Home and Photos

After a month of eight planes, countless buses, a boat or two, a bicycle, cars, trains, and metros, I'm back home, adjusting to the lovely time difference between Europe and the West Coast.

Have posted about 200 of the 800ish pictures I took - http://flickr.com/photos/acaaron816/collections/72157600532726279/

What a month - still have plenty to write about, so I think I'll start from the beginning and work my way through over the next few posts.

Blondes Ruin Everything

Just had Westvleteren's two takes on the °6 beer - the current blond and the former (1998) darker ale, known as red. Good thing I had the blond first - it was exceptional of course, probably one of the best lighter beers I've ever had.
The red though...bar none most delicate yet nuanced beer I've ever had. Unfortunately, people visiting their cafe demanded the more palatable blond style from the monks. God's work indeed.

Ohmigod I Love This Place

Did some hardcore sightseeing today so I can relax a bit tomorrow - went to Brugge and Gent, loved them both. Rented a (really nice) bike in Brugge, climbed the Belfry, and of course enjoyed the beer, freitjes, and architecture.

Then it was off to see the absolutely incredible Adoration of the Lamb altarpiece in Gent, where I also adored a 13,50 beer from the smallest of the Trappist breweries, Westvleteren. Had the Blue, number 8. Delish.

Back in Antwerp happened upon a beer festival that I had somehow glossed over last night, and was able to try the champagne of beers, Deus Brut. Also met Garrett Oliver, Brooklyn Brewery Brewmaster. How bout that?

Reborn in Marseille

In Marseille for a few hours while waiting for my flight to Brussels. Hated it at first - wanted to check out their supposedly great market at Place des Capucins, so I went only to find it deserted. The dirty streets and overhyped Old Port did not help my mood.
Wandering back to the internet cafe, I stumbled upon the most alive, vibrant market I've come across in my travels. Apparently it was not Place des Capucins I was looking for, but Place de Marché des Capucins.

Belle Provence

Arrived in Provence yesterday - tooled around Avignon for the afternoon, saw the Palais des Papes and the Pont d'Avignon (I did not sing the song unfortunately)
Then it was back to the villa just outside the little town of Banon, a place known mostly for its hearty goat's cheese, wrapped in a leaf of some sort. My friend's family is entertaining a crew of around 22 - that's about 1 to 1 1/2 cases of wine a night for those keeping track.
Tomorrow is market day in St-Remy-en-Provence, then picnic time and Arles.

Au Revoir Turkey

Heading out of Turkey today via Antalya - can't believe my week (+) here is over. It's been great, wish I could stay longer, but Provence will be fantastic as well. That's the hard thing about travelling: you always want to see another place, which means leaving another behind.

Just met someone from Portland, OR who's been away for 9 months and still has a few years left of seeing the world. Like, everything. Sold his house and all his belongings.

Good thing I have that return ticket, it's tempting...

Blue Voyage

On the second day of my Blue Cruise along the coast from Olympos to Fetıhe. Absolutely incredible.
Docked in the town of Kaş, a cute if touristy port city. Enjoyed sleeping on the deck of our very nice little yacht, waking up looking out at our little cove, then jumping right in to the brilliant turqouise water.

Do I really have to leave?

Olympos

Arrived in Olympos yesterday via a flight to Antalya then a bus here. Absolutely gorgeous mountains descending straight into the Mediterranean. The access to the beach is via some pretty old-looking ruins that include an ancient pier-type structure. Pretty nifty. Olympos is kind of one massive campsite for 20-somethings. It's just one street (dirt and gravel of course) lined by these tree house pensions fully equipped with enough beer and food to keep everyone well entertained.
I leave today on a 3 day, 2 night cruise on a traditional gulet, a wooden Turkish boat, which should be great. Possibility of some SCUBA action in the city of Kaş (PADI certified for all you worriers). Bon voyage

So Long Istanbul

My last night in this wonderful city is winding down - can't wait for the beach of the southern coast, but will certainly miss the liveliness of Istanbul. Had a great dinner at a meyhane, a tavern where you are shown a platter of cold mezes (starters) that you point at, then order the rest of your dinner from the menu. Had a great, fresh sea bream as well as delicious fried mussels and eggplant, artichoke, stuffed peppers, and eggplant-tomato dip. All, of course accompanied by raki, Turkey's version of ouzo or pastis. But better, as they say. As is everthing here, right?

Istanbul

What an amazing city. The streets are constantly full of people out walking, enjoying the weather, relaxing, and having a good time. Experienced the call to prayer for my first time last night - there's a minaret right next to my hostel. Luckily I either slept through the 4AM one or it dıdn't happen this morning. Only a snoring dormmate.
Saw the Aya Sofia this morning, the number one building on my places to see list. Stepping in there is truly an awe-inspiring experience. Continued to see the Blue Mosque and Topkapı Palace, both great structures in their own right (especıally, but today was all about the Aya. And the kofte, the great Turkish meatball-type thing.
Food is everywhere here, and apparently it's all theirs. Turkey is one of 7 countries in the world that is agriculturally self-sustaining. Döner kebaps on their famous rotating spits line the streets, and street vendors hock everything from simit (think sesame bagel) to grilled corn to fresh mussels.
Exploring the Bosphorus later on a boat that dips between Europe and Asia. Love it.

İn İstanbul

Well Ive made it to Istanbul, having gone two weeks without fulfillig my promise to post updates. Ill try to play catch up with my free hostel internet, though the Turkish keyboard (lots of ıöç stuff) may make things a bit hairy. Great weather, off to explore!