http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/ Travel the globe with Sheila and the ex-Marine! en Copyright 2010 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0600 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/?v=4.34-en http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss <p>Mount Erciyes erupted around 2000 years ago in the Cappadocia Region. The resulting ash and lava formed soft rocks that covered about 20,000 km/12,000mi. The softer rock was eventually eroded by wind and water which left a hard cap rock on top of pillars. This is what is referred to as "Fairy Chimneys" but looks exactly like a male erection to most people. As a matter of fact, visitors usually begin laughing hysterically and making sexual innuendos upon first beholding the pillars. The inhabitants of Goreme began to carve houses, churches and monasteries out of the soft rocks and many examples of Byzantine art still remain. </p> <p>Goreme is a district of the Nevsehir Province in Turkey and one of Cappadocia's most famous attractions. The Goreme Open Air Museum is a complex of medieval painted cave churches carved by Orthodox monks. The van drove us to sightsee both Goreme and Cavusin before returning to Avanos for the night.</p> <div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top:10px;height:15px"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/ef8f319c-22b9-41ef-9081-e5ffd3c5e95d/" title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=ef8f319c-22b9-41ef-9081-e5ffd3c5e95d" alt="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" style="border:none;float:right"></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" defer="defer"></script></span></div> [<a href="http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/goreme-open-air-museum-in-capp-1.html">Read All</a>]<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~4/0465uQuObCg" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~3/0465uQuObCg/goreme-open-air-museum-in-capp-1.html http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/goreme-open-air-museum-in-capp-1.html Turkey Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0600 http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/goreme-open-air-museum-in-capp-1.html <p>Cappadocia was then one of the most primitive and enchanted regions of Turkey. Things have changed but Cappadocia is still an area with unique geologic formations, lunar landscape and churches containing ancient frescoes. Cappadocia stretched from Ankara to Andana in the South at one time, and nobody knows who the original inhabitants of this region were. But they do know that this barren land was a perfect spot for early Christians who would be safe from persecution. This Christian society built underground cities, carved churches out of solid rock and homes hollowed inside stone cones called "Fairy Chimneys." Call them "Fairy Chimneys" if you must but come on now, whether drooping or erect, they look like an important part of male anatomy...<a href="http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/Day%203%20male%20penis.html" onclick="window.open('http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/Day%203%20male%20penis.html','popup','width=400,height=285,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false">View image</a>.</p> <p>The group took a midday flight to Ankara and drove to Avanos, our base in Cappadocia for the next few days. Avanos is situated on the banks of the Kizilirmak River (Red River) that is not only Turkey's longest river but its red clay makes excellent building blocks, roof tiles and traditional household pottery. It is a rare tourist or group that isn't invited to a pottery demonstration and we were no exception. I think the Hotel Duru...<a href="http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/Day%204%20hotel%20duru%20sign.html" onclick="window.open('http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/Day%204%20hotel%20duru%20sign.html','popup','width=400,height=268,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false">View image</a>...(where we stayed) was involved with Chez Galip - La Caverne du Potier - one of the best known potters in Avanos. The pieces are displayed throughout seven cave rooms and we all bought a little piece whether needed or not.</p> <div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top:10px;height:15px"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/39cfaead-6287-4d4d-bae0-75933ad7f81b/" title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=39cfaead-6287-4d4d-bae0-75933ad7f81b" alt="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" style="border:none;float:right"></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" defer="defer"></script></span></div> [<a href="http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/avanos-cappadocia-1.html">Read All</a>]<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~4/qEWDExFJjeQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~3/qEWDExFJjeQ/avanos-cappadocia-1.html http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/avanos-cappadocia-1.html Turkey Sun, 14 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0600 http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/avanos-cappadocia-1.html <p>The Mt. Kackar Wilderness Travel group arrived safely along with trip leader, Jack and assistant trip leader, Cemil. There were 12 Americans who hailed from New York, Portland, Georgia and North Carolina, and two Canadians from Vancouver. Dick, Bill, Ruth, John, McKay, Nate, Anne, Jim, Christine, Barbara, Ed, and Deborah. All ages, all occupations, experienced trekkers with the exception of Deborah who was attempting her first trek and bought only the best of everything for this experience.