The Journey Begins

Since September, 2001, right after "911", I have journeyed annually to Turkey.  Known over the ages as "The East of the West and the West of the East", this fascinating country lives up to its title.  An intriguing combination of the ancient & the modern, the conservative & the flamboyant, Turkey is a nation of fiercely independent, proud, determined, & honourable people who value their history & traditions.
For the sake of continuity, I begin this blog with the first post from my last visit to Turkey, in 2012.....