Aug 7

Got up early, wanted to have breakfast but ran out of time paying the bill and arranging for a ride to the airport. Eventually it worked out and I was off. From the time I got to the airport till I got on the plane I had to show my passport 5 times (for some reason)

Long flight - comfortable enough but torture nonetheless. Arrived in Chicago and while waiting in line, someone had a heart attack. Unsettling to say the least.

Did you know that Americans make foreigners (but not Canadians) get fingerprinted as they come into the country? Bizarre. Why does anyone go there? They did it to the woman just ahead of me. I was all ready to be indignant but he didn't make me (though he was thinking about something long and hard after seeing the Syrian stamp) and I made my way to the next gate (why Ohare has terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5 but not 4 I can't figure out. It was interesting to be able to follow background conversations again.

The other weird thing is that you can't check your baggage through an american city to your final destination. NO IDEA WHY. So I had to wait for my bags and SERIOUSLY walk 100 feet and give them to the guy there waiting for them. No checks. What the point of that was is beyond me.

Short flight. Arrived no problem. Chuck was waiting and back home (which felt very weird)

Aug 6

Checked out the hotel in the morning. Took the hotel ride to the airport. Security not bad there but not used to the metal detectors at the gate too. Short flight - under two hours - but still a round of beverages and a full meal (Love Turkish Airlines). Arrived no problem got ride back to the city centre, walked back to the Blue Mosque, bought a couple of souvenirs, called Michael. Met him later for coffee and a light meal - first practice at telling my stories. Went back to the hotel and slept.

Aug 5

did basically nothing. Fly to Istanbul tomorrow (walking around a couple of drivers mistook me for someone who knew where things were)

Aug 4

Wed. Maybe try MCC today, maybe not. Strong feeling that I am done (leave Friday morning). More relaxing, realized my sandals are starting to fall apart. They only have to make it to Saturday (shouldn't be a problem as I won't be walking much anymore)

Aug 3

Woke up very early. Ok breakfast (crepes!) Driver takes me to all 3 pyramid sites. Amazing (see pictures)

But now I'm done. Collapsed back at the hotel 3 hours ago and I have barely moved since (feet hurt again) 3 more sleeps here (2 full days) maybe I won't be doing much. After the pyramids, what else is there to see?

(on the way today I saw a truck carrying thousands of stacked bricks - but not secured. On the way back - at every bump in the road - there were bricks strewn across the road)

Walked around in the evening, had supper and returned to collapse and sleep for many hours

Aug 2

4 more sleeps in Cairo (then Istanbul and home)

Slept in, another miserable breakfast (at least an egg this time) then switched hotels. Took a while to find a taxi that knew where the new place was. But around 11 AM i find it and check in. Wait an hour for the room to be cleaned (found a great coffee shop nearby) return, rest in room, take a taxi to Islamic Cairo, walk around, haggle for keychains, walk some more, ignore touts, eventually take a taxi back, eat shwarma (not nearly as good as Damascus), have an ice tea at the coffee shop (not great, coffee is better) return, rest, go meet Diana tonight.

Met Diana and another MCC worker. Had Kusharie then walked for ice cream, returned about 12 AM. Interesting talk. Typical MCC workers.

Aug 1

sink broke this morning, water everywhere

Saw the Egyptian Museum (after a lame breakfast) and the Nile (liked it better). There is something about the idea of digging up coffins and putting them on display that bothers me.

Called Diana, hopefully meeting her tomorrow (inshallah), relaxed, and cooled down and then went for a walk. Relaxed again as I listen to a long sermon? over the loudspeakers, he has been going on now for at least 20 minutes. If it is this loud here, I can't imagine what it would be like if I was there.

Switch Hotels tomorrow! (Supper, tv, reading, sleep)

July 31

LONG bus ride to Cairo through the Sinai - 9 hours or so - through Sharm, under the Suez Canal and into Africa (my 4th continent)

Arrived around 7pm at the Carlton (payed too much for taxi but not too bad) Emailed Diana. Egyptian museum and the Nile tomorrow - find out how to call Diana then

(met more interesting people: an Egyptian who wants to move to Canada despite the cold, a Puerto Rican who just returned from Aswan, some Germans - but glad that the last long bus ride is over)

July 30

Lazy day in Dehab. Late Breakfast, walk along the red sea, got money (no problem) back to the hotel in the heat of the afternoon (got bus ticket for tomorrow) I'll walk around this evening. Looking forward to 6 nights in Cairo (confirmed 4 nights, waiting for the other 2 inshallah) Bus leaves tomorrow morning at 9.

