DAY9: CROATIA

CLICK FOR VOICE: Along the Dalmatian coastline of the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik, Croatia might conjure up images of war at its worst. But modern Croatia has come a long way from it's neighboring Bosnia, rebuilding the town to near-original ancient marble-paved squares, cobbled streets and boutiques, and is one of UNESCO's "world heritage treasures." Among these treasurers was the invention of the men's necktie, initially the silk cravat worn by soldiers. Entering the harbor we are greeted by a spectacular sunrise and the massive suspension bridge -- then we ventured out to the farm-country to meet the people whose origins begin here in the 13th century. (click on the voice file).

FLASHBACK AT SEA

CLICK FOR VOICE: These photos show a theatrical play at the ancient library in Ephesus. Listen to the descrption of this typical day in the 3rd century AD by clicking on the voice link above. Ephesus is still 80% hidden beneath the centuries of soil, but the massive restoration process has given us the best evidence of life in historic times. Comments we heard throughout were: "Amazing and incredible." We walked the same streets as Cleopatra, Socrates, Mark Anthony, and Paul the Apostle. It was time to stop, and contemplate the roots of our civilization.

DAY 7: SANTORINI

If there is anything better than the blue waters and food of the Greek Islands, it must be the sunsets viewed from the volcanic peaks of Santorini. We traveled up 580 steps -- the easy way by cable car, considering all the donkey dung on the climb. But once on top .... wow, break-taking! We had a huge Greek salad with friends, and took a fast taxi ride 7 miles to the artists' community of Oia. White-washed churches and homes are built into the mountain and many worth millions each. We learned of the mythical lost world of Atlantis, supposedly swallowed by the sea when the volcano erupted 3,500 years ago causing the end of the entire Minoan civilization. And the
shopping is among the best in the world for Greek textiles, jewelry, glassware, etc. So many panorama's to photograph -- I chose to focus on the unique outdoor sculptures included here. Tomorrow is a 'sea-day' so I'll post the next report on Sunday, when we'll be in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

DAY 6: KUSADASI

CLICK FOR VOICE: About 20 km inland from our Agean seaport of Kusadasi, the Hellenistic and Roman city of Ephesus is one of the most historical sites of the Mediterranean. We might summarize our brief visit there as somewhere between a spiritual awakening and an environmental epitaph. Our Turkish guide is a book of knowledge -- not unlike the 12,000 scrolls once housed in the library of Ephesus ... but lost is the secret passageway leading from the library, under the street to the bordello. Even then advertising pointed the way ... and maybe you could hear, "Honey ... I'll be at the library tonight." Tomorrow we're back to the Greek Islands -- and a visit to an art colony. The photo of the rose, is from a garden at the home of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

DAY 5: MYKONOS

CLICK FOR VOICE: Mikonos, Greece,  population 9300,  is today's port of call ... an eastern-most Greek island, known for it's spectacular beaches, white and blue-trim Grecian villages, and great sea-food.  At the top of the Hora town harbor hill are windmills, dating back centuries to claim power from the island environment.  Tourism and night-life support the island and hotels for the rich, famous and party crowd.  The narrow and clean streets are thronged with chic fashion salons, cool galleries and jewellers, loud music bars, and torrents of crimson flowers.  We escaped with one jewelry purchase ... and a cup of Greek coffee that brings new meaning to the word 'strong.'

DAY 3: ISTANBUL

CLICK FOR VOICE:
It is 6 am, and we hear the call to worship outside our 12th-story hotel window. Clearly, an Islam country Turkey -- wasn't always that way, as Istanbul (Constantinople) was once the seat of the Roman Christian and Byzantine Empires -- at least until about 1453 when the Ottoman Turks took power. So much for history ... worth a study of the rich history of the Anatolian Peninsula where civilization dates back to the stone and bronze ages.... that would be at least 10,000 BC. And one more geography lesson ... the city of Istanbul technically separates two continents via the 27 kilometer Bosphorus Strait ... Asia and Europe, with the city sharing both sides of the water. Today we walk the European side, and the nearby Taksim streets for shopping, lunch, a mosque and meet friends from Canada. Then a swim in the relaxing hotel pool (see photo), steam bath, and massage. An easy day -- not much is open as Ramadan is celebrated. Tomorrow we sail for ports to the south, to Ephesis, home to St. Paul and John in the 1st century AD.

