Thinking about museums @ National Archaeological Museum, Athens, Greece, February 29, 2020
Thinking about museums In most cities, I notice that history museums are not top-ranked destinations for travelers. But in some ‘mega’ historical places, their archaeological museums are widely known as ‘unmissable’. Athens was such a place, as was Cairo in Egypt. I believe that museums are an odd place for many people – the idea of visiting a museum almost always seems like a good thing, but the actual experience is often frustrating, although people do not usually talk about their feelings afterward. I think a...
Last days with my car @ Corinth, Greece, March 2, 2020
Last days with my car Due to the global spread of the virus, it is not the best time for overseas travels these days. Nonetheless, I’m largely sticking to my original itineraries. I am moving eastward, ultimately arriving in Vladivostok in the Russian Far East. And unfortunately, I had decided that I would leave my car around Europe and turn into a backpacker by the time I visit Central Asia. The purpose is not to throw the car away or leave it behind, but it is...
Monasteries of Meteora @ Meteora, Greece, February 23, 2020
Monasteries of Meteora Meteora refers to the rock formation in Central Greece and the area hosts six active monasteries of Eastern Orthodox Church. In the 14th century, monks from Mount Athos ( a peninsula in northeastern Greece and the center of Eastern Orthodox monasticism) moved to this area, fleeting the raids by the Ottoman empire. Understandably, the access to the monasteries was deliberately difficult, and the primary means of moving goods and people were ropes and baskets. Nowadays, steps have been cut into the rock, and...
with Sibel and Ozlem @ Istanbul, Turkey, February 8th, 2020
with Sibel and Ozlem Last time it was summer and they were travelers, and now it is winter and they are locals. By coincidence, we reunited on a very cold day in Istanbul, and for some time we had to cover our faces as we walked because pieces of snow were getting into our eyes. Although I was a bit unwell that day, I was excited that it felt like a late Christmas for me, with friendly company and snowy streets. Especially when walking across busy...
Arrival @ Antalya, Turkey, January 22, 2020
Arrived in Antalya. From the North East of Turkey, I’ve visited places along a diagonal route to get to Antalya, a city known for its mild climate and beaches. During the past months, I’ve come up with some creative ways to stay relaxed and comfortable in a cold climate, just so that I am still open to new experiences. But, nothing makes me more excited than having to wear a sunblock in the afternoon and not needing a thick coat anymore. @ Antalya, Turkey, January 22,...
Balcony in Batumi @ Batumi, Georgia, January 11, 2020
For the past 5 weeks, I lived in a rented flat in Batumi, Georgia. The goal was to prepare written proposals and applications for some programs that I consider as my potential next step after travels. The lifestyle was almost completely sedentary and non-social, which made a clear contrast with the one I was having before. In this comfortable modern ‘cave’, my best friend was the balcony. It let me feel the fresh air and helped me keep things in perspective, both physically and figuratively. I...
Arrival @ Batumi, Georgia, December 1, 2019
Arrived in Batumi. I had been looking for a place where I can get some work done for a while. Yerevan seemed friendly but the physical warmth around the Black Sea won me over. I’ll spend the last moment of this year here. @ Batumi, Georgia, December 1, 2019
Khurjin, Tolma, and pomegranate tea @ Lavash Restaurant, Yerevan, Armenia, November 22, 2019
Armenia often fails to attract travelers’ attention due to other popular destinations in the region, such as Georgia and Turkey. But during my 10 days of stay in the country, I was pleasantly surprised by its charm in several aspects. Despite the small land size, Armenia boasts a long history, a strong sense of identity and rich cultural heritage both in tangible and intangible forms, which includes its cuisine. ‘Khurjin’ in the Armenian language means ‘pouch’ or ‘bag knot’. This traditional Armenian dish contains a large...

