The Viewing Deck Collections; Dan Brown's "Inferno" Tour

sightseeing the intriguing places in Florence, Venice and Istanbul mentioned in the Novel

"The human mind has a primitive ego defense mechanism that negates all realities that produce too much stress for the brain to handle. It’s called Denial." - Chapter 50, pp. 176-177

I made this post due to curiousness and fascination on Dan Brown's famous novels, on how he played my imagination while reading his book and incorporating my backpacking passion to wander them around. The adventure started in Florence, Italy last October 2013 where I headed to Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens first going to the Vasari Corridor, to Palazzo Vecchio where I found the mysterious Dante Alighieri's Death Mask, to St. John's Baptistry and its Gate of Paradise, then to St. Margaret's Church also known as Dante's Chapel. The pursuit continues on the same month in Venice, Italy by visiting the four horses in St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace. Finalizing the itinerary to Istanbul, Turkey last July 2014 in Sultanahmet's Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern.

Inferno's film adaptation to be released on October 14, 2016 with Ron Howard as director and Tom Hanks reprising his role as Robert Langdon. Filming is due to start in April 2015.

The Viewing Deck Collections; Dan Brown's "Inferno" Tour

2014 Travel Mash-up; Life-changing Adventures beyond 8 Countries

inside Europe, Africa and Asia... 50 days on 8 countries, 20 flights on 7 different airlines...
June 27 to August 15, 2014

6th OFW vacation; 2nd Ultimate backpacking across 3 Continents

"Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world" - Gustave Flaubert

A mash-up is a song composition created by blending two or more pre-recorded songs, or usually by overlaying the vocal track of one song seamlessly over the instrumental track of another. It is also a video combining multiple pre-existing video sources with no discernible relation with each other into a unified video. As for me, I used the term mash-up in travel to blend or combine the function of plane tickets to two destinations. The departure on one destination is the arrival to new destination, not the usual round-trip flight going to original airport departure. The process is not that comparable with the song/video, but somehow the essence is there.

2nd long term travel from June 27 to August 15, 2014. Sightseeing mash-up travels across the continents of Europe, Africa and Asia; 25 days in western side composed of United Kingdom, Morocco, Turkey, Kenya, Tanzania and another 25 days in eastern side composed of Philippines, Indonesia, Japan. 8 countries in 3 continents, 50 days with 20 flights on 7 airlines, countless bus rides, food trips and life-changing adventures...

I called this trip as the most extreme and expensive travel I ever planned because of the highlight adventure for every countries included. 1st was the 21.7km biking to Stonehenge in Salisbury to Amesbury, England of United Kingdom. 2nd was the camel back-ride to Sahara desert night camping in Morocco. 3rd was the parachute gliding above the cotton castle and balloon flight ride in Turkey. 4th was the Masai Mara safari ride and camping in Kenya. 5th was the 6-days Machame route for 5,895masl trekking of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. 6th was the family road trip in Northeastern Mindanao (CARAGA Region) of Philippines. 7th was the adventurous river white-water rafting and tubing in Bali, Indonesia. Finally (8th), revisiting Japan for the 3,776masl self-guided solo night trekking to Mt.Fuji via Yoshida trail.

2014 travel mash-up; backpacking across 3 continents (fridge magnet souvenirs)

Istanbul Sultanahmet Square last part; Basilica Cistern and Medusa Heads

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Istanbul 3rd part; A Walk to Topkapi Palace

How to go to Basilica Cistern;
Basilican Cistern is inside the Sultanahmet Square of Istanbul which is 50km distance from Sabiha Gokcen Airport and 27km from Ataturk Airport. This place is just at the right side of the Hagia Sophia. Admission fee is 20TRY and NOT included in Istanbul Museum Pass. Photography and video taking is permitted inside. Monopod is allowed but the tripod is strictly prohibited.

Many of Istanbul’s historical gems, mostly consisting of Byzantine and Ottoman-built monuments are in Old City. Most are located a short walk away from, if not immediately on the edges of, Sultanahmet Square.

