Author: Melissa

We end our trip in Athens in 90 degree temps. Yesterday we saw the Acropolis and about 4 other sites and a museum. It was busy and hot but we came back to our place in the middle of the day to rest and cool off. Today will be the same. Alden and Tanya rented scooters and rode all around the city. Gabby and Lily enjoyed free time to wander and shop. Nick and I walked around reminiscing about what it was like 23 yrs ago when we were younger. The trip has been a little like a big deja vu. At the end of all our trips, I’m ready to come home and jump into the river of our life in Snohomish.

I’ve been so bad about writing this blog because it’s been so good!! It’s our last evening on Naxos and we’re about to have a traditional Greek meal. We’ve been here for the last couple of days renting a house with our friend Shawn and his sweet family. His wife, Irene, is Greek so she’s been amazingly helpful getting us around and translating. Their little son, Alexi, is super cute and loves Alden. We’ve done more swimming, lots of eating (the yogurt is incredible with fresh fruit and honey), Alden took kite surfing lessons, we’ve explored quaint villages and hiked into the hills. Tanya and I keep commenting that’s it’s “so good!”

Before Naxos, we were in Santorini. We briefly explored the island and had some professional pictures done to document the trip and for Gabby’s senior pictures. Jim, Kristian, and Rachel left at this point to Athens and I hear they are on the plane home.

For the past 3 days we’ve been cruising around the Turkish coast on a boat called a gullet. Our life consisted of swimming multiple times, wearing a bathing suit all day, finding cliffs for Alden to jump off of, laying in the sun on various decks, playing games, reading, eating, drinking, and sleeping on the top level under the stars. Life slowed for us to notice sunrises and sunsets, and the various shades of gorgeous blue water surrounding us. We took a side trip on the Dalyan River to see some ruins and turtles. The crew was great but didn’t speak much English so we communicated through Google. For me, the gullet was the highlight of the trip!

Currently, I write from a large ferry heading to Santorini after we had the day in Rhodes.

From Istanbul we took a quick flight and short taxi to Pamukale , a UNESCO heritage site that was historically a spa town since 188BC. Situated high on a mountainside overlooking the surrounding valleys and encompassing mountains now only some of the Roman ruins remain. People can soak in the ancient pools and walk through the cascading waters. It was a nice break from the loud crowded city but still a major tourist destination. In the afternoon we lounged in the cool pool at our hotel as the temps were in the 90’s. This is where reading and napping takes place for me, two things I never seem to have time to do when I’m home. It’s refreshing!

We’ve enjoyed the local wines of the region and have look forward to all our Turkish breakfasts of fruits, veggies (cucumbers, greens, fresh sprigs of herbs, and tomatoes), olives, cheeses, breads and eggs. I’ve abandoned coffee and prefer the strong tea in the special shaped glass.

Tomorrow we hire a private car for the 3 hour journey to the coast where we board the gullet.

I forgot to mention that Nick and Kristian got haircuts and shaves last night about midnight from the local barber whom we heard knew how to use fire to finish the job. His hand skills were a lost art and the care and attention to detail was impressive. He apparently cuts and shaves all the men in town for the last 15 yrs and his 7 yr old nephew was his apprentice. It was something never to forget.

I really didn’t know what Turkish Delight was, in my mind I was thinking Applets and Cotlets, and it can be that but it can also be a unique blend of fruity gel, nuts (mainly pistachios), and various exotic spices all mixed in a beautiful blend. It kind of changed our lives.

Compared to 23 years ago when Nick and I were here I’d say the major change is that there are more people. There are lines to the popular sites and navigating the streets are a challenge. However, the traditional places to see are what I remember and are still amazing. Over the last 2 days we’ve gone to Tokapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, a sisters, another amazing mosque, a historical tower, the Grand Bazaar, and we took a 2 hour boat tour of the Bosporus Strait. Tonight we’re going to a traditional Turkish bath to get scrubbed and massages into a hot granite stone. Istanbul is a growing, bustling city and I haven’t felt unsafe once. The Muslim part is everywhere. I’m hearing the call to prayer as I write. At some point I may try to talk about that but from the outside and in general, it seems to share many of the same themes as other religions with some of its own twists.

We’ve been staying at a youth hostel type of place with other travelers from all over the world. No one else from the US is here. In fact, I can’t ever remember meeting or hearing anyone else from the states since we left our flight in Germany. The kids are seeing what it’s like to travel this way, on a shoestring, many common areas, and friendly open minded young folks. I hope this inspires them, but they are already a travel minded group.

Enough of my chitter chatter and on to the photos….

It was a long trip here. We left Seattle in the early afternoon and didn’t sleep until last night which means we were up for over 24hrs….actually I can’t even do that math right now. All I know is it felt like I’d been to a birth and went right into doing a clinic day.

The airport in Istanbul is new, it opened a few months ago and I’ve never seen anything like it. I wasn’t sure if it was my sleep deprivation or that the ceiling was just so high? I regret not taking photos.

We arrived at our hostel in Istanbul almost the same time as the Mocks. There is a great rooftop area with views of the city. Today is a heavy touring day seeing major sites. I’ll update later.

This is my first post. It’s the night before we leave and we’re busy trying to finish all the many to do’s, crossing things off our lists, and hoping we don’t forget anything. Compared to the previous trips to Italy in 2015 and the Alps (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) in 2017, this one feels more overwhelming to prepare for. We’ve had lots of stress and no breaks. In fact, Alden had a mountain bike race yesterday and today. Our friend, Patrick, has been staying with us for the last 2-3 weeks, we got a new puppy, which threw off all canine mojo at the farm, and I’m still getting over my PTSD from Gabby’s junior year. Somehow, we’ve made it to this moment. The Mock’s left 2 days ago and are already in Turkey. We rendezvous with them in Istanbul, where are new adventure begins……

• Istanbul
• Pamukale
• Turkish coast on a gullet ship
• Rhodes
• Santorini
• Naxos
• Athens