Sheilaclapkin's Blog;

Can you believe it? We are back in Turkey? Kusadasi has the feel of Turkey and is billed as a resort town. For approximately $180,000 you can buy a three-bedroom two-bath condo facing the beautiful Aegean Sea.

EPHESUS:

Our tour took us in the early morning to Ephesus.  The only way to let you know this is the biggest ruin in the world’s history is to quote something I found.  “Ephesus dates back to Pre-lonian times when the Carians and Lelegians lived in a wide plain near the temple of the Mother Goddess, later to become the Temple of Artemis or Diana, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.” And it goes on and on. We were told that Ephesus used to be right at the port, but there was a meandering river that laid down silt and eventually it added 3 miles distancing Ephesus from the sea. We walked in between the Hellenistic Walls and the Byzantine walls. We saw the Aqueducts, The Basilica of St. John, Temple of Diana, The Library of Celsus built in A.D 135, and then all I saw were people, people and more people. I searched and listened for something ancient other than stones, but all I could see and here amongst the ruins were only 21^st century people trying to see the same things we all came to see. As you will see in some of the photos of special sights, all you can see are people as well.

Lucky they started the walk and talk at the top of the hill and ended stadium down the hill. We were instructed not to go too far into the stadium because it was dangerous and they have had to haul off two people recently who fell and broke a leg.  That is all you have to say to me, and I won’t even look at it. No photos of the stadium.  In fact, some photos show the masses of people surrounding the ruins. Oh how I have a hard time in crowds. I am proud of us because fear cast aside, we did it all except the stadium.  There are many stories and legends associated with Ephesus and this part of the world.

I was huffing and puffing down the hill, passing the stadium with blinders on heading lickety split for the Water Closet. Yes, I was a bit hunched over, checking my steps joining the LINE.

I got a little tap on the back and the Official of restrooms took my hand and escorted me ahead of everyone and installed me in the HANDICAPPED toilet.  OMG, I said to myself, I must really be a mess.  Doesn’t she know I sing, dance, hike, run, and play games inside my head?  I imagine myself in a short fluffy dress wearing six-inch heels twirling on the dance floor.  Does she know in my other life I could really kick ass, I was hell on wheels, I was a spitfire and as straight as an arrow? Do you think she knew I was Bowling Champion of my girls high school team, Tether ball champ of my block, I could double jump rope, dance on my toes and lots of other things. No, how could she know, she just helped out an aging person to pee in peace.  God Bless her.

I have noticed at many tour sites, younger and younger people are there. I have noticed the older ones limp along or are non-existent.  I think they should have little choo choo trains and drive you around the quaint little city streets in heavily visited tourist cities. They had several little trains in Mykonos and older folks were riding them.

Let me sum up Ephesus: heaps of stones and debris surrounded by silted marshlands, which was once the finest city in the world. A city that remains a phenomena and one that will bring the masses to marvel at what once was so much history and such glory for as long as the earth remains.

I am very sorry but the cruise line I am on does not have a strong enough internet connection at any time , day or night, to accommodate me sending photos with the blogs. Can you believe that? I have spent a fortune, not to mention hours trying. In order to relieve this frustation, I am considering taking a taxi at our next stop where I can find a Wi-Fi coffee shop and send you photos!!

Interesting to note that Mykonos is in a group of islands known as Cyclades in the Aegean Sea.  A few days ago we were all about the beautiful Mediterranean.

The minute we stepped out to take the shuttle to the business section of Mykonos we feel the difference.  It is cold today on the Aegean Sea and the wind is fiercely blowing and has not stopped.  Did you know there are four other larger islands in this group as well as Mykonos called, Naxos, Paros, Syros, and Tinos?  How interesting it would be to see them. They must be a bit barren because they aren’t mentioned much and certainly not a tourist spot. When I have unlimited Wi-Fi I will Google each of them.

Mykonos in the wind and cold is better for me than hot, and hotter.  As we walked through the authentically beautiful tourist town we had a destination, thank goodness or we would have stopped at a hundred different shops, restaurants, and interesting small shop size churches. We found out later that Greece is a very Orthodox country and religion plays an important role in Greek culture. There is a profusion of small family churches, about 500 of them in Mykonos, housing family remains. On our walk through the town we saw and were invited into these little churches, side by side the shops and restaurants.  We also found out that only bones are kept in the little churches so they bury the body for approximately two or more years and when the bones are ripe they dig up their loved one and then, ceremoniously place the bones in their family church. I wish I would have known all of this before we left the city and would have taken more photos of these special places. There are few second chances and it this case zero and none.  One photo at the end!

