My Dad suffered a lot of hard knocks in his life growing up in Paulsboro, N.J., but he never complained about his past. In fact, he rarely talked about it. All he did was work as hard as he could to make a better life for the future of his family.
The View From Istanbul’s Galata Tower
The weather is dreary this Monday in Istanbul. Gray skies since early morning persist, and post-lunch raindrops have begun speckling the windows of my apartment by the park on the Golden Horn. The air is damp and cool for such a late-spring day.
This is in contrast to Sunday’s brilliance, just yesterday when the sun reigned in the glory of a regal blue sky, shedding warmth across the city.
Yesterday was perfect for a walk from my apartment in humble, colorful Balat in Fatih, across the Golden Horn waterway on the Galata Bridge, to historic Galata Tower in the bustling tourist area of Beyoglu. It’s an easy, interesting walk of about two miles.
Istanbul’s Reigning Cats and Dogs
Among the many pleasant aspects of life I find wandering the streets of Istanbul is the care that people share for the many dogs and cats that inhabit the city.
Felines and canines hold a special status in the everyday life of Istanbul.
Two weeks in Istanbul
I was reminded this week why I choose to live outside of the prime tourist locations in cities I visit.
All Vaxed Up and Ready to Roll
Note: Ten days ago I arrived in Istanbul. I wrote this piece for the newsletter that goes along with this blog but I’ve posted nothing since for the blog itself. Subsequently I rethought the the idea of a newsletter and decided that everything I write should be on the blog and that the newsletter should be for other uses, not to send exclusive posts only to subscribers.
So for those who didn’t subscribe, I encourage you to do so, but here’s the first post that was only in the newsletter, describing my anxious flight to Turkey.
A true Patriot, and a good Soldier
My travels, which include visits to cemeteries in most places I go, recently took me to Alexandria, Virginia, where I found this remarkable headstone for Sovereign Brown, a member of …
My Latest Blog Has A New Flavor
I’m launching my new blog today. It’s still a bit of a work in progress, but I never set out to make it a showpiece work of online art. I …
Historic Church for Sunday Service
On Sunday I attended an Episcopal Church service in Alexandria, Virginia, a short walk from where I’m staying. It’s a historic church where, curiously, George Washington and and Robert E. …