Despite some idiotic claims from FOX News that Santa was white, there is a fascinating history behind Saint Nicholas, the real man who is the basis of our Santa Claus. While many of our images of Santa come from advertisements for Coca-Cola, St. Nicholas was born in Greece in the third century. He … [Read more...] about On the Trail of St. Nicholas
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Is Turkey Part of Europe?
Our modern concept of Europe is relatively new. It's common to say, "I'm going traveling in Europe for the summer," but what does that mean? What is this collection of independent nations we now call Europe? My background in international politics had me thinking about what Turkey's place in the … [Read more...] about Is Turkey Part of Europe?
On Being Part of the Tribe
You probably won't see members of my tribe in native dress. They might not look all that different from you. You might not be able to notice that they're part of a tribe at all, but I can almost immediately see it in their eyes. I'm part of a tribe of travelers. We are different than other … [Read more...] about On Being Part of the Tribe
Disappointment at Pamukkale
From the moment I saw pictures of Pamukkale, I was excited to visit. The World Heritage site in southwestern Turkey means "cotton castle" for the terraces made from carbonate minerals. You can see the white pop out against the otherwise brown and green landscape from miles away. It's also home to … [Read more...] about Disappointment at Pamukkale
An American in Gallipoli
Gallipoli. To some of the world's populations, the name of this town is associated with bloodshed, war, and loss. To others, like most Americans, it means nothing. It's a name not immediately recognized if at all. But to Australians, New Zealanders and Turks, it's like Normandy or Pearl … [Read more...] about An American in Gallipoli