"Annabella's new Turkey Page" a Turkey Travel Page by Annabella

I just read a biography of Pope John XXIII, who had been the Vatican Ambassador to Turkey during the time of Ataturk's reforms and secularization. The reforms extended not only to Muslims, but to Christians as well, and as a priest he was to dress in secular clothes. Known for his ecumenical efforts, John certainly hit if off with the Turks, whose society continues to remain secular in a region where this poses a challenge. John had a fond memory of sitting on an outdoor terrace overlooking the Bosphorus and drinking Raki with his hosts. I think anyone who gets to know the people will have a similar experience.

I don't normally go on group tours, but Turkey is very large and I recommend this as a way to cover a lot of ground in a short period of time. We went with Pacha Tours and did not have a very good guide most of the trip. We were disappointed since my parents and some friends had gone with Pacha before and highly recommended them. However, our city guides in Istanbul were excellent, and I think the company is generally quite good.