</p> <p>A welcome dinner in the <a href="http://www.sarnicrestaurant.com/en/index.jsp" target="travel">Sarnic Restaurant</a>, also known as the "Cistern Restaurant." The Turkish Touring and Automobile Association repaired and restored the cistern built more than 1,000 years ago into a tavern cum restaurant. During restoration, they found that the original floor level was more than 21 feet below the present floor. Not only that, but the solid monolithic piers throughout still go another 3m/9 feet below the present level. The ancient interior has been prserved exactly as it was. Excellent food in a pleasant atmosphere. How often does one get a chance to dine in an old Roman cistern?</p> <div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top:10px;height:15px"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/2e9e471e-8b19-4514-8443-32c0248e95c8/" title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=2e9e471e-8b19-4514-8443-32c0248e95c8" alt="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" style="border:none;float:right"></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" defer="defer"></script></span></div> [<a href="http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/the-sights-of-istanbul-turkey.html">Read All</a>]<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~4/emi7TwxfqLs" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~3/emi7TwxfqLs/the-sights-of-istanbul-turkey.html http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/the-sights-of-istanbul-turkey.html Turkey Sat, 13 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0600 http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/the-sights-of-istanbul-turkey.html <p>We always try to fly and arrive one day before a group tour begins in case anything goes wrong and this trip was no exception. If I told you we flew poor defunct <strong>TWA</strong> (they had the <strong>best</strong> frequent flyer plan of any airline), would that give you a clue how long ago this trip was? Not only that, but the group flight from America was on <strong>Pan Am</strong>! However, all information and sights in these articles are still relevant today. Istanbul's Ataturk International Airport (IST) is located 23 km/14 miles west of Sultanahmet Square and a taxi from the airport should only run about $20.00.</p> <p>A taxi drove us to the <a href="http://www.kariyeotel.com/" target="travel">Kariye Hotel</a>, a small boutique hotel in <a href="http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/visiting_istanbul_turkey.html" target="travel">Old Istanbul</a> and located next to the Kariye Museum (formerly the Church of the Monastery of Chora). The Kariye Hotel is in a restored 19th century mansion on a hill above the Golden Horn and a 10-minute taxi ride to the Sultanahmet area. However, there are quite a few walks around the Kariye Hotel. One very interesting and don't-miss-walk is the stone towers, ramparts and ditches. Emperor Theodosius II (408-450) enclosed the seven hills of the <strong>new Rome in the fifth century</strong>. Can you believe they were built in two months to protect the city from <strong>Attila the Hun</strong>?</p> <div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top:10px;height:15px"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/334269c3-f2bc-4778-b3fe-15148cefc962/" title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=334269c3-f2bc-4778-b3fe-15148cefc962" alt="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" style="border:none;float:right"></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" defer="defer"></script></span></div> [<a href="http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/the-mt-kackar-trek-began-in-is.html">Read All</a>]<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~4/slrxSURa_8s" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~3/slrxSURa_8s/the-mt-kackar-trek-began-in-is.html http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/the-mt-kackar-trek-began-in-is.html Turkey Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0600 http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/the-mt-kackar-trek-began-in-is.html <p><strong>Air?</strong> You can search, plan and/or book on-line through BookingBuddy's Top Travel Deals newsletter and Kayak. <strong>TIP</strong>: Try to use miles accumulated on airlines for First, Business Class and Economy on short-hauls. It may only be 20,000 miles for a short-haul ticket and almost every major airline flies to Istanbul, Turkey.</p> <p><strong>Visas</strong>? American tourists traveling to Turkey on U.S. passports need a visa and can purchase a 90-day sticker visa at the port of entry for $20 cash. For all other nationalities, check this link, <a href="http://www.turizm.net/turkey/tips/visa.html" target="travel">Turizm.net</a></p> <div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top:10px;height:15px"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/3e7d87e8-5a7e-4fe7-8108-a993c7ffe946/" title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=3e7d87e8-5a7e-4fe7-8108-a993c7ffe946" alt="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" style="border:none;float:right"></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" defer="defer"></script></span></div> [<a href="http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/planning-a-mt-kackar-trek-in-e-1.html">Read All</a>]<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~4/aT7RUa7akC0" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~3/aT7RUa7akC0/planning-a-mt-kackar-trek-in-e-1.html http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/planning-a-mt-kackar-trek-in-e-1.html Turkey Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0600 http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/planning-a-mt-kackar-trek-in-e-1.html <p>There are only a few tour organizers that run treks to the Mt. Kackar (pronounced Kashkar) area in a remote region of eastern Turkey near the Russian border. A shame because this region is filled with green meadows, wildflowers, ghost villages, lakes, densely wooded forests, Georgian and Armenian ruins. Well-established mule trails lead between highland villages and alpine pastures <em>yaylas</em>, and higher level rocky paths through the rugged Pontic Alps along Turkey's Black Sea coast. The steep slopes and ravines make communication difficult and this isolation has helped to preserve the area.