Basilica Cistern is constructed in 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinianus, the most prosperous period of the Eastern Roman Empire. The cistern is 70m in width and 140m in length. The dome, covering an area of 9,800sqm is supported by 336 marble columns arranged in 12 rows each consisting of 28 columns placed t a distance of 4.9m. from one another. The cistern is surrounded by a 4m thick wall of brick and the mortar used in constructions is very special and waterproof. The water reserved in the cistern was transported from the Belgrad forest which is 19km from the city. The 2 Medusa head columns found in the Northwest corner of the cistern are the great examples of the Roman age art sculptures.

inside the Basilica Cistern

Istanbul Sultanahmet Square 3rd part; A Walk to Topkapi Palace

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Istanbul 2nd part; the Sultan Ahmed (Blue) Mosque

How to go to Topkapi Palace;
Topkapi Palace is inside the Sultanahmet Square of Istanbul which is 50km distance from Sabiha Gokcen Airport and 27km from Ataturk Airport. This palace is just at the back of the Hagia Sophia. Admission is included in Istanbul Museum Pass, if not availed, entrance fee costs 30TRY. Photography and video taking is permitted inside. Monopod is allowed but the tripod is strictly prohibited.

Many of Istanbul’s historical gems, mostly consisting of Byzantine and Ottoman-built monuments are in Old City. Most are located a short walk away from, if not immediately on the edges of, Sultanahmet Square.

Topkapı Palace is an imperial enclave of the Ottoman emperors for four centuries. Lavishly decorated, with 4 courts of increasing grandeur. In the 2nd court of the entrance to the Harem and the State Treasury, housing a weaponry display. The 3rd court has the Imperial Treasury. Both Islamic and Christian relics, rugs, porcelain. The views from the 4th Court over the Bosphorus are spectacular. You can also see Prophet Mohammed's belongings. As of August 2013, some of the areas of the palace are closed for restoration.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Istanbul/Sultanahmet-Old_City

Topkapi Palace in Sultanahmet Square

Istanbul Sultanahmet Square 2nd part; the Sultan Ahmed (Blue) Mosque

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Istanbul 1st part; Inside the Hagia Sophia

How to go to Blue Mosque; 
Sultanahmet (Sultan Ahmed) Mosque is inside the Sultanahmet Square of Istanbul which is 50km distance from Sabiha Gokcen Airport and 27km from Ataturk Airport. This mosque is just infront of the Hagia Sophia. Admission is FREE. Photography and video taking is permitted inside. Monopod and tripod is strictly prohibited. Dress code applies, long pants and no sleeveless shirts.

Many of Istanbul’s historical gems, mostly consisting of Byzantine and Ottoman-built monuments are in Old City. Most are located a short walk away from, if not immediately on the edges of, Sultanahmet Square. 

With its six minarets and sweeping architecture the Sultanahmet or 'Blue' Mosque impresses from the outside. Unlike Haghia Sophia, this is still a working mosque, entry is through the courtyard on the SW side which is back side of mosque. No shorts or bare shoulders (shawls are provided) and you will need to remove your footwear (bags are provided that you can place your shoes in). Entrance is free, but donations are welcome upon exit. The mosque is closed during ritual prayer but mosque volunteers provide you with a free presentation about the Mosque and also about Islam during that period. Women need to wear head scarves, which can be borrowed at the mosque for free. Everyone needs to cover their legs (no shorts or short skirts).

http://wikitravel.org/en/Istanbul/Sultanahmet-Old_City

Sultanahmet "Blue" Mosque

Istanbul Sultanahmet Square 1st part; Inside the Hagia Sophia

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Cappadocia last part; trekking to Goreme rock formations

How to go to Hagia Sophia;
Hagia Sophia is inside the Sultanahmet Square of Istanbul which is 50km distance from Sabiha Gokcen Airport and 27km from Ataturk Airport. Admission is included in Istanbul Museum Pass, if not availed, entrance fee costs 30TRY. Photography and video taking is permitted inside. Monopod is allowed but the tripod is strictly prohibited.

Many of Istanbul’s historical gems, mostly consisting of Byzantine and Ottoman-built monuments are in Old City. Most are located a short walk away from, if not immediately on the edges of, Sultanahmet Square. 

Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya), was originally a basilica constructed for the Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I. A masterwork of Roman engineering, the huge 30m diameter dome covers what was for over 1000 years the largest enclosed space in the world. The church was looted by the fourth Crusaders in 1204, and became a mosque in the 15th century when The Ottomans conquered the city. It was converted into a museum in 1935. Don't miss the excellent mosaics, including those in the gallery, reached by a stone ramp to the left of the entrance. As of August 2013, construction work is being carried out so expect scaffoldings inside.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Istanbul/Sultanahmet-Old_City

Hagia Sophia Sultanahmet of Istanbul

Cappadocia last part; Trekking to Goreme Rock Formations

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Cappadocia 3rd part; Goreme Open-Air Museum

How to go to Goreme Hiking Paths;
Start of hiking path is in the main road, in between the Goreme bus terminal and Open-air Museum. Free admission, photography and video taking is permitted.

Following the paths along the valleys is an amazing (and free) option. Check with your hotel owner or the tourist office for a map of the area with suggested walks and trails. There are several nice loops on packed dirt, sand and rock, that maintain a constant elevation and pass through the scenic valleys. However, the best views require some uphill climbs. 

Pigeon/Love/Red & Rose valleys can be walked individually or together and each 'trail' offers different landscapes. Pigeon valley walk starts from the end of the street Flinstone's Hotel is on and leads to Uçhisar (approx 1 hr). Love Valley starts from the Onyx Factory at the bottom of Uçhisar and takes you to Çavuşin (approx 1 hr). Red & Rose Valley is on the way back to Göreme and can be seen on a 2 hour 15TL sunset tour (available everywhere) or you can easily spend 1-4 hours walking around the valleys independently. All stunning landscapes and fun to walk around. Unfortunately the paths are poorly marked. Some are dangerous for days after it rains as they require passing through narrow areas above the valley floor and become slippery when wet.

http://wikitravel.org/en/G%C3%B6reme

Goreme Hiking Path (Love Valley)

Cappadocia 3rd part; Goreme Open-Air Museum

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Cappadocia 2nd part; Exploring Kaymakli Underground city

How to go to Goreme Open-air Museum;
This place is just 1km walk on the main road from Goreme bus terminal. Admission fee is 20TRY. Photography and video (with monopod and tripod) taking is permitted inside.

Göreme Open Air Museum has a collection of caves and fairy chimneys. Be sure to visit the church in a cave across the highway outside the museum entrance, whıch is included in museum admission (save your ticket). The museum is very small and repetitive (church next to church next to church). Some have nice frescos, but other have geometric motifs that can be seen for free in the chimneys across the street (easy hike). The churches are not all that impressive, if you've seen Meteora or other similar churches in Greece.

http://wikitravel.org/en/G%C3%B6reme

Goreme Open-Air Museum

Cappadocia 2nd part; Exploring Kaymakli Underground city

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Cappadocia 1st part; Hot Air Balloon above Turkey

How to go to Kaymakli Underground City;
From Goreme bus terminal, ride a minibus bound to Nevsehir on a 30-min departure interval and travel time for a 2.5TRY fare. Then, another minibus from Nevsehir to Kaymakli for a 3.5TRY on a 30-min travel time. Kaymakli Underground City entrance is just 300m away from the main road. Photography and video (with monopod & tripod) taking is permitted inside.

Kaymaklı Underground City is in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. First opened to tourists in 1964, the village is about 19 km from Nevşehir. The ancient name was Enegup. The houses in the village are constructed around the nearly one hundred tunnels of the underground city. The tunnels are still used today as storage areas, stables, and cellars. The underground city at Kaymaklı differs from Derinkuyu in terms of its structure and layout. The tunnels are lower, narrower, and more steeply inclined. Of the four floors open to tourists, each space is organized around ventilation shafts. This makes the design of each room or open space dependent on the availability of ventilation. Kaymaklı is one of the largest underground settlements in the region. The large area reserved for storage in such a limited area appears to indicate the need to support a large population underground. Currently only a fraction of the complex is open to the public.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaymakl%C4%B1_Underground_City

inside Kaymakli Underground city

Cappadocia 1st part; Hot Air Balloon above Turkey

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Pamukkale last part; Side trip to Aphrodisias Ruins

