We've visited Turkey twice. Our first trip focused on Istanbul. That was so interesting that we just had to see more! So our second trip covered considerable ground in western Turkey. Both trips are reported below.
Istanbul
February 2006
Where’s Moldova? What’s aubergine? These and other questions will be answered
here. But let’s start at the
beginning. The seed was planted last
spring, when a Turkish sociologist contacted me (as Chair of Sociology) about
giving a talk on his research on human rights.
Recep, wife Nuray, daughter Hatice
(age 10), and sons Furkan (8)
& Ali Ishan (3) were in nearby Troy for a year on family matters. As it happens, one of our favorite eateries,
Ali Baba, is a Turkish restaurant in Troy. Friendship grew from several dinners and
other activities. When they left Recep
suggested “Turkish coffee along the Bosphorus” for our next meeting. I don’t need much prodding about trips, the
prospect of visiting such a fascinating place with friends to show us around was
too good to pass up. Add in a “Lonely
Planet” guidebook, suggestions from son Matt & Anthea’s friend (and their
wedding photographer) Murat, and things began to come together. There were some subplots. Two January bird flu deaths in Turkey led to talks
with “infectious disease” people and a look at the Center for Disease Control
website. No one advised against travel,
just precautionary tips: wash hands regularly, don’t play with chickens. Recep said they’re advised not to eat
chicken, otherwise things seem OK. Also
Muslim protests about Danish cartoons with the image of Muhammad, a serious breach of their strictures. We usually avoid highlighting our Americanism
when overseas for political reasons; guess we also shouldn’t appear to be
Danish ̶ Oh, Canada?
Then a week before our trip NYC was hit with record snowfall; the only
airport mishap a Turkish Airline jet sliding off the runway (no injuries). Who do you suppose our flights are with?