On the way I became interested in the steps up to living quarters and business offices.  I’ve included some photos. Our destination was to get to the windmills. We walked up and up, left, then right and left again. We made it.  Thank goodness because I so wanted a photo of the famous windmills like the one in magazines advertising a lovely stay on Mykonos. We got there fine, but so did others. No chance of taking an advertisement photo. Remember also, windy, windy, cold, cold.  I have included the photo with people, but on the long wind down, I saw a free Wi-Fi sign in a coffee shop with an outside patio enabling a perfect shot of the ever-popular windmills.

I also tried to get a special shot of the typical Cycladic blue and white cube-shaped dwellings.  Not like the guidebooks, no way, they must have a camera on a crane. Oh well, the yummy gritty Greek coffee with free Wi-Fi was a treat.  Thank you Mykonos for putting your best foot forward for our visit.  You could have turned the temperature up and the wind down, but the pleasure visiting you is ours.

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After a sumptuous breakfast we departed Antalya for Fethiye. The drive along the Turquoise Coast is advertised as probably the most scenic and spectacular in all of Turkey.  That is what they say and it was not disappointing, but I have to say some of he funky drives we took to deserted villages and the tombs became my favorites. Scary, funky and fun is a ride for me. I like those because around every corner is a new awe.

We drove with our guide to the village of Ucagiz where we enjoyed a short boat ride to Kekova Isand. Kekova Island is also known by the city that was there once upon a time and then, slipped and sunk in the ocean, now known as “Sunken City. This is where the guidebook said we would make cultural connections. Really? The husband and wife on the boat that took us out to the Sunken City were sweet smiling little happy cooks, cooking our lunch and steering the boat. When the sweet happy little cook could not get me to buy any of her handmade items, she stopped in mid-stream and never looked my way, never smiled again and would not even say good bye when it was time to leave. So, now you know about my longed for cultural connection in a little village, on a little boat somewhere along the Turquoise Coast of Turkey.

The city of long ago has slipped into the sea.

You can still see a gate standing proudly announcing what used to be…

Our boat luncheon!

We are told to rise early so we can have room to appreciate this great view of Lycian rock tombs that are well over 2,000 years old residing in the ancient town of Myra in the Lycia region of Anatolia. The fronts of these tombs have been cut from the cliffs towering above the towns.  What a humbling sight, one only to stand in awe. I would like to write more about being humbled and standing in awe, but it is your turn to see secondhand from the photos.

http://www.urbanghostsmedia.com/2013/03/ancient-rock-cut-tombs-myra-lycian-necropolis/#sthash.McEjKHrh.dpuf

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Just thought you would like to know they are building Noah’s Arc just down the road. Would like to see the stages leading up to the finished product. Do you think someone at the hotel will take photos along the way and send them to us?  I will ask…

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We enjoyed our short stay in Istanbul and were happy to see more side street action the second time around. We stayed in a Sultan’s palace, not really, but our hotel assumed the rights to decorate as one.  Included are some sights and if you look deeply into some of the photos you can hear sounds as well.

Welcome to Portland: Room with a view.

All you have to do is show up in Portland, drop off your backpack and you start having fun. We walked the Waterfront and ended up at the Saturday market on Sunday.  What I enjoyed about this marketplace is that it is a throw back to my good old days. Proof of handcrafted art still exist showing glass blowing pieces, pottery with designs made from leaves from the garden pressed into the wet clay, many booths are filled with hand crafted jewelry, garden hangings, shawls, sweaters, baby clothes, vintage items, wooden bowls, and nearly antiques. Food and drink galore is for your pleasure and there are many and varied offerings.

Next, still on foot, we discovered the Lan Su Gardens in Chinatown.

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The Lan Su Gardens are the most authentic and beautiful Chinese gardens outside of China in my humble opinion. We took our time enjoying the serenity and tranquility of the reflection pools, roamed the paneled rooms and enjoyed the surroundings of the Scholar’s Courtyard as we sat in large comfortable hand carved chairs directly from China.  The experience was reflective and deeply gratifying.  We donated generously and as we left we noticed people buying tickets.  We must have gone into the garden through the wrong door because ticket buying did not exist at the door we entered. I am glad we were generous regarding our donation into their donation box.