How to go to Cappadocia;
I went here from Pamukkale flight to Istanbul to Kayseri as there there was no cheapest direct flight and ideal arrival timings on bus road trip. I aimed my 1st balloon flight adventure on daily schedule of 0400H via walk-in query only in Mislina travels in Pamukkale, booked together with airport transfer. Cheapest standard balloon flight costs 270TRY($128.6=PHP5,600). I arrived in Kayseri airport at 0130H then went out and saw immediately a man waving my name on a piece of paper. Airport transfer to Cappadocia costs 30TRY($14.3) for an hour minibus travel. I arrived in Urgup Balloons Office (Mislina travels booked me on this) at 0400H. I have my early free breakfast (unlimited tea and bread) while waiting for other tourists to arrive. Obviously, I didn't have sleep, the usual itinerary challenge on me on a very limited stay. Despite of that, it did not affect my excitement on what's waiting for me in the next few minutes.

I availed the cheapest tour, they called as the standard flight. They are going to pick you up from your hotel early in the morning by their vehicles in Göreme. They will offer you some coffee, tea and snack  foods. Then they will let us watch preparing balloons at the take-off area. Preparations normally takes 15-20 minutes, flights beginning with the sunrise. Pilots climb until 3000 feets from ground level to show you the beauty of Cappadocia. Also they can fly 1 meter close to the rocks as well to takes nice pictures and for fun. Standard Flight takes 60 minutes and they are using 16-20-26 persons basket. There will be champagne celebration at the end of the flight. They will offer Flight Certificate signed by the pilot (with no additional fee) to remind this experience to you. Afterwards,  they will drop us back to our hotels.

Hot Air Balloon above Cappadocia, Turkey

Pamukkale last part; Side trip to Aphrodisias Ruins

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Pamukkale 3rd part; Parachute gliding high above Travertine

How to go to Aphrodisias Archeological Site;
Side trip to Aphrodisias from Pamukkale has daily tours that starts every 0930H and ends around 1700H. Trip costs 30TRY($14.3) that includes aircon mini-bus round-trip transportation only. Travel time is around 2.5hrs. Admission to the site costs 15TRY($7.1). Photography and video taking (with monopod or tripod) is permitted inside. Estimated to finish roaming around at least 3 hours to see the site entirely. All locations are easily walkable and within a square kilometer of area.

Aphrodisias (sometimes Afrodisias) is located inland in the Southern Aegean region, about 30 km west of Denizli. As an archaeological site, it contains some of the most impressive Roman ruins in Turkey, and has perhaps more bang for your money than Ephesus. Aphrodisias was named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, who had here her unique cult image, the Aphrodite of Aphrodisias. 
http://wikitravel.org/en/Aphrodisias 

Aphrodisias Archeological site, a side trip from Pamukkale (Temple of Aphrodite)

Pamukkale 3rd part; Parachute-gliding High above Hierapolis

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Pamukkale 2nd part; Ancient Roman City of Hierapolis

I aimed my tandem paragliding adventure with my intended schedule (0830H) via walk-in query only and in bulk booking together with airport transfers and Cappadocia balloon flight for the next day. The cost of this activity was negotiated to 110TRY($52.4) that includes round-trip van transportation to the mountain from my hostel, gears and insurance. If booked online, paragliding costs 170TRY($81) that includes gears, round-trip transfers, insurance and a CD of photos and video's captured during the flight. Photos below came from the GoPro digicam owned by the Paraglider. I negotiated the CD of shots by 50TRY($23.8). The flight lasts about 15mins.

Tandem paragliders, designed to carry the pilot and one passenger, are larger but otherwise similar. They usually fly faster with higher trim speeds, are more resistant to collapse, and have a slightly higher sink rate compared to solo paragliders. In Pamukkale, the take-off runway mountain has 300m peak and its slope is wide enough for two wings to take-off easily at the same time. The Landing Runway is at the end of the flight track.

Parachute gliding high above Pamukkale

Pamukkale 2nd part; Ancient Roman City of Hierapolis

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Pamukkale 1st part; Walking to Travertine Terraces

How to go to Ancient City of Hierapolis;
From Denizli train station, I walked towards west for Denizli minibus terminal which has around 400m distance. Travel to Pamukkale is 30mins on 3.5TRY($1.67) fare. Minibus last stop is the Pamukkale bus station which is 500m walked to Traveltine Terraces. Admission fee is 25TRY($11.9) that includes entrance to Heirapolis Archeological Site, just right above the Travertine mountain. Only barefoot walking, any kind of footwear is not allowed. Photography and video taking is permitted. Monopod and tripod is also allowed.