</p> <p>The Turkish people in the Pontic Alps still wear colorful local dress (women wear brightly colured scarves) and lead a nomadic life. The tribal Laz and Yuruk people move their cows and sheep from the lower valleys to the fertile high pastures where they live for three to four months in summer camps of wooden huts and stone houses with rooms burrowed into the earth. The Laz were seafaring people who speak a language related to the Irish! How strange... And, there are isolated pockets of Armenians and Georgians, both Christian and Muslim, who still speak their own language.</p> [<a href="http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/the-remote-mt-kackar-trek-in-e-1.html">Read All</a>]<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~4/9MO6vO-wxD4" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~3/9MO6vO-wxD4/the-remote-mt-kackar-trek-in-e-1.html http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/the-remote-mt-kackar-trek-in-e-1.html Turkey Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0600 http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/the-remote-mt-kackar-trek-in-e-1.html <p>This is my <strong>very</strong> short list of countries that ex-Marine (husband, Steve) and I could revisit again and again. I'm always taken aback when people ask, for example, "Why are you going back to France again?" <strong>Why?</strong> Are you serious? A person could revisit Paris on a yearly basis for their entire life and still not have seen it all. France has beaches, sea side towns, forests where a person can actually hear a <em> ...cuckoo...cuckooo...</em> while walking along. There are hills, low mountains, the glorious French Alps (Chamonix is beyond words), crystal clear lakes, small villages and towns that have looked the same for a thousand years, cathedrals, pilgrimage trails, historical sites and wonderful food. A pittance of what's available in just <strong>France</strong>.</p> <p>We have the same three limitations as everyone else. <strong>Time, money and health</strong>. The following places are doable financially but, again, you'd have to spend an entire year traveling while many can only be visited during certains seasons of the year. When you read this article about where I'd love to return and why, remember these two important words - <strong>Wish List</strong> </p> <div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top:10px;height:15px"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/8bddf203-c4aa-4c1c-b29d-c05005d4a12e/" title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=8bddf203-c4aa-4c1c-b29d-c05005d4a12e" alt="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" style="border:none;float:right"></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" defer="defer"></script></span></div> [<a href="http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/sheilas-travel-wish-list-for-s.html">Read All</a>]<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~4/kIGJ_Ut2PGs" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~3/kIGJ_Ut2PGs/sheilas-travel-wish-list-for-s.html http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/sheilas-travel-wish-list-for-s.html General Tue, 09 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0600 http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/sheilas-travel-wish-list-for-s.html <p>Fourteen year old, granddaughter, Sarah is about to embark on a "trip of a lifetime" with her camp group into the Canadian and American Rockies, and National Parks and now, ex-Marine (husband, Steve) and my advice doesn't seem so lame to her. If there is a hiking, trekking or camping mistake to be made (with the exception of backpacking), we've been there, done it and perhaps these tips for Sarah will help you avoid some of our many boners. With that in mind:</p> <p><strong>Number 1</strong> - Pack <strong>everything </strong>in big, plastic garbage bags. In your duffel, backpack and make sure your sleeping bag is in a <strong>waterproof</strong> stuff sack. If your sleeping bag gets wet, it will never have time to dry out. Trust us on this.</p> <div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top:10px;height:15px"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/e27f9685-0225-4cfd-8b7f-4165f166d253/" title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=e27f9685-0225-4cfd-8b7f-4165f166d253" alt="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" style="border:none;float:right"></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" defer="defer"></script></span></div> [<a href="http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/sheilas-top-seven-tips-for-beg.html">Read All</a>]<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~4/opGVBf4BCLc" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~3/opGVBf4BCLc/sheilas-top-seven-tips-for-beg.html http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/sheilas-top-seven-tips-for-beg.html Sheila's Tips for Travelers Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0600 http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/sheilas-top-seven-tips-for-beg.html <p>Today was the last day of the Explore Baltic Republics journey. Packed up and back on the bus for the ride across the causeway through Muhu Island. We made only one stop before the ferry port, at St. Catherine's Church. St. Catherine's, built in 1267, supposedly had a wonderful interior but what can you do. Instead, we took a group photo and wandered around the grounds with ancient and moss-covered crosses marking a few graves.