captivating places

The road to American independence is brightly lit, even after 250 years, with legendary events like the Boston Tea Party and the “Shot Heard 'Round the World.” Though rightfully commemorated, the radiance of these events sometimes obscures other happenings, equally rebellious or even treasonous from a British perspective...On April 14, 2022, the United States observed a different 250th anniversary: the Pine Tree Riot. You probably missed it. I know I did.

The Edmund Pettus Bridge, Selma, Alabama (courtesy photo, U.S. Civil Rights Trail) On July 26, 2020, a horse-drawn caisson carrying the flag-draped casket of the late Congressman John Lewis left Brown Chapel AME Church in Selma, Alabama. Surrounded by crowds of mourners, news media, the well-known and the unknown, it traveled a short distance before it crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The bridge was covered with red rose petals for the occasion, signifying the blood that was

The Book of Revelation is perhaps known best for the Apocalypse, the “end times,” and destruction of the world. Even non-Christians know...

Looking out from Gulhane Park on the grounds of Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, our view was grand and truly fit for emperors, sultans,...

If you have ever spoken the words “in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,” you have a connection to Iznik, Turkey....

Back in my early days as an Air Force officer, I was an “intercept controller” in what was then West Germany. We helped maintain radar...

The Gallipoli Campaign and the Trojan War. Two epic battles, forever connected by “Achilles in the Trench.”

I have written this blog post in my mind many time. Every time I see, feed, or pet an Istanbul street cat, I feel reinvigorated to tell...

When you think of "tulip," what's the first thing that comes to mind? More than likely, your answer is Holland. You know. Holland with...

After exploring early Biblical sites in and around Urfa (Sanliurfa) and hunter-gatherer wonders at Gobekle Tepe, we headed to Mardin,...

Like many people, as my husband and I approach retirement, travel is big on our radar. On a recent trip to Turkey, we decided to visit an...