Hierapolis was an ancient city located on hot springs in classical Phrygia in southwestern Anatolia. Its ruins are adjacent to modern Pamukkale in Turkey and currently comprise an archaeological museum designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The extensive ruins of the Roman mineral water spa city of Hierapolis include a grand theater, a vast North Necropolis, colonnaded street, baths, and numerous other ruined structures.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hierapolis

Ancient Roman City of Heirapolis

Pamukkale 1st part; Walking to Travertine Terraces

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Selcuk last part; Temple of Artemis & train to Pamukkale

How to go to Pamukkale Petrified Waterfall / Travertine Terraces;
From Denizli train station, I walked towards west for Denizli minibus terminal which has around 400m distance. Travel to Pamukkale is 30mins on 3.5TRY($1.67) fare. Minibus last stop is the Pamukkale bus station which is 500m walked to Traveltine Terraces. Admission fee is 25TRY($11.9) that includes entrance to Heirapolis Archeological Site, just right above the Travertine mountain. Only barefoot walking, any kind of footwear is not allowed. Photography and video taking is permitted. Monopod and tripod is also allowed.

Pamukkale literally means "cotton castle" in Turkish. The Travertines of Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a set of bizarre calcium cliff bathing pools overlooking the town. You are required to remove your shoes in order to walk on them, so the travertines stay white as ever. This job is made tougher in winters when the water flowing down the chalky cascades is freezing cold. You can avoid the climb and take a taxi to the top of the hill and enter from the side of Hierapolis. But the real charm of the place lies in experiencing these travertines. Lower parts of the travertine cascades are reported to have better views than the top. 
http://wikitravel.org/en/Pamukkale

It can get quite hot in summer, a hat and especially sunglasses will certainly be very helpful against the sun and the reflecting sun rays from the chalky cascades. On the other hand, the cold winter climate could make the experience slightly uncomfortable because of barefoot walking.

Travertine Terraces of Pamukkale

Selcuk last part; Temple of Artemis & Train to Pamukkale

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Selcuk 1st part; Strolling the Ancient City of Ephesus

How to go to Temple of Artemis;
Upon exiting the Ephesus Archeological Site, minibus passed the main road regularly on almost every 30min interval. Temple of Artemis passes by on the way going back to Selcuk train station, same fare of 2.5TRY($1.2). Travel time from Ephesus Archeological site to Temple of Artemis is less than 5 minutes only, can be walk but that time there was a scorching heat of the sun. No entrance fee for the Temple of Artemis. Photography and video taking is permitted inside, monopod and tripod also is allowed.

DAILY TRAIN SCHEDULE FROM IZMIR, SELCUK AND DENIZLI 
Izmir Airport to Selcuk (4.75TRY=$2.26) for an 1-hr travel time
08.06  -  09.21  -  11.45  -  13.51  -  16.02  -  16.54  -  18.37  -  19.30
Selcuk to Izmir Airport (4.75TRY=$2.26) for an 1-hr travel time
06.49  -  07.22  -  09.00  -  11.28  -  15.53  -  17.58  -  19.32  -  20.44
Selcuk to Denizli (Pamukkale) (15.75TRY=$7.5) for a 3-hrs travel time
09.01  -  10.18  -  12.39  -  14.43  -  17.05  -  17.57  -  19.33  -  20.43
Denizli (Pamukkale) to Selcuk (15.75TRY=$7.5) for a 3-hrs travel time
04.20  -  05.45    -   08.20    -  12.50  -  14.50  -   17.15

The ancient Greek city of Ephesus was famous for its Temple of Artemis, which was recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The temple also known less precisely as the Temple of Diana, was a Greek temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis and is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Only foundations and sculptural fragments of the latest of the temples at the site remain.

Turkish train from Izmir to Denizli, passing by Selcuk

Selcuk 1st part; Strolling the Ancient City of Ephesus

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Sabiha Gokcen Istanbul Airport arrival at night

How to go to Ephesus;
From Izmir airport, ride a train bound to Selcuk which has an hour travel time at 4.75TRY($2.2) fare. Upon arriving at the Selcuk train station, I walked around 500m towards the minibus terminal bound to Ephesus which departs ONLY on full seating capacity. Minibus ride was around 10mins with fare of 2.5TRY($1.2). Ephesus Archeological Site has entrance fee of 30TRY($14.3). Photography and video taking is permitted inside. Monopod is allowed while the tripod has to be surrendered in Security Office.

