MomLes

Kapadokya is simply amazing. We went twice in 2006, once to see the eclipse of the sun, and later to show our Turkish ‘daughter’ one of the jewels of her country. The scenery is stunning, the history is absorbing, and the locals are fine, decent people. I’d go back there any time.

We did the balloon thing. A once-in-a-lifetime treat I wouldn’t have missed for anything. Wonderful place.

We took a tour of Egypt while we were living in Izmir – during the Kurban Bayram when the country was on holiday for a week. We did the usual things – the pyramids, the Egyptian Museum, a cruise up the Nile from Luxor to Aswan. Loved the river cruise. The pyramids were truly awesome, even with a million tourists around. The people were less hospitable than the Turks, but our chief tour guide was awesome. He got us through customs and immigration on our arrival within minutes, and when we came back to Cairo from Aswan he climbed into the baggage sorting room to unblock a pile of luggage.

Egypt is a great place to have been. I prefer Turkey, though.

All that I’d hoped it would be. It’s fuming away very nicely.

I’ve wanted to see Pompeii since I was 6 and saw a picture of one of the plaster casts of victims of the eruption. Really interesting!. Get a good guide, and go in the winter or early spring.

We didn’t spend all that much time in the city. What impressed us most was the amount of garbage. But still, it was very nice, the people were kind and friendly, and we want to see more.

We spent just a couple of afternoons here. Loved it!

We’re just back from a cruise up the Nile from Luxor. Wow! It was everything we’d hoped and more, except there wasn’t any time to relax. I think Aswan would be an interesting place to live – small enough to get to know well, and full of natural and historical beauty. I want to go back.

We were there for only a few days last week. Terrific! I want to go back! It’s everything everyone else says – maddening, dirty, noisy, overcrowded, and full of things you need to see. Only problem: bakshish. Everyone’s hand is out any time they do anything for you. And too many people smoke. Still, don’t miss it. We’ll be back.

I was born in Vancouver an awful long time ago, and I went to university there. It has changed in the 40 years since, but it’s still unspeakably beautiful and far more cosmopolitan. Vancouver has everything: city life, countryside, mountains, ocean, wilderness, farmland… Pity it’s too big to be really comfortable for a long-term stay. The streets are too congested to get around by car now, and public transit still isn’t up to the level of the rest of the world, but you shouldn’t miss it anyway.

It’s beautiful, but if you have to choose go to Aya Sofya instead.

I wish Istanbul could get rid of those pesky touts hanging around outside trying to sell you everything from rugs to their sister.