Around The World in 80 Plus

Arrived in Athens at sunrise with a shooting star above—Olympic magic had begun. Navigated chaotic buses, sweaty ruins, and no bag storage, but found relief from North Carolina Baptists handing out water. Caught Canada vs. Chinese Taipei in Olympic baseball after a hilarious run-in with Greek security. The sunset over the stadium was stunning. Sunrise to sunset in Athens—then off to Thessaloniki by night train.

In Selçuk, I toured Ephesus with Jerry and Andrea—a meticulous planner and a Danish journalist full of trivia and celebrity gossip. Between ruins, we bonded over awkward beach moments, chest wig stories, and shared laughs. We parted ways, but I continued to Athens via ferry, met more Aussies, and tangled with a grumpy Greek “sleep police” guy. Travel teaches you that good company and unexpected moments make the best stories.

People make the journey great...... All these are stories from my time in Istanbul.  Next will be stories from Ephesus. I’ve got to...