July 29

checked out and went to Egyptian embassy - they wouldn't give me a visa that day but they said it would be no problem at the border. So I thought I'd give it a shot - went to the bus station (something to behold) and took the bus to Eilat (imagining to get a room there). Met a Canadian on the bus who convinced me to go onto Dehab in Egypt so we did (another interesting border) and I am so glad to leave Israel (it would have been hard to find a room in Eilat anyway). Today I'll look at the Red Sea, tomorrow Cairo. (easiest border crossing of them all)

July 28

Waited 2 hours for the bus. Took the tour (horrible) and saw Galilee. Got dropped off in Tel Aviv.

Found an overpriced room in downtown TA and went to sleep

July 27

Took the old city tour. Interesting but I didn't like the guide too much (Still it was well worth 20 NIS). The History of the inn was interesting.

Had a nap. Chatted with a Londoner. Wrote in Journal and it is now almost 8. Galilee and TA tomorrow.

July 26

Went to Nazareth Village - it was ok, but not sure if I would recommend it (blaring music from the next door YMCA not their fault). I guess I like the idea. Had an overpriced shwarma and headed back to change my shirt (so hot). Figured out my plans with the help of the people here (very nice) skipping Chacour's school (can't get a hold of anyone on the phone and I don't know where it is exactly) and I will see Galilee on Wednesday which gives me a ride back to Tel Aviv. Stay there Thursday to get my visa then to Jerusalem one last time before the trek to Cairo (skipping Sinai) If it all works out [it didn't happen this way actually] then 7 nights in Cairo which should be good. It sounds like there is a lot to do there.

July 25

Slept in, had the best breakfast ever (fausi azal) and lingered. Eventually I found my way to the Annunciation Basilica (where I sit now). Many things closed today (sunday) but the churches are all open (saw the synagogue church) will find my way to Mary's well then back to the Hotel for a rest.

On this trip I have met Canadians, Swiss, French, Germans, Belgians, British, Americans, Italians, Hungarians, Australians

Again, strange feeling visiting holy sites, both good and bad. I am starting to look forward to the end of the trip

Chileans, Venezuelans,

Couldn't get into Mary's Well. Went back to Hotel, switched rooms, rested, went out for falafel, tried to figure out travel plans, relaxed

July 24

Wonderful day. Slept ok, had a nice breakfast in Bethlehem and checked out of the Casa nova. Wrote some and then went to Bischer's work where they gave me many maps and treated me like royalty because Bischer said I was from MCC. Called Sanabel and left Bischer and went to Deheishe and spent a wonderful hour or so with Sanabel. She is married now with a child but her husband is in prison (how much is she supposed to take?) She still has a wonderfully engaging vitality which I find inspiring. (Also met her father, brother, mother, and sister) She said she was willing to have people write her (can't wait to tell James). I didn't stay too long (I hope) though I wanted to. Took a taxi to the wall and walked through, took a bus to Jerusalem, took a taxi to Tel Aviv, then a sherut to Nazareth (travel a little complicated on the Sabbath).

No room at the inn for the first two but plenty of room at the Fauzi (LP pick). Very nice supper and I am about to fall asleep [Best day of the trip so far]

July 23

1 more week in Israel/Palestine and then off to Egypt. I fly from Cairo exactly 2 weeks from today - I expect the time to now pass more quickly. I slept in today (yesterday I woke up early - at the morning call to prayer - and was worried about going back to sleep and missing the tour). Got up to a basic breakfast and went back to my room (kicked the maid out first). I tried calling the BBC but there was no answer - probably closed. BUT I called Sanabel's father and the Sanabel (he checked with her first). I got her number from the father and then I talked with her. I will meet her tomorrow at 12 (I am very excited). She was very nice on the phone.

Walked around a bit more. Took some more pictures in the nativity cave. Had a falafel and went back to my room for some quiet (Hebron takes some recovery) I got through to Bischer eventually and I am now waiting for him to callback, will spend the rest of the day with him, inshallah.

After I meet Sanabel tomorrow, I will make my way to Nazareth

Met Bischer, saw the shephard's fields, went back to his place and talked. Went and had a falafel and I went back to the Hotel

July 22

took the ATG tour of Hebron and Bethlehem. Very interesting to say the least. Came back and had an overpriced meal at a local restaurant. Had a shower and fell asleep at the hotel.

