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Turkey
There are so many archaeological and biblical sites to see in this wonderful land. The crossroads of Asia, Europe and Africa - some of man's earliest farming communities and cities called this region home. At various points over the millennia, the Hittites thrived, Greeks ruled
and Romans lived - including in the 2nd largest city of the entire Roman Empire at Ephesus. Istanbul (Constatinople) was once the center of Roman Empire. Turkey has hosted many prominent figures including St Paul and St. John who criss-crossed the country.
From the 1st century onward - early Christians cut cave churches into Cappadocia's fairy chimneys and hid from invading armies in underground cities - what a beautiful region from which to launch a hot air balloon. The Ottoman empire ruled from here for centuries and more recently Ataturk united his people, embraced western culture and helped establish a great sense of pride of country that is beamed by its people today and can be seen whether visiting museums, mosques or traditional villages.
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Cappadocia Fairy Chimneys |
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Balloon Take Off, Vertical |
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Balloon Take Off, BWVertical
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Balloon Take Off 3119, Vertical |
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Cappadocia Fairy Chimneys, BW
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Balloons & Minaret from Goreme |
Balloons from Goreme Cave Hotel |
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Blue Mosque Contemplation |
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Hagia Sofia Madonna & Child |
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Hagia Sofia Lights & Ceiling |
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Ephesian Tying Sandals, BW
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Pergamum Cat
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Turkish Traditional Dress |
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Indonesia
The people of Indonesia, young and old, loved being photographed. They felt honored that an American would want to take their picture and beemed with pride, sometimes during, sometimes after their photo was taken. It's a beautiful country of thousands of islands filled with natural beauty and down-to-earth farmers, fisherman and shopkeepers.
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Indonesian Boys at Lake Toba Hut |
Happy Rice Harvesters of Sumatra |
Rice Harvester in the Field |
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Woman carrying Plow from Rice Terraces |
Bali worker at the Rice Terraces
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Boat driver waiting at the surface |
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Fishing Offshore at Sunset |
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Hanging Out at the Fruit Stand |
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Thailand
Phi Phi Island was devastated by tsunami shortly after we visited. As I walked alone at a quiet dawn, photographing the boats on the beach, I was surprised to find each one was home to its sleeping owner. Later we hired a boat with driver for the day to explore remote portions of this beautiful group of small islands.
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Dawn Reflection at
Phi Phi Island |
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Buoy Line to Boat at Phi Phi Island |
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Dawn Seascape of Phi Phi Island |
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Watering the Fields in China |
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