Visiting Istanbul, was like ‘coming home’ for us. We had the pleasure of hosting two dear friends from Texas, who came, on their first visit to Turkey. We had an amazing 10-day visit, beginning with the Aegean region of Ayvacik, crossing the Dardanelles by ferry boat, and returned a few days later over the recently opened “1915 Canakale Bridge“. This is now the 4th bridge in Turkey that connects the continents of Europe and Asia. Besides boat trips on the Dardanelles, up the full length of the Bosphorus Straits, including a visit to the Princess Islands, we also visited the world-famous sights and sounds of Istanbul, where we excitedly visited the newly renovated underground Cisterns, located in the Sultan Ahmet area of Istanbul. What a trip it was for all!
After visiting with family and friends in the Western Coast town of Erikli, we took another boat trip to the beautiful Island of Gökçeada, this time with family. This Island used to be part of Greece, and one can easily see the Greek Island of Samothraki looking west.
We had the good fortune to join Deniz’s sister, and friend on a road trip to Greece. Sadly we also had the misfortune of leaving on a Turkish National Holiday, so it took seven hours for us to cross over the border by car. We vowed not to do that again!
Our first destination was the 3-finger peninsula of Halkidiki, which consists of a large peninsula in the northwestern Aegean Sea, resembling a hand with three ‘fingers’ (though in Greek these peninsulas are often referred to as ‘legs’).
The northern most ‘finger’ is home to the monastic community of Mount Athos and is an Eastern Community of monks in Greece. There are over 20 Monastic communities located here, and only men are allowed to visit the monastic part of the peninsula.
We stayed on the middle one, named Nikiti. Lots of sun, blue waters, and great food. We rented a small motor boat for a full-day tour of beaches, coves, and coasts, and later on, we had our very first Jet Ski Experience. Fun!
Before returning to Turkey, we spent an afternoon and evening in the charming city of Kavala. A beautiful seaport, across from the island of Thasos, with the well-kept remains of its formidable castle perched atop a steep hill, overlooking the harbor. Dotted with waterside cafes, and outdoor restaurants, its history and small city charms, were not lost on us!