</p> <p>An even nicer ferry to the Estonian mainland than before with a small area for children to play in and crowded. The 30-minute ferry ride was followed by the last two hours on the road back into Tallinn and the Reval Central Hotel. ex-Marine and I had opera tickets for tonight to see <em>Un Ballo in Maschera</em> (Masked Ball) by Giuseppe Verdi before beginning the long journey home tomorrow. The Tallinn Opera House is small with wonderful acoustics and good sight lines. You can see well from anywhere..<a href="http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/Day%2016%20opera%201.html" onclick="window.open('http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/Day%2016%20opera%201.html','popup','width=400,height=300,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false">View image</a>. You <strong>must</strong> check coats, hats and jackets in one of the free coatrooms. No exceptions. This version of the Masked Ball was excellent with very unusual staging that had sparse sets along with modern day costumes. Think "flapper" and you'd be close. </p> <div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top:10px;height:15px"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/3046b499-f788-48ba-90d2-67ecb52cbbf5/" title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=3046b499-f788-48ba-90d2-67ecb52cbbf5" alt="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" style="border:none;float:right"></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" defer="defer"></script></span></div> [<a href="http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/back-in-tallinn-estonia-hindsi-1.html">Read All</a>]<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~4/49i6XH79H0g" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~3/49i6XH79H0g/back-in-tallinn-estonia-hindsi-1.html http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/back-in-tallinn-estonia-hindsi-1.html Baltic Republics Sun, 07 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0600 http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/back-in-tallinn-estonia-hindsi-1.html <p>- There are 35,000 people on Saaremaa Island and 15,000 in Kuressaare, the capital.</p> <p>- There is only one new golf course used primarily by the Finns and Swedes who come here to play golf. Snow usually falls in their countries before November while Saaremaa typically gets their first snow after November 15.</p> <p>- There are direct flights from Stockholm to Kuressaare.</p> <p>- The island is in the path of migratory birds. Cranes, swans, geese.</p> <p>- The first people came to Saaremaa Island around 7,000 years ago and were hunters and fishermen.</p> <p>- An average house sells for $10,000 and the majority are still heated with firewood.</p> <div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top:10px;height:15px"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/f7a112a9-e4ca-417f-90b6-e799ff4eb813/" title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=f7a112a9-e4ca-417f-90b6-e799ff4eb813" alt="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" style="border:none;float:right"></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" defer="defer"></script></span></div> [<a href="http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/facts-and-trivia-about-saarema.html">Read All</a>]<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~4/_SS_1y3DtsY" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~3/_SS_1y3DtsY/facts-and-trivia-about-saarema.html http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/facts-and-trivia-about-saarema.html Baltic Republics Sat, 06 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0600 http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/facts-and-trivia-about-saarema.html <p>Beside the multitude of medieval sights like Tall Hermann Tower, Kuressaare Castle had a series of museums with wonderful exhibits...<a href="http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/Day%2015%20museum%20in%20castle.html" onclick="window.open('http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/Day%2015%20museum%20in%20castle.html','popup','width=400,height=307,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false">View image</a>...<a href="http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/Day%2015%20old%20fire%20engine%20in%20museum.html" onclick="window.open('http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/Day%2015%20old%20fire%20engine%20in%20museum.html','popup','width=400,height=300,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false">View image</a>... that began in pre-historic times and continued through into modern day history. One area was completely devoted to life on Saaremaa Island under the Russians and Nazis. Russian forces arrived on Saaremaa Island in 1939 to build military bases and soon after incorporated Estonia into the Soviet Union. The arrests, people gone "missing" and mass deportations followed soon after. It was no wonder that the Germany Army was greeted as the liberator in 1941, but the Soviets returned in 1942. People tried to escape over the sea to Sweden while others were arrested in Saaremaa because of "political reasons". This meant 25 years in prison camps.