Three days on Corsica

 

Provence

 It’s possible that when I head back home my nephew will run away to live near Marseille with my friends who just hosted us for a fantastic weekend….

Bretagne

 I’ve been wanting to explore the Brittany region and this was a great start. Beyond Rennes, we checked out the pink granite coast at Perros-Guirec and then the picturesque town of Dinan. Would return for sure and there’s way more of this area I’d love to see. But that will have to be “next time” because we are set to ping pong our way around this country over the next couple weeks and we’re off to our next locale….

Bonjour!

 My sister’s third kiddo has chosen his high school graduation gift trip destination and it is: France! We landed in Paris, got cafe au laits, and then hopped on a train to the charming university town of Rennes. There’s already been a day trip to Mont St Michel, and much much more to come…

Çeşme

 I’ve been on sail boats before, but never just for the sake of it. That all changed thanks to my Izmir friends and their love of sailing. We spent a day on their boat, heading from Çeşme to the bay of a nearby “goat island” (the goats weren’t home) and back. Now I’m a fan.

I’m not so much a fan of this Mediterranean sojourn coming to an end, but that’s what’s happening! I will see you back here this summer and wish you sunny skies till then!

Izmir

Turkey’s second largest city is so lovely, and not just because it is home to a long-time friend I hadn’t seen in a quarter-century and was so, so happy to see again.

Istanbul

Twenty-five years since I was last in this magical city, and it’s beautiful as ever!

The most famous horse

 All the iterations of ancient Troy have mostly been lost to time, earthquakes, and looting…but still surreal to be there and check out the modern city of Çanakkale. 

Hit the Turkish coast

Kuşadasi and the ruins of Ephesus: Two thumbs up!

Rhodes

 A day strolling within the medieval city walls: so charming!

Athens is a sight to behold on a sunny day

 Third time’s a charm. 

I Heart Hydra

 What a week of hanging with a good friend, sweet walks on narrow stone streets among donkeys, writing, beautiful views, kind locals, and all the other goodness of a Greek island. 

Happy Greek Independence Day!

 Sweet celebrations on the sweet island of Hydra….

Taipei to end

Just one afternoon to explore Taipei, but like everything else in Taiwan, it was delightful! Iconic skyscraper, delicious night market. Sad to leave this sweet island, hope to be back.