Monthly Archives: August 2011

Pamukkale: Crazy Baths and Bus Rides

Posted on August 29, 2011 by Mike

On Wednesday, August 24, we caught a bus to a town named Pamukkale (Pah-muh-call-eh), a place known for its calcium-coated travertine pools and the ruins of ancient Hierapolis.  The bus ride from Selcuk took about 2 1/2 hours as we … Continue reading →

Posted in Turkey | 1 Comment

Selcuk: An Emphasis on Ephesus

Posted on August 25, 2011 by Sarah

 After 4 wonderful days exploring Istanbul, Mike and I were ready to explore more of Turkey starting with Selcuk the town nearest to Ephesus. Mike and I were up early on Monday morning to take the tram to the Otogar, … Continue reading →

Posted in Turkey | 10 Comments

Istanbul–Mike and Sarah’s Crazed Yogurt Sauce Spree

Posted on August 23, 2011 by Mike

I write this blog on Day 6 in Turkey, having just finished my 12th meal featuring yogurt-sauce; basically, we order this with every possible lunch or dinner; if they ate waffles for breakfast here, I might spread this luscious blend … Continue reading →

Posted in Turkey | 4 Comments

Day 1 in Istanbul: Yes, Please!

Posted on August 23, 2011 by Mike

While Italy was amazing, we had no idea what to expect, and since our plane landed at 2:15 AM, we thought it might get off to a rough start.  We needn’t have worried, though, and Istanbul proved to be a … Continue reading →

Posted in Turkey | 5 Comments

Home of the Voltura

Posted on August 19, 2011 by Sarah

Our next stop in Tuscany was the small hill town of Montepulciano described in the guidebook as a town with a view and good wine.  Sounded like a perfect place to visit for Mike and I! We found out the … Continue reading →

Posted in Italy | 8 Comments

Siena: Charming Hills, Local Pride, and the Palio!

Posted on August 15, 2011 by Mike

Saturday morning, we got out of Lucca early and took several trains to Siena; upon getting to town, we took approximately a dozen long escalators up the hill into town–it was like something out of the Jetsons!  A long winding … Continue reading →

Posted in Italy | 8 Comments

“We Went to Lucca, We Lived on the 2nd Floor, We Lived Upstairs While There, but We Won’t Go Back No More”

Posted on August 15, 2011 by Mike

The rest of our time in Italy will be spent in the hill towns of Tuscany, beginning with a one day stop in Lucca.  While we had an okay day here, it was our least favorite place in Italy, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Italy | 8 Comments

Cinque Terre: 5 Cities and 4 Friends

Posted on August 15, 2011 by Sarah

It was time to get out of the city and we were excited to relax on Mediterranean coast for a few days.  We had to switch trains in Pisa so we decided to do a quick side trip into town to see … Continue reading →

Posted in Italy | 8 Comments

Florence: Where Private Parts are Art, Food is Good, and the Raffs are Happy!

Posted on August 15, 2011 by Mike

I was very excited to go to Florence, as Sarah had often raved about it from her trip there in 2005 with her friend Shelley. I knew that we would see some great art and eat some good food; there … Continue reading →

Posted in Italy | 2 Comments

Welcommin der und Nord de Italia?

Posted on August 13, 2011 by Sarah

Escaping to Northern Italy was just what we and our feet needed after the 2 day whirlwind in Rome. I was craving to get out of cities and some fresh mountain air so we decided to check out the Dolomites. … Continue reading →

Posted in Italy | 8 Comments