Ephesus was a former ancient Greek City before a messy period of conquest and reconquest and after the population was moved from Selçuk to the the present site. After that, Ephesus became a Roman city in 133 BC. Ephesus has developed into one of the most highly frequented archaeological sites, due not only to the excellent state of preservation but also to the visitor-friendly presentation of the monuments. The ancient site of Ephesus is seen entirely on foot. Pathways are signed clearly and easily navigated as you make your way through.

The so-called Theater Gymnasium was constructed in 125AD. The complex with over-all dimensions greater than 12,000sqm, conforms to the Ephesian type of bath-gymnasium compexes. U-shaped recreation and lobby halls surrounded the bathing rooms. Celsus Library, certainly the most well-known monument in Ephesus, was built 100AD by Gaius Aquila for his father Tiberius Celsus. The library actually be interpreted as a "heroon" which was built over the burial chamber of the deceased. The library was destroyed during an earthquake in 270AD and was not never rebuilt.

Ancient City of Ephesus (Library of Celsus)

How to Apply for Turkey Tourist Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

an adventure of Pinoy backpacker in processing travel documents

general info:

* Tourist visa is valid for 6 months upon issuance.
* single entry maximum duration of stay in is 30 days only.
* as of April 2014, there are 2 ways to obtain this visa; apply for e-visa or the standard process.

APPLYING FOR TURKEY E-VISA

Nationals of the Philippines holding passport with a valid Schengen or OECD member's visa or residence permit may get their one month period single entry e-Visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr up to 90 days within six months, starting from the first entry. Not all countries are allowed to apply.

http://kuwait.emb.mfa.gov.tr/ShowAnnouncement.aspx?ID=208006

Turkey e-visa (for tourism and single entry only)

4 Days Summer Solo Escapade in Turkey

Selcuk - Pamukkale - Cappadocia - Istanbul tour
July 07 to July 10, 2014

"I'm one of these people that if I have a nice holiday - like I have had in Turkey repeatedly - I go back a lot." - Freema Agyeman

My 36th country to visit, 32nd solo backpacking trip, 3rd country to visit in Euro-Asia, and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure.

Turkey was founded in 1923 from the remnants of the Ottoman Empire. Soon thereafter the country instituted secular laws to replace traditional religious fiats. In 1945 Turkey joined the UN, and in 1952 it became a member of NATO. The English name Turkey first appeared in the late 14th century, and is derived from Medieval Latin Turchia. The Ottoman Empire was sometimes referred as the Turkish Empire among its contemporaries.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Turkey

Amphitheater inside Ephesus

6th OFW Vacation; 2nd Ultimate Backpacking across 3 Continents

extreme adventure on my 4th year as travel addict

June 27 to August 15, 2014
51-days longest set of vacation as an OFW 

1st OFW vacation; Come back to my homeland

2nd OFW vacation; Pinoy backpacker China invasion
3rd OFW vacation; Summer solo tour from Malaysia to Japan
4th OFW vacation; Ultimate Solo Trip from Central Europe to Promised Land 
5th OFW vacation; Winter Birthday Get-away from Georgia to Myanmar

“Take vacations... Go as many places as you can.
You can always make money... You cannot always make memories” ― unknown

Getting away does not necessarily imply flying south or anywhere else for that matter. The key is to find a setting that will allow you to leave all your worries behind. Some people manage to do it from home, although a change of surroundings often helps one to disconnect from daily concerns. Simply turning off the cell phone and opening a book under a tree in a city park can be a great getaway! Some studies have found a positive relationship between vacations and intellectual function.

6th vacation as an Overseas Filipino worker for more than 2 years of stay in Kuwait. The image below shows the converted jpeg of calendar of events on my entire 51-days vacation journey. The countries included were United Kingdom, Morocco, Turkey, Kenya, Tanzania, Indonesia, 2nd visit to Japan and Philippines, my homeland.

6th OFW vacation; 2nd Ultimate backpacking across 3 Continents