DAY 2: ISTANBUL

We arrived mid-day in Istanbul after 14 hours of flying from Minneapolis through Amsterdam ... an 8 hour time zone change. The city dates back to 700BC and the Byzantine and Ottoman empires ...the days when it was named Constantinople. The modern Hotel Ritz Carlton Hotel is first class, with a spectacular view -- overlooking a mosque and a 35,000-seat football stadium on the shores of the Strait of Bospherus. Hours after arrival our guide takes us through the grand bazaar (see photo) -- but it's only a glimpse at this hectic marketplace before the final feasts of Ramadan close these busy bazaars tomorrow. Our other tour is through Beylerbeyi -- the summer palace of five 19-century sultans. Cameras are forbidden -- unless you pay $9 for the privilege! (Or try your less conspicuous cellphone camera.) And now, to shake off the jet lag and get some needed sleep.

TRAVEL START

CLICK FOR AUDIO - DAY 1:   This begins our reports from the Mediterranean, as we travel 14 hours today from Minneapolis to Amsterdam and Istanbul.  Whew.  I hope the back holds up!  There's more on the 2-minute audio link above -- a brief delay as it downloads to your QuickTime media player.  We'll try to submit reports daily from our travels ... and invite you to respond with any questions or comments (below).  Bon Voyage.

TRAVEL PODCASTS

Starting Oct. 20 we will begin a series of daily 'podcast' audio reports from the Mediterranean aboard a cruise ship, from where we will be traveling for two weeks -- from western Turkey, to the Greek Isles, and Italy. I hope you will join us here, and participate as a listener, or reader and contributor to these blogs.

Living Room Fragile trailer

View the 'trailer' of this one hour drama made for cable access television in Minnesota. Produced by St. Paul independent filmmakers Phil Holt (writer and director) and Jim Radford (cinematographer). The plot: when John is laid off from his job, he and his family try to keep their lives from shattering apart. Slowly, steadily, the cracks begin to show. Starring Kathleen Kohlstedt, Jerome Marzullo, Tim Payton, Jay Urmann, Stu Naber, Joshua Iley, and Phil Holt. See the entire hour movie at: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-9200442134190865358

Free Speech Threatened

I suppose you have been following the progress of federal legislation of the Internet, which would permit the carriers (Verizon, Comcast, ATT) to charge different rates for usage ... so your site with more hits woyld pay more than me with less hits,, but I might pay more by publishing more or less video online. The likelihood of pay as you go is a very threatening control mechanism by the feds and utilities, and would dramatically change the current Net model ... with the tradeoff of increasing corporate services, reliability, speed, and reach, but putting the small guy who can't afford that out of business. I think its very similar to the cable TV legislation that would create tiered packages for viewers, and if the channel is not in the package, it could not be viewed ... that would most likely eliminate most of the non-commercial community cable access channels, such as where I air my documentaries, church programs and screen play -- and where many relevant local programs are aired and producers are trained in TV, thanks to grants from municipalities and the cable companies. That open access (AKA freedom of speech), and equality of viewership would end ... as many people would not likely pay the extra fees to get community TV ... but simply accept a pay per view model. If you get the chance to voice your opinion on either of these issues, cable TV and Internet open access, don't hesitate. Write your legislators. When the utilities take these over, it will end free speech as we know it.

Reselling Web Sites

New idea to make money ... according to the current issue if Business 2.0 -- very easy money. Buy and sell existing websites ... not just a domain-name play, but spot the potential of an existing site, rehab it and increase traffic, and resell it. At onsitepoint.com., for $10 people can list sites for sale or aution them off. Demand has soared. In April, they added 400 new sites, growing 25% per month. All sorts of sites are available ... blogs too. The key is to understand what you are buying ... check their Google ranking, and Alexa.com etc. Check revenue stats and scan message boards for their credibility with users ... and build a plan. BUILD NEW VALUE into the site ... Example ... 411hype.com sold last August for $1,000, and resold after a refurb and accompanying customer increase, to $13,500 ... not a bad profit margin.... excluding the new ad revenues from Adbrite, Yahoo, and CasaleMedia ... revenue of apx. $1000 a month. This exmple was completed in 6 months, by a high school senior. How much is your site worth?