July 21

I figured the wall would be too packed yesterday (holiday of the destruction of the temple and all) had my falafel and relaxed

This morning I got some more money, did the letters at the wall thing (weird) and checked out. Took a taxi (inflated) the back way to Bethlehem. Found a hotel, had a shower and a nap. Now for the next steps

Called the ATG for my tour of Hebron tomorrow. Next I will call Bischer and see when I can meet him and Mohammed. Having a felafel and listening to the call in Bethlehem.

Falafel seems to be about 7 NIS and the large water around 10 NIS (depending on how much they like you) in Bethlehem, it is cheaper

Bischer came to meet me and I had a fascinating evening with him. Went to eat at a 150 year old school turned into a restaurant. Then back to see his house (he has a macbook) and met his mom. Tomorrow, Hebron.

July 20

Horrible night. Woke up around 6:30. Had a meagre breakfast and headed out down the Via Delarosa. Walked around the church some more. Got some more money (should only need 2000 more max) and headed out to visit Schindler - surprisingly moving. I then saw the room of the last supper. I was going to then put the letters in the wall but it is a holiday and the wall was crowded. Went to the Garden Tomb - surprisingly unmoving. Came back to the hostel to relax in the heat of the day (After a falafel) then off to walk down the Mount of Olives.

Wow, that was hard. Feet were ok and at times it was very windy, but not much shade till the walk back up to the city. Took the bus up Mt. of Olives to the church of Ascension (closed) then walked to the chapel of ascension (open) and then to a lookout over the graves and the old city. Walked down a steep path to a couple of churches (closed) and then to Gethsemene - which was quite interesting - then a little further to Gethsemene grotto - ok - the the long climb back up to the old city: first along a path to the wall then on the outside of the city walls (by the Golden Gate) [Ahh Europeans, I thought Americans were arrogant] through an Islamic graveyard and then to St. Stephen's gate. Then relaxing - such as is possible - at Ecce Homo (never coming here again) - trying to decide what to do next. The wall will likely be packed (at least until sunset). I haven't placed the letters yet. Maybe another falafel, another look at the wall, and then check the net to reserve places at my next stops (someone outside is banging away at drums for some reason)

July 19

Checked out of the Austrian Hospice and left my bags there for the day. Took the bus to Ramallah (after convincing the taxi drivers I didn't want to spend 180 NIS instead of 6.5 NIS to get there - they eventually told me where the bus station was).

On the way to Ramallah, the bus came to a section of high wall with barbed wire across the top and I thought that it must be a prison of some sort (wondering if I should take pictures of it or not). As the bus turned the corner, I saw that the 'prison' went on as far as I could see. Then I realized what it really was: a prison.

After maybe 1/2 an hour I got to Ramallah and called Zainab (after many sheckels and figuring out the phone system). I knew I was early so I walked around some. I met a local man and had a 'conversation' of sorts - hard when you only know 3 words of the other's language - but we did communicate. He took me to visit Arafat's tomb (see pictures).

Then I walked around some more. Now I am waiting for Zainab in the 'Stars and Bucks' cafe. She should be here soon. More later.

A thought that has come to me over and over here is: I can't figure out how a people as resourceful and determined as the Jews can't figure out how to treat the Palestinians decently

Zainab found me and we went to her grandmother's house. She is JUST like her aunt. Spent a long time talking and drinking coffee, water, and tea. Had a nice lunch followed by more coffee, tea and water. And then we went to a friend of their's and had coffee, water, tea, and 7UP. Around 8 I took the bus back to the old city (50 min) had little trouble at the checkpoint (but I didn't like the soldier who walked through the bus with his machine gun) and picked up my luggage to go to Ecco Homo. Room was nice enough but BEASTLY hot at night (thanks James). Went to bed after an hour or so of gazing at the Dome of the Rock at night (and listening to the helicopter circle overhead)

July 18

Feet hurt. Sunday morning. Went to the Holy Seph. for the morning. Got some more cash. Followed an Italian group doing the Via Delarosa (I am staying by IV) After lunch, made my way to the Haram al sharif for an hour or two. [I would have stayed longer but they chase you out of there before the afternoon prayers] Wonderful, except for the soldiers. Then tried to find Schindler's grave. Found the place, but too late. I'll try again another day.