We felt comfortable walking so far and for so long because we discussed taking a cab back. I kept looking for a taxi just to assure myself they would be easy to hail. No, silly this is not New York, this is Portland where you do not hail cabs you call for them. These are Radio Cabs and you call a special number and tell them where you are located. Okay. We continued walking. A train came; we had no idea how to purchase a ticket from the multifaceted box, so we just hopped onto the bus with a dollar in our hands if needed. A very beautiful woman got up and gave me her seat. Either she was taught to be polite to old people or I looked like a specimen of near death. Bus rides in the city are free.

Speaking about old people, well, where are they in Portland?  I asked a young man where I might see an older person and he put his finger across his neck as in slitting his throat, making a guttural sound said, “ Killed ‘em all.”

Voodoo Doughnuts

There are famous or shall we call them, infamous Voodoo doughnuts in Portland and they say the magic is in the hole. I don’t think so.  There are tons of decorations on each donut and it is said that long, long ago, the decorations were laced with Dramamine, and muscle relaxants.  The donuts actually made you feel good and sleep well.  True or not, in present day talk, they say the hype is just a myth. Perhaps it is hype; perhaps a myth, but look at the lines to buy these hypes or myths regarding the feel good donuts.

I was told by so many people to look for Portland’s famous vintage clothing stores and their equally famous food carts.  I imagined a vintage store on every street corner and a huge lot full of food carts.  It did not happen like that at all.  The food carts are plugged into little vacant spots, two or three in a plug.  Vintage stores are plentiful, but you must be diligent in your searches to find them. Food carts are plentiful.

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Sorry about the blur…shot on the fly!

A very special, extra special event, was meeting and getting to know Clarke’s lovely wife Linda.  Who is Clarke and who is Linda and what makes them so special to me?  You are about to find out.  Clarke was my special, most loved friend from the time I was 3 or 4 until I was 6 or 7. Clarke and his family moved away one day, never to return.  I sat on the curb in front of his house and cried for days. I could not understand the divesting pain and loss so crying was a way out. I recovered, but not totally.  It was so hard to give my heart again, but time and circumstances allow you a window into trust and love again.

Linda picked us up for a mystery ride that wound around the beauty of Portland and ended at Clarke’s gravesite. We spent some time at the site talking, hoping Clarke heard us and knew that we were there for him. I am wondering how to express so many feelings in words, so please imagine meeting your friend after living your life in your world and he in his for 67 years. Clarke, I salute you for spending your life educating yourself, gaining world-wide knowledge and giving it all back in service to your country. Thank you dear friend. I appreciate the knowledge of you that dear Linda has shared. Thank you to special and exceptional, Linda.  You are delightful and one the perks of Portland. You are family indeed.

( refer to Blog #1 for full Clarke story)

After visiting with Clarke for a while in his beautifully wooded area, we drove over for a hello to Linda’s daughter in another part of the cemetery. We continued on with our afternoon through Troutdale, a lovely town with outlets connected to it. No we did not stop; we kept to our plans to follow the Historic Columbia River Highway 11 ½ miles to Vista House, which captures one of Oregon’s very special views. You can be in Oregon, looking across the Columbia River into the beautiful state of Washington. Inspiring!
Photos from Vista House at Crown Point

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Waterfalls in the Columbia Gorge:

On the way to the Multnomah Falls, we learned that waterfalls could be classified into different forms: plunge, horsetail, fan, cascade, punchbowl, block, tier, and segmented. Can you see the classifications in our photos of the falls we saw?

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Thank you Mark for introducing us to Portlanders fixation with huge elegant breakfasts. We ate at Gravy and the minute we sat down we saw huge plates of magnificent food piled high. It was share time for Skip and I. Not for Mark. Sorry no photos because we were too caught up in the moment. At Gravy, you can expect plentiful delicious food, and a comfortable and inviting ambiance. Later we toured around Mark’s environs and then visited his habitat. His home is wonderful and his dog Ruby is beautiful. Too bad I am afraid of dogs. Mark shared his work with photography and the worldwide market. Then, he introduced us to Bernice his 104-year-old neighbor. She is lovely looking, frail, but healthy and best of all has all of her ducks in a row. Bravo, Bernice! So there are older people in Portland. Bravo to Mark for being such a caring neighbor, a special friend and a wonderful, cheerful person.

Mark told us about the McMenamins brothers who saw the opportunity to use old unused buildings to their advantage. The bought them and opened up 65 brewpubs, microbreweries, music venues, historic hotels and theater pubs. Our luck brought us to The Kennedy School, which was once an elementary school now turned into a hotel, pub, restaurant, movie theater, art gallery and much more. Now, you can sleep in your classroom at McMenamins Kennedy School.

