Day 1: Adventure
Are you ready for an adventure? I am!
Although some of you in my weblog audience were sharing in this adventure to Italy and Istanbul Turkey, many reading this were not. For all though, it is my way of sharing the many photos and recording I will review. Since I am writing this “after” returning from the trip tours, I have had a chance to digest all we saw and experienced. Hopefully, maybe induce some of you to join in the chance to learn more about this world we live in.
This specific trip started about 4 years ago, while walking the streets of Ann Arbor Michigan during the annual art fair. Tens of thousands of people walking the hot July streets in search of a chance to view and maybe purchase a special “something.” On this visit, I was attracted by a photography exhibit featuring some large, 2 by 3 foot, photos of a colorful market. After talking with the artist, found the photos were from the Istanbul Spice Market. I told Carol, maybe some day... Her response – sure – maybe later.
Well, later came soon after subscribing, or better yet, enrolling, in some mailings from the Elderhostel organization. After receiving a few catalogs of upcoming trips, Carol decided to make the best use of air travel cost and attempt 2 tours that had almost consecutive tour dates. As luck would have it, we found some options. Midpoint between the two tours was our 46th wedding anniversary – October 2nd. Recently, Elderhostel has changed the name of the tours to attract varied age groups – not just the “Elder-ly.” The new name – Road Scholar – Adventures In Learning - sounded appealing.
Tour #1. ITALY: Beyond the View: The Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Program #: 18213RJ --
http://www.roadscholar.org/programs/programdetail.asp?RowId=1-4PCI6Q
The cliff-top road along the Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful stretches in the world, but this sun-kissed region has so much more to offer than just a scenic drive. Experience life in the artisan’s paradise of Sorrento and the tiny town of Minori, see the pride and skill that goes into the making of infused liqueur limoncello and intarsia woodworking, and, yes, have your breath taken away as you drive and boat along the rugged coastline.
Are you ready for an adventure? I am!
Although some of you in my weblog audience were sharing in this adventure to Italy and Istanbul Turkey, many reading this were not. For all though, it is my way of sharing the many photos and recording I will review. Since I am writing this “after” returning from the trip tours, I have had a chance to digest all we saw and experienced. Hopefully, maybe induce some of you to join in the chance to learn more about this world we live in.
This specific trip started about 4 years ago, while walking the streets of Ann Arbor Michigan during the annual art fair. Tens of thousands of people walking the hot July streets in search of a chance to view and maybe purchase a special “something.” On this visit, I was attracted by a photography exhibit featuring some large, 2 by 3 foot, photos of a colorful market. After talking with the artist, found the photos were from the Istanbul Spice Market. I told Carol, maybe some day... Her response – sure – maybe later.
Well, later came soon after subscribing, or better yet, enrolling, in some mailings from the Elderhostel organization. After receiving a few catalogs of upcoming trips, Carol decided to make the best use of air travel cost and attempt 2 tours that had almost consecutive tour dates. As luck would have it, we found some options. Midpoint between the two tours was our 46th wedding anniversary – October 2nd. Recently, Elderhostel has changed the name of the tours to attract varied age groups – not just the “Elder-ly.” The new name – Road Scholar – Adventures In Learning - sounded appealing.
Tour #1. ITALY: Beyond the View: The Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Program #: 18213RJ --
http://www.roadscholar.org/programs/programdetail.asp?RowId=1-4PCI6Q
The cliff-top road along the Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful stretches in the world, but this sun-kissed region has so much more to offer than just a scenic drive. Experience life in the artisan’s paradise of Sorrento and the tiny town of Minori, see the pride and skill that goes into the making of infused liqueur limoncello and intarsia woodworking, and, yes, have your breath taken away as you drive and boat along the rugged coastline.
Tour #2. TURKEY Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul: Seat of Three Empires Program #: 18720RJ --
http://www.roadscholar.org/programs/programdetail.asp?rowid=1%2D4XQ5F3
Istanbul is the only place on earth where you can experience two continents, 17 centuries and the customs of dozens of ethnic groups within the confines of a single city. Discover the magical and legendary in Istanbul through presentations on Byzantine history and art, Ottoman architecture, and the evolution of the bazaars, along with visits to its great monuments: Hagia Sophia: the grand former cathedral of the Byzantine Empire and the Roman Hippodrome and Topkapi Palace.
http://www.roadscholar.org/programs/programdetail.asp?rowid=1%2D4XQ5F3
Istanbul is the only place on earth where you can experience two continents, 17 centuries and the customs of dozens of ethnic groups within the confines of a single city. Discover the magical and legendary in Istanbul through presentations on Byzantine history and art, Ottoman architecture, and the evolution of the bazaars, along with visits to its great monuments: Hagia Sophia: the grand former cathedral of the Byzantine Empire and the Roman Hippodrome and Topkapi Palace.
OK, we're ready; passport, airline tickets, and tour arrangements. Of course, some spending loot too. Our daughter, Maggie gets us to the airport in more than enough time. I still worry, what if we are late? So far, so good. Although it has been chilly with rain today, can look forward to better weather where we are going. The flight is smooth to Frankfurt. About 7 hours. :-)
The Day 1 photos will show her finger wrapped up for safekeeping.
The Day 1 photos will show her finger wrapped up for safekeeping.
Today's photos @ https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/P3Day1Of25
See Day 2 @ http://pizza-and-popes-2011.blogspot.com/2011/11/p3-day-2-of-25-tuesday-september-20.html
Enjoy each day is it were... the best! Marion & Carol