Feet hurt. Had a nap. Tomorrow Ramallah. Then Jerusalem again, then Bethlehem for 3 days

July 17

Didn't sleep well. Got up early. Left the hotel around 7 and got to the border area about 8. Left the border area after 12 pm. Far busier than last time - 'lines' where there were a dozen people within arms reach - crazy, but no 'official' delays (unlike last time). It seems that is just how long it takes. Met a nice American family

Made my way to Jerusalem by 2 or so and found a room at the Austrian Hospice. Walked all over - found the Palm hostel for old times sake, sat by the Damascus gate and worried about Israel. Went to the wall and worried more. Far more soldiers than I remembered from last time (they were everywhere) and many more Jews in the Muslim quarter than before (though that might have been because it was the Sabbath). Made a shopkeeper mad that I didn't buy anything. Coming back to the hotel I heard a bunch of crazy settlers marching and singing through the Muslim quarter. Called Zainab.

July 16

Nothing much. Hung around the hotel resting. Early tomorrow off to Jerusalem

July 15

A very good day. I spent the morning at the MCC office with the Bylers and John and Lynn Rempel (oddly enough from my church) listening to a partner describe her work educating about HIV. We then met an Iveper that lived with the Rempels. We had lunch at the MCC office then went to see the local Roman ruins and then a long search for a travel agent for the Rempels followed by a light supper at a local restaurant. Tomorrow, rest at the hotel and plan for the next 2 weeks.

July 14

Got up early, 7 AM. By 8 I was in the taxi and off to Amman.

1 stop - on the edge of Damascus, switch to the shared taxi (which will leave when full). It takes about 20 minutes to pick up 2 more passengers. Got impatient and paid extra to make up for one more so the driver would go (Yella)

2 stop - rest stop (why?) at the edge of Damascus (maybe a water stop). Then straight towards the border for a good 45 minutes

3 stop - in Daraa to switch drivers to go over the border (the new driver was Venezuelan, I imagine his passport made it easier to cross into Jordan but I don't really know)

4 stop - the Syrians (but not me) had to get their passports checked before the border

5 stop - entering the border area, checkpoint

6 stop - pay the exit tax and get the Syrian stamp

7 stop - the Syrians and the driver go to the 'duty free' shop. Driver comes back and stuffs every available space with cartons of cigarettes (sort of hiding them, at least they were not in plain view).

8 stop - at the edge of the border area, driver pays baksheesh to a guard (exactly what for, I am not sure)

9 stop - Entering the Jordanian area, checkpoint

10 stop - car is 'checked' by the Jordanians. One can't imagine how they can't find the cigarettes.

11 stop - I get my Jordanian stamp and visa

12 stop - checkpoint at the exit of the Jordanian border area

(the distance traveled from stop 4 to stop 12 is less than 1 km but it took hours)

13 stop - just outside Amman, driver stops to deliver the cartons of smuggled cigarettes

14 stop - finally in Amman, around 2 PM. 5 hours to travel 150 km (but not the worst border crossing I have experienced)

Then the Amman taxi driver cheats me and I then find the hotel and relax

Somehow, the Bylers find me and I go out to dinner with them (long story) and the other Rempels

July 13

Walked around Damascus for 9 hours today. Ran into the nice Swedish couple from the day before. Saw Annanias' house - got a shave, very close but the aftershave still stings (I think he took off layers of skin) Had many teas and fruit juices (I like the blackberry juice in particular).

Sat in the mosque for a long time. Had a coffee, then a shwarma and then a freshly squeezed orange juice and then came back to the hotel. Doesn't sound like 9 hours, but it was.

Off to Amman tomorrow and the half way point - won't see much in Jordan, mainly rest up for the next half.

July 12

Off to Damascus for 2 nights (I wanted to get up for the sunrise but I slept in). Bus to Sham no problem but I always get stuck behind someone who likes to lean back.

In Damascus I had my first hotel search - for the first time there was no room in the inn for the first 4 I checked but i eventually found one and wandered about the old city getting lost a few times.

Ate beside the Mosque (not great, thanks LP) saw kids fighting and children slapped which was disturbing but I also made some friends. (Young boys misbehave everywhere)

Talked to a Swedish couple after dinner. Meeting some interesting people (like the Greek/American yesterday in Palmyra).

SO many tourists in Damascus - way more than last time.

Tomorrow more of the old city

July 11

Off to Palmyra. I took a taxi from Crac to Homs (got tired of waiting for the Bus in the sun) and actually I took a different taxi all the way to Palmyra (2000 SYP, talked him down from 4000. Very lazy but it was HOT and the line for the bus - and the wait - were very long). Arrived in Palmyra and the 2 swiss I met the day before in Crac showed up at my hotel. Sat and chatted with them for some time in the afternoon (too hot to do anything else). Later that night we watched the final in the basement bar, decorated like a cave, with about a dozen locals.