</p> <p>Deportation was an undeclared war against the three Baltic Republics and the means by which the Soviets hoped to break their national self-consciousness and obtain cheap slave labor. The deportees were taken to Kihelkonna and placed in the hold of a coal ship. From there, the ship sailed to Paldiski where the deportees were put on a train that continued towards Siberia. Information given me by the Kuressaare tourist bureau states, "... Hitler and Stalin were each other's enemies. However, they had a lot in common...the fact that they assumed a right and even an obligation to kill...to destroy to an extent unprecedented in history..."</p> <div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top:10px;height:15px"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/1770498c-4963-46e0-88c2-3237a804bb3f/" title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=1770498c-4963-46e0-88c2-3237a804bb3f" alt="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" style="border:none;float:right"></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" defer="defer"></script></span></div> [<a href="http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/kuressaare-castle-museums-city.html">Read All</a>]<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~4/yahJY4G30nI" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~3/yahJY4G30nI/kuressaare-castle-museums-city.html http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/kuressaare-castle-museums-city.html Baltic Republics Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0600 http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/kuressaare-castle-museums-city.html <p>The Explore group spent one full day in Saaremaa Island beginning with a morning tour led by the owner of our <a href="http://www.staadionihotell.ee/private/kontakt_ger.html" target="travel">Staadioni Hotell</a> a 12-minute walk from the center of Kuressaare. A short bus ride around Kuressaare with view of migrating birds...<a href="http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/Day%2015%20wild%20swan%20and%20geese.html" onclick="window.open('http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/Day%2015%20wild%20swan%20and%20geese.html','popup','width=400,height=285,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false">View image</a>, golf course (the pride and joy of small Kuressaare) utilized by Swedes who come over to play a few rounds, and a stop at the atmospheric old sea men's cemetery...<a href="http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/Day%2015%20cemetery%203.html" onclick="window.open('http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/Day%2015%20cemetery%203.html','popup','width=400,height=300,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false">View image</a>... before a lengthy visit inside the most important site, Kuressaare Teutonic (Episcopal) Castle Fortress.</p> <p>The Kuressaare Castle/Fortress, whatever you choose to call it, has seen rulers from Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Russia and Estonia and is a Gothic masterpiece. It has also survived in better condition then the majority of castles throughout all the Baltic countries. During the summer, various events and workshops are held but today was sunny, raw and cold as we waited in the courtyard for the castle to open at 10:00 a.m. Kuressaare Castle has two towers. The Watching Tower also called "Big Hermann" and the Defense Tower, currently under renovation.</p> <div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top:10px;height:15px"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/f5dba984-fa29-43fb-9e70-3a841379423f/" title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=f5dba984-fa29-43fb-9e70-3a841379423f" alt="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" style="border:none;float:right"></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" defer="defer"></script></span></div> [<a href="http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/kuressaare-teutonic-castle-saa.html">Read All</a>]<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~4/wOHPpoYOam0" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~3/wOHPpoYOam0/kuressaare-teutonic-castle-saa.html http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/kuressaare-teutonic-castle-saa.html Baltic Republics Thu, 04 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0600 http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/kuressaare-teutonic-castle-saa.html <p>Saaremaa is Estonia's largest island and covered in thick pine and spruce forests. It remained isolated and off limits during the Soviet era because it was both a strategic military outpost with an early-radar system and rocket base and also a possible escape route to the west. This has enabled Saaremaa to retain the culture, traditions and simpler way of life. Several stops before crossing over the causeway that connects Muhu to Saaremaa Island and continuing to Kuressaare.</p> <p>A visit to the 13th century Karja Kirik Church (St. Catherine's Lutheran Church) that was locked. Just a fast walk-around and we'd try to revisit on the drive back to the ferry in a few days. Next, the wooden windmills of Angla from the 19th-20th century. There were once nine of these windmills in a row but these are the only five survivors. The lonesome Dutch-style windmill in the center...