Bostanci is the big ferry port on the Marmara Sea which has all the ferries out to the Prince’s Islands. We hope to make it out to the Prince’s Islands someday on another trip. As it was we said our goodbyes to Alp and used the time before our ferry to Yenikapi on the European side to try to figure out how we were going to get to our next stop, Bursa.
The Hippodrome of Istanbul
What I saw as a nice rectangular park with some old monuments in it was actually a Byzantine race track which used to have two levels of seats on the outside and where chariot races used to excite the crowds for more than 1200 years. The chariot teams were really political parties called ‘Greens’ and ‘Blues’ and so it was part politics and part sport for the Byzantine Emperors and chariot fans.
Bologna, Italy – Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca
The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca is a destination for pilgrims from all over the world and while I was in Bologna primarily to worship the food and architecture, I decided to make the trek to the magnificent sanctuary which sits atop the Guardia Hill and serves as the most prominent landmark in the beautiful city of Bologna.
Bergamo – Italian City of Festivals
Bergamo is a trading crossroads for not only Europe but for the world. And, as a bonus – some wonderful festivals come with that.
A Very Good Novel (Coronavirus) by CD Vagobond
(Author notes have been moved to the bottom since I’ve finished the novel) If you prefer to listen to novels instead of reading them, here’s the link to my podcast on iTunes – Vagobond Podcast Adventures A Very Good Novel (Coronavirus) by CD Vagobond Prologue – A History of the World and…
Ferrara, Italy – From Castello Estense to Cappellacci di Zucca
Ferrara, Italy is well off the beaten path of most visitor’s travel plans when they come to Italy – and that contributes to exactly why you should take the time to stop in this charming cobble-stoned Northern Italian town.
Touring Ancient Troy and Bloodsoaked Gallipoli in Turkey
Two of the places most visitors to Turkey have already heard of are Ancient Troy and the Gallipoli Peninsula. Both the scenes of epic battles and massive bloodshed. Both also made into films of the same name.
7 Reasons Why the Oregon Dunes Totally Kick Butt for ATV’s
We present the seven top reasons why all ATV riders must visit the Oregon Dunes at least once in their lives.
Travelling in Turkey – More Greek and Roman Ruins than Italy and Greece!
Again, not a lot of time to write, but we are having a wonderful time in Turkey. From cruising the Bosporus to marveling at the Iskander Kebap in Bursa, this trip has been filed with adventures stretching across the Black Sea, the Marmara Sea, and soon the Aegean Sea, and of course a bit of…
Exploring Essaouira, Morocco in a Daytrip
I recommend a visit to Morocco’s seaside resort of Essaouira.