I tried to walk around outside in the afternoon but it was far too hot (44 or so). So I went back to my room, had a nap. Around 5 I went to have a shwarma and watched kids throw rocks at the villiage idiot (much to other people's amusement) - I saw people mocked in Aleppo as well. Then I made my way to the ruins. Again, the pictures will tell the story. I took my time at first (moving from shade to shade) till 7 or so when the sun started to go down and it was instantly much cooler. By 8:30 it was dark and time to wander back to see the final. After the game I went outside and it was much colder and very windy (there had been no wind before)

July 10

Laundry came, no problem (I really worry about things too much - I think it is genetic). Off to Crac - taxi to the bus station about 75 SYP and Bus to Homs 150. About 2 hours (and saw one water wheel in Hama). Took a taxi from Homs to Crac (I know, but I was tired) - stopped to pick up some much needed cash (10,000 SyP) and 45 minutes later I was walking around Crac

Don't know what to say that the pictures won't add. 'Amazing' doesn't do it justice. The view from the hotel isn't bad either. Tomorrow Palmyra (no money worries today, the first day I can say that). Don't arrive in Aleppo on a Thursday evening and expect much luck. But I have plenty now. Next night Palmyra, then 2-3 nights in Damascus then off to the next part in Amman.

VERY nice meal at the LP recommended place near Crac. No luck with watching the 3rd place game, hotel didn't have the channel [met a couple of interesting Swiss though]

July 9

Nice morning breakfast and off to find money - no luck at ATMs - all empty (it is a Friday). Wandered around the empty souk for awhile then back to the hotel where they wouldn't change money but they told me where to go - a restaurant where I got 46 SYP / 1 USD which is ok I guess. Now I am loaded with cash for the time being.

I spent the afternoon at the citadel which was fascinating but very hot. Stunning views as I moved from shade to shade. CAme back to the hotel and rested before heading out to eat my shwarma and walked and sat in a couple of parks, came back to the hotel around 8 looking for my laundry but it wasn't back yet. I HOPE there wasn't a problem - I don't need another one right now. Am sitting again in the upstairs of the hotel in a very comfortable spot. Tomorrow off to Crac de Chevallier

Before I forget again

Turkey

Water - small .5-1 TL

large 1-3 TL

tea 1-3 TL

meal 15 TL

Syria

Shwarma 35-50 SYP

large water 30 SYP

In Syria the prices can be a little inflated but one kid was going to charge me too much and his father made him give me some back.

We will see how I do with the taxi tomorrow

July 8

Ok, well into July 8 now. Been gone 8 days and it feels like a lifetime. I am really starting to feel some 'spiritual' healing here in Syria. Turkey was ok, but it was mainly recovery for me.

After arriving in Antioch around 10 AM, I got hounded by the ticket touts at the bus station there - I walked past without acknowledging them. They got mad at me when they saw me later [the only time it happened on the trip].

The bus left around 12 PM and it didn't get to Aleppo till about 4 because it took forever at the border. Three stops to show my passport. But I got through without losing anything and eventually found Aleppo.

Syrians are amazing. 2 Syrians helped me find my hotel which I was desperate for (being hot, sweaty, tired, and parched) and then I took a long walk to find an ATM and talked to many more Syrians (one even had pity and gave me a drink). No one invited me into their shop (first time) and even though I couldn't find an ATM that worked (might have been trying to withdraw too much) I changed some American money at the Sheraton and I didn't mind.

There were hardly any tourists around. I bought some water and went back to the hotel (after a 50 SYP shwarma) to recover. Afterwards, I went back out on the street for a bit. Love Syria. Even the little kid who was following me around begging for money was nice.

July 7

Woke up by 9, had breakfast, checked out and now I am sitting again on the rooftop. Today I will find out how bad my money problems are (huge ships rolling by in the distance) I should get my card back today (inshallah) but I don't know. I am more anxious than I want to admit.

