Friendship Road
In brief: It's a much finer road with friends on it, as in Astana We have been fortunate to meet interesting people throughout our travels and maintain friendships long after. Especially in a country new…
Kaz Capital: Shining City on the Steppes
In brief: When Astana became Kazakhstan's capital 30 years ago, a new city was built atop the old. It's wealthy, friendly, growing rapidly, and often monumental. Astana, Kazakhstan, is a largely invented capital city, created…
Terraced houses, Ephesus
W. Turkey: Classical Cities, Lycian Way, & Troy
In brief: On the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, alongside magnificent landscapes, we explored ancient cities that were important some 2000 years ago and still revelatory today. Greco-Roman Cities "I am Alpha and Omega, the…
Roman port, Antalya
S. Central Turkey: Antalya, Catalhoyuk, Konya
In brief: Our swing to the south of Turkey led us to its lovely Mediterranean coast and two very different cultural heritages. Neolithic Çatalhoyuk: The origins of community They established a model for how to…
Open Air Museum, Goreme
No. Central Turkey: Ankara, Cappadocia, Wooden Mosques
In brief: Our drive through western Turkey first covered the north and central regions – a land of ancient empires, magnificent artistry, and geological wonders. Hittite Empire & Ankara Museum The Hittite Empire – possibly…
Medusa, Basilica Cistern
The Splendor of Istanbul
In brief: Istanbul has many monuments to show for all its storied past, while its population comes alive outdoors at its bazaars and cafes. Walking for a week around the historic city of Istanbul uncovers…
Exterior, Aliyev Center
Three Baku Museums: Folds, rolls, and minis
In brief: As befits a city with a long history and a wealthy present, Baku is filled with museums celebrating its past culture and its future. Two of the most stunning museums – in large…
Flame Tower with flame
Baku: Beyond the Old City
In brief: Beyond the Old City, Baku also makes a dazzling impression. The fresh-looking century-old buildings are complemented by eye-catching contemporary architecture. The rest of the central city of Baku also makes a dazzling impression.…
Shah's Palace in afternoon, Baku
Baku: Everything Old is New Again
In brief: Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, the odd thing about its still walled Old City – where the Muslim Shahs ruled from their central palace between the 9th and 16th century - is that…
Shirvan shah tombs
High and Holy Places of the North
In brief: Driving northward to the west of Azerbaijan’s Caucasus Mountains, we found high places and holy places, stony greys and vivid colors. This was our second trip north. For our post about the eastern…