We have seen more historical places in the last three days than most of us would have ever imagined! Istanbul has an amazing display of ancient history, but the rest of Turkey has even more to offer.

We are privileged to have a very knowledgable guide who has taught us so much (every now and then she'll pause and ask us what should be an easy question...we look at each other, sheepishly bowing our heads acknowledging that while we should know the answer, we don't; "the Agora...Faustina...it was silted" are her ever-forgiving answers (she has been so patient with us!).

We have walked the ancient streets of Smyrna, Pergamum, Ephesus, Priene, Laodicea, Hierapolis, among others (Colossae doesn't really count because it hasn't been excavated yet). We have also seen the process of Turkish rug making (from silk worm to beautiful tapestry). We drank Turkish apple tea as our eyes were dazzled by the most amazing collection of pottery ever seen in the world (at least by any of us).

The group is feeling well, although some are sun-burned (it has been in the 90's and we have walked 6/7 hours a day). The places where we have stayed have been superb.

The Turks have incredible charisma, charm and are terrific sales people (you'll hear some stories later I'm sure). Turkey is a beautiful country with amazing people, a proud heritage and a rich history.

More later...