Museum of Archeology in Istanbul

We were pleasantly surprised at the quality and volumn of work in the museum. We spent the entire morning there and could have easily spent the entire day. We started with the exhibit of sarcophagui from about 2000BC on through about 400AD. The carvings were elaborate and finely done. Any one of them would have been a major draw for any exhibit in the States and there were rooms and rooms of them.
Then the exhibit of Roman statues. Again, any one of them would have been great but there were rooms of them.
Saw cuniform writing from 2300 BC. one of the first love poems written in 1800BC.
There were many art students drawing various sculptures. it gave the museum a modern relevance.
The exhibit of Istanbul through the ages was impressive as well. No pictures were allowed in that section.
Then there was the outdoor section where all of the spare parts and statues were left.
Another entire building of Mesopotamian art. Hmmmm actually, I think that is where the cuniform writing was.
Another smaller building of tile work. Mostly the blue tiles. Inspiring for quilt designs.

Turkish Delight!

We're here! We've been here for a couple of days and are actually leaving Istanbul in the morning. So, I'm already behind in the blog scene. some of it is my low techno IQ and part is that I've been having too much fun to stop to blog. (It's mostly that one)

Sunday, June 5, 2011
The adventure began early in the morning. Steven and Jarred picked us up to take us to the airport to catch our 9am flight. Luckily, we allowed lots of time. We put suitcases in the 2 cars and the 6 of us pilled in too. Not necessarily, the car with our suitcase. As we were exciting I-285 to the airport, I jokingly asked if we all had our passports. Nick thought I was pulling his leg because he thought I had his passport. Oh NO!!!! Turn around! We told the guys to go ahead and check in and go to the gate. Somehow, we made it home and back to the airport in an hour! We made the plane! After comparing notes with the guys, found out that the security guys look at Andy a little strangely, when they checked his suitcase, which was actually mine and it had women's clothes in it!

The flight to La Guardia was uneventful and an easy transfer in 2 taxis to JFK. We had plenty of time before our flight on Turkish Air so we all had Korean barBQ hot dogs for lunch. Really yummy!
When we boarded the plane, we each got a little makeup looking bag that had footies, tooth brush, tooth paste, lip balm and a few other goodies. Quite a nice start to the long trip.

Oh dear. It's time for our dinner on the roof, overlooking the bosphorus, the Hagia Sophia. We ate there the first night too. Really great food and view
More later.

Changing gears from school to the TURKEY TRIP!
Melodie is coming this afternoon and we leave early in the morning. The plan is that Steven and Jarrad will take us to the airport, then house sit with Miss Penny.
More later as the excitment begins.

Reunion Party

Tacos, drink, music, pictures, stories, laughter
When: Sunday, September 5
12:00 until ?
Where: My house
Who: Tour alumna, friends interested in travel

Contact me to let me know if you are coming.

Hope to see you!

Reunion Party

Another great tour! A great group! We want to share pictures, experiences, stories, impressions. We will meet at my house on Sunday, September 5 at 12:00 until ? Everyone is welcome. If you are a Beyond Cancun Tours Alumni, bring your pictures, memories, stories. There will be food and drink. Paula and Jorge will be here so I'm sure there will be music as well. These pictures are a small sampling.
And......... The December trip to Yucatan is filling up. Find out more about that one and June in Peru.
Hope to see you Sunday, September 5. email me for details.

Okay. Now I'm back home. I typed a bunch and it didn't post so let me see if it does now.

I've been having trouble posting so before I write a lot. Let me see if this works.