<a href="http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/Day%2014%20windmill%201.html" onclick="window.open('http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/Day%2014%20windmill%201.html','popup','width=400,height=257,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false">View image</a>... was being turned into a restaurant/gift shop! Muhu and Saaremaa had more than 800 windmills, called "post mills," at one time and we did spot a few others driving through the islands. The majority of shore line on the islands and mainland of Estonia was covered with picturesque wind turbines lazily turning in the breeze.</p> [<a href="http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/angla-windmills-and-kaali-crat-1.html">Read All</a>]<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~4/yCtsaw89h5E" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~3/yCtsaw89h5E/angla-windmills-and-kaali-crat-1.html http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/angla-windmills-and-kaali-crat-1.html Baltic Republics Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0600 http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/angla-windmills-and-kaali-crat-1.html <p>Today we drove towards the Gulf of Riga heading for Muhu and Saaremaa islands reached by a short <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i88J5Hr9YYY&amp;feature=player_embedded" target="travel">ferry ride (video)</a> from Virtsu on the mainland, but first a few stops. Number One at a Latvian petrol station with convenience store so those who still had Lats could get rid of them. The second in Parno across the border in Estonia for those who needed <strong>Estonian money</strong>. There was an ATM and currency exchange inside RIMI Supermarket with time to buy lunch makings. Once again, ex-Marine and I bought life's essentials. Great sweet rolls and a bottle of wine.</p> <p>The 12:00 noon, 30-minute ferry ride over to Muhu Island was a snap. However, it's not easy to locate the proper deck and door that vehicles are parked on. All ferries sell food, liquor and one, on our return to the mainland even had an area for children to play in. A little more Estonian trivia:</p> <p>- Estonia is the only one of the Baltic States with islands;</p> <p>- According to Signe - Estonians are clever and successful because they quickly change their focus when an opportunity arises and that's why Estonia now has the highest standard of living;</p> <p>- Juniper plays an important role in drinks and ceremonies on Muhu Island. It was coincidental that the same holds true on the Eastern Tibetan Plateau in China that we had visited earlier this year; and</p> <p>- Muhu, is sometimes called "the Kansas of the archipelago" with people passing through, but no one stops.</p> <div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top:10px;height:15px"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/64698083-e742-4c55-b73e-157cf85ad30a/" title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=64698083-e742-4c55-b73e-157cf85ad30a" alt="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" style="border:none;float:right"></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" defer="defer"></script></span></div> [<a href="http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/a-ferry-over-to-muhu-and-koguv.html">Read All</a>]<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~4/kXHXqnPRQ94" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~3/kXHXqnPRQ94/a-ferry-over-to-muhu-and-koguv.html http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/a-ferry-over-to-muhu-and-koguv.html Baltic Republics Tue, 02 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0600 http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/a-ferry-over-to-muhu-and-koguv.html <p>Doesn't it seem as if there has been no happy medium throughout the Baltics? We go from three churches in one day to three castles the next. On the drive back into Sigulda from Turaida Castle Museum Complex to spend one night, Signe told us a little about Latvian wedding customs. All the guests attend the wedding carrying large bouquets of flowers as a gift to the bride. After the ceremony, the groom carries his bride across <strong>seven Sigulda bridges</strong> (you either need a very thin bride or a very strong groom to accomplish this tradition) for good luck and she throws her flowers into the Gauja River. Their future together depends on whether or not the flowers <strong>stay together</strong> or drift apart.</p> <p>The extremely nice <a href="http://www.aparjods.lv/en/about-us" target="travel">Aparjods</a> complex has a main wooden building, several outer buildings with rooms, big restaurant in the center and even an authentic log sauna that has to be reserved in advance.</p> <div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top:10px;height:15px"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/a5af0524-f5e5-4591-a54b-4921a7c7f69f/" title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=a5af0524-f5e5-4591-a54b-4921a7c7f69f" alt="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" style="border:none;float:right"></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" defer="defer"></script></span></div> [<a href="http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/one-night-in-sigulda-latvia-at-1.html">Read All</a>]<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~4/kkb5n673aKI" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TravelsWithSheila/~3/kkb5n673aKI/one-night-in-sigulda-latvia-at-1.html http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/one-night-in-sigulda-latvia-at-1.html Baltic Republics Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0600 http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com/one-night-in-sigulda-latvia-at-1.html