varied, with a lawn bowling field and large clubhouse. . . but my favorite spot was the playground behind the clubhouse with this wonderful Read More …
We are having an early spring here in Minnesota, with the bloodroot and crocus already in full bloom and the tulips sure to follow soon. But my thoughts are drifting to the tulips I hope Read More …
No, not the Pope in Rome, but the Coptic Pope Shenouda III – the only pope (thus far) to bless me. I was fortunate to receive a blessing from the Pope when I was in Read More …