---

I got my card back as hoped (I went there earlier than they had said, around 1 instead of 4) the card was there and it worked! (I was very happy)

I didn't do anything else in Istanbul that day but collected my things and headed out the bus station (right besides the local IKEA), I took a taxi since I was tired and hauling bags - and I waited at the station till the 5:30 bus to Antioch. I met a nice older Turkish couple and chatted for some time with them (they wouldn't let me pay for the tea)

On the 16 hour bus ride I met a french firefighter and a nice young Syrian with whom I had an interesting chat as we waited in Antioch for the bus across the border to Aleppo. On the long bus ride, I didn't see much (as it was night) but they showed the Germany Spain game on the bus' satellite tv (amazing, I had been sure I was going to miss the game). Spain won, which means Allison Gondosch owes me a coffee!!

Saw a woman at the Syrian border who looked just like my cousin niece Anya

July 6

Spent the morning relaxing in the hotel and trying to get some rest (5 days in Turkey and I am already sore and tired) I really needed the rest, but I thought I would have been able to last more than 5 days. I called Michael and spend a wonderful afternoon walking around and stopping for tea at least 4 times (over 4 hours). A very civilized way to live. Made it back to the Sultanamet in time to hear the evening call to prayer and then I went to watch the Uruguay Netherlands game on a big screen in a street cafe in the middle of tourist central. There must have been 30 tvs in sight down the street and it was a good game (drunken Spaniards 2 restaurants down added to the atmosphere)

July 5

Bank called the hotel first thing (well 9am) to let me know that I could pick up the card on Wednesday (2 more days!). Well, what to do now? I thought about just forgetting the card and moving on, or about going to Ephesus and coming back, but in the end figured to just stay till Wednesday and wait for the card (even though that meant I had to abandon Ephesus)

I checked out of the hotel I was at since they had tried to overcharge me and because they didn't take visa (had to conserve what cash I had, just in case). Found a place with air conditioning and way nicer for only 12 more euros. I already arranged to stay here on my way back...

Did that in the morning and then went to find the bank branch where I would pick up my card (so I would know where to go on Wednesday). Then I went to the Grand Bazaar for awhile (it reminded my of Beijing, but shopping is shopping wherever). I didn't buy anything as it was mostly tourist junk, not that I explored it all, hardly.

After I walked back to the Sultanamet and called Michael. Might meet him tomorrow. He was heloful with prices for flights and buses (as I try to figure out the next step of the journey). I think I am taking too much of his time. I will call him tomorrow and invite him out for a meal perhaps.

Then I walked to the Sultan's palace and spent a good 4 hours or so there. Then walked back to the Blue Mosque to hear the early evening call to prayer then back to the hotel for a rest.

Just ate a pide (turkish pizza) at the corner pide place (in the middle of tourist alley) and after my tea I will go back to the BM to hear the call to prayer, about 50 minutes from now.

July 4

Slept in again and took the ferry to Michael's side of the city. Walked around Chalcedon and stopped for tea or coffee many times. Took the ferry back and I saw the cisterns of James Bond and rested in front of the Blue Mosque. Had a nice meal of kebap at my hotel. Hopefully tomorrow will be a good day. [Hotel guy tried to charge me for an extra day but I wouldn't let him]

July 3

Saturday. Slept in till 10 AM, had my breakfast and went to the bank machine. Disaster! It swallowed my card!! (whole trip now uncertain) [I had failed to take out the card before I put my money away, as I was reaching for the card, it took it back in assuming that I had forgotten it]. I called the bank from the hotel and i should get it back my Monday (inshallah)

Eventually saw the Haia Sophia - astounding - and the Blue Mosque - crowded - and Constantine's cistern - disappointing

Later I saw Argentina/Germany on a rooftop terrace overlooking the sea and then I had a nice evening with Michael, his girlfriend and her sister. We visited while we walked around town and had coffee on a different rooftop and I had my fortune read

July 2

Arrived no problem, around 7 PM or so. I called Michael (the brother of someone I went to college with) and spend the evening drinking coffee at a rooftop cafe with him and his girlfriend. [Hotel was ok, some nice people but cramped overpriced non-airconditioned rooms]

July 1

Waited all morning for Chuck to pick me up, finally the time came and it was off to the airport. The thought came to me along the way that I didn't really know what I was in for, but I guess it was to be expected.

No problems in Toronto, in Chicago it took me awhile to find the right gate for the connecting flight but I had plenty of time. Then it was off to Istanbul (I have to say that I hate to fly but Turkish Airline is likely the best one I have ever used, but I still hate flying)

Life is busy

Getting ready to go - I starts to feel real but still a ways away

Planning

The trip is still far away but the plans are progressing. The tickets are bought - now just the details.....