Ankara to Sanliurfa (Urfa)

After the Anatolian museum visit, we explore Ulus, the old quarter of Ankara, before heading for Esenboga Airport for the flight to Sanliurfa (Urfa). In Urfa we have our first taste of the famous Urfa kebab before retiring.

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PLEASE READ THIS ENTRY FIRST. IT’S MY “TABLE OF CONTENTS”. THANKS!

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My Canada Entries

I have written five instalments on my journey to Canada in June, 2011 — including a memorable 6,000km drive from Hamilton, Ontario, to Sydney, Nova Scotia, and back. All are consolidated here for easy reading.

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Ancient Anatolian History Lesson in Ankara

In Ankara, the capital city of modern Turkey, we spend the morning exploring the priceless exhibits at the world-famous Museum of Anatolian Civilisations. These exhibits date back from more than 4,000 years ago. Living ancient history at its best! February 2013.

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Breathtaking Cappadocia (Part 3)

Continuing with Day 2 in Cappadocia, we see some amazing pottery in Avanos, and even more amazing natural formations in the Monks Valley. We end the day with a long bus ride to Ankara, the capital of Turkey. February 2013.

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Nova Scotia or New Scotland

After doing the Prince Edward Island circuit, we overnight in New Brunswick before crossing the border into Nova Scotia, the only colony named in Latin (New Scotland) by James I of England (also known as James VI of Scotland) in 1621. By the way, the land was claimed by John Cabot of Genoa in 1497, when he was under the commission of Henry VII of England. 09-10 June 2011.

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Atlantic Canada – Prince Edward Island

We continue with our Canada series, and this time we explore beautiful pastoral Prince Edward Island. It’s the smallest province in Canada in terms of both size and population, and one of the three Atlantic maritime provinces — the other two being Nova Scotia and Newfoundland & Labrador. In 1873 PEI gained independence from England and joined the Confederation (of Canada), although the United States tried to entice it to join them. PEI claims to be the ‘Birthplace of Confederation’. 08 June 2011.

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Kuala Lumpur to Kuching with Malindo Air

Malindo Air is Malaysia’s newest airline with the tagline ‘Not Just Low Cost’. It seems to be positioning itself between full-service carrier Malaysia Airlines, and low-cost carrier AirAsia. To experience what this means, I got myself a promotional ticket of RM38 for one-way flight Kuala Lumpur KUL to Kuching KCH, whose service starts today. 23 March 2013.

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Breathtaking Cappadocia (Part 2)

Second day in Cappadocia and we get to see how a cave hotel room is made, plus a memorable visit to the ancient Eastern Orthodox churches of Goreme, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. February 2013.

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Breathtaking Cappadocia (Part 1)

We have heard so much of this magical place called Cappadocia in central Anatolian Turkey — some say one of the top 5 places to see before you die or something. And indeed, Cappadocia doesn’t disappoint. February 2013.

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Virgin Mary and St John in Ephesus

Still in Ephesus, we pay a visit to Mary’s House and the ruins of St John’s Basilica. February 2013

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Ephesus, Capital of Roman Asia (Part 2)

We continue with our stroll through the main streets of Ephesus, the capital of Roman Asia. Two major highlights are the Celsus Library and the Great Theatre. February 2013.

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Ephesus, Capital of Roman Asia (Part 1)

We visit Ephesus, said to be the best Greco-Roman ruins in the Mediterranean region. It was the capital of Roman Asia, and a termination point for the ancient Silk Road from China. February 2013.

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Pamukkale, the Cotton Castle (Part 2)

We continue with our Cotton Castle tour, walking along the edge of fabulous travertine formations made famous all over the world, with the green fertile valley down below. February 2013.

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Pamukkale, the Cotton Castle (Part 1)

It’s a very cold day as we gingerly step into the slippery pool at the beautiful ancient white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, the Cotton Castle. Barefoot, but the 35°C water makes our feet happy, till we have to leave. February 2013.

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Hierapolis of Phrygia (Part 3)

We continue with our delightful stroll along the main street of Hierapolis, the ancient Greco-Roman city founded 2nd century BC, taking in all the sights and real history it has to offer. February 2013.

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Hierapolis of Phrygia (Part 2)

A stroll through the Greco-Roman ancient city of Hierapolis, founded in 2nd century BC. A wonderful site to observe ancient Greek and Roman architecture first-hand. February 2013.

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Hierapolis of Phrygia (Part 1)

We travel to Denizli, about 240km southeast of Izmir, to visit the famous Pamukkale sites of the ancient Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis and the White Terraces. February 2013.

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Arrival in Izmir, Western Turkey

This is the start of our 11-day independent adventure around Turkey, taking us to eight places, as far away as southeastern Anatolia at the Syrian border. Our first ever visit to this much-mentioned country, I hope it won’t let us down! February 2013.

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Old Hoi An and My Son Temple Ruins, UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Central Vietnam

Hoi An, founded 2000 years ago, became the port cum commercial capital of the Champa Kingdom during 7th-10th c., and was an important international port in 16th-17th c. before the role was usurped by Da Nang during the French rule. It has been influenced by the Chams, Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Arabs and French. The Arab traders converted some of the Chams to Muslims, and they migrated to Cambodia, and some even say to the Pattani/Kelantan area of the Malay Peninsula.

My Son is the site of ruins of Hindu temples from the Champa Kingdom (3rd-18th c.). Structures dating from the 7th c. are being preserved and gradually restored.

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