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On our way back through Troutdale and after visiting with Clarke, we had dinner at McMenamins Edgefield, now a beautiful European-style Village and Hotel and respite, was once for many years Multnomah County Poor Farm. When sent to the poor farm all residents were given a job to do raising hogs, poultry, fruits and vegetables.

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We had an opportunity to visit the International Test Rose Garden while overlooking Portland’s skyline. Actually what I saw was a lot of deadheading needed. The Holocaust Memorial is in the same vicinity as is the Zoo and train.

Flowers in Need:

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The Pittock Mansion: Lovely walk down memory lane. Henry Pittock was a newspaperman when he became owner of the Oregonian. When I saw the same jello mold maker as the one I have from my mother, I felt at home. Sometimes connecting with the past is comforting and reassuring that there is a future!
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What I can tell you about Portland; go for a visit? Yes because there is everything you ever wanted and I suppose don’t want as with any city destination. I can say I enjoyed the sharing of creativity, the taste, the smell, the youth, the kindness to strangers and their values full of manners and good will. Come to see the gorgeous green coolness, the food carts, the vintage stores, human ingenuity in all of its passion for life and bustle of yet to come.

It certainly was a surprise to see Lenin in Seattle.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statue_of_Lenin,_Seattle

Morning:

Off on an early start to Pioneer Square home to Al Boccalino, everything Italian, Glasshouse Studio, Laguna, a vintage Pottery Barn that had a sign advertising free stuff in the back room, the Police Museum, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and the UNDERGROUND  TOUR, which was our destination.  The Underground Tour is advertised as Seattle’s most unusual attraction. You are taken on an underground stroll under three buildings. You are shown subterranean storefronts and sidewalks that were covered over when the city rebuilt on top of its self after the fire and flood. I was worried about the ruggedness we might encounter. It is a safe journey even with a few flights of stairs. This was an enjoyable and worthwhile adventure into a small part of Seattle’s past. When I sent some of the early photos to our son-in-law he said, “These photos looks like a Garage Sale gone bad.” Ops, no one is laughing?

Our journey after lunch in Pioneer Square, taking bites between sirens and police cars, all the while saying a prayer in hopes God was watching over some poor soul in trouble, took us to the Klondike Gold Rush Museum.

Now I know what a twisted ankle feels like from beginning and I am still waiting for the end.  But a traveler must go on, and on we went. This museum offers walking tours of the area, exhibits and audiovisual programs telling the story of Seattle’s role in the Klondike Gold Rush. I also borrowed their dusty wheelchair for the visit.

Gold! Gold! Gold! The news spread like wild fire and men came streaming into the North West to strike it rich. Seattle was on the route and played a big role in the rush for GOLD! There were stories recounted of the city of Dyea, the Chilkoot Trail and the White Pass, which are trails over the Coast Mountains. The White Pass Trail was ten miles longer, but its summit was less steep and 600 feet lower.  People taking these trails were called Stampeders.  A railroad was finally built, but by then the rush was over.

Evening:

Our evening was spent with Jeff, Krisztina, and Anna.  Jeff and his family were our long time neighbors. They picked us up at our hotel, drove by the Ballard Locks and I so wanted a longer peek, but my ankle said, “Nope, you have to sit down and rest” We rested during dinner, conversations, learning and sharing. For dessert we went back to the family home which sports two huge bright windows in front allowing for a stunning view, a gorgeous park in the back and ten flavors of ice cream and a lovely plate of summer fruit. Krisztina, I am having our Movie Group over on Sunday for dessert and discussion. I made a cake that is delicious, but stuck horribly to the pan and needed extensive surgery to get it on a plate. It is still delicious, but if I have ten different flavors of ice cream, who will notice that the cake is less than perfect? Thank you for the incredible idea and a lovely warm evening.

I would like to add that all of the people we met in Seattle have a high respect for living, and are positive people living their lives in a place they call Paradise.  The weekend we visited, we shared he Waterfront with the Seattle HempFest. It was in full swing for three of the four days we were there. Hempfest was very well run and the 250,000 participants did not bother us nor did we them. They seemed to know the rules and followed them. Everything was very systematic and the lines waiting to get into the Fest were polite and orderly. I would have imagined it differently. I do say, “Congratulations to Seattle for such an organized and peaceful display” This may help you to understand: