Wanderlust Cafe » Turkey

Bringing Back the Song

Lou Ann — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 05:55:57 +0000

Sultanhani Caravanserai, 1229 AD. Along the Konya-Aksaray highway in Turkey

The song reached out to her, and she risked the disapproval of her fellow travelers by delaying long enough to learn its name from the shopkeeper. And so she carried the music home, where she could replay it at any time.

From thousands of miles away, she closes her eyes and returns to the caravanserai along the Silk Road. And feels the presence of long-ago travelers lingering in its golden afternoon shadows.

– with love for the journey.

Photograph by Lou Ann Granger, September 2009

Musings on the song Gülümcan, from the album Köprüler. And the power of music to capture a precious moment from the journey.

Tea in the Grand Bazaar

Lou Ann — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:42:49 +0000

Tea in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar

A small cafe. A quiet oasis in the midst of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar.

For an instant in time, all the wonderful chaotic energies of the surrounding labyrinth have been focused into one perfect glass of apple tea.

– with love for the journey.

Photo by Lou Ann Granger, Istanbul, September 2009

The Delicious Terror of Setting Out

Lou Ann — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 08:04:37 +0000

Last minute preparations on the eve of a trip to Turkey. In that special time of aggravation, wondering why I’m not more ready, how can all this stuff take so much room and weight and I’m not even bringing everything I want?

And this reluctance to commit to what I am ACTUALLY bringing. There’s always this tiny yet delicious moment of uncertainty and terror before setting out. It’s part of the journey. And I treasure this moment .

– with love for the journey.

Old Postcard, Galata Bridge, Istanbul, Turkey

Excavating Intentions

Lou Ann — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 01:18:57 +0000

I sift through memories and longings and try to discern my intentions for Turkey.

What do I hope to see and do and feel? Not enough time to fully explore and discover. I try to send my spirit ahead on this journey so that it will be waiting for me when I arrive.

Leander swimming the Hellespont, Achilles fighting at Troy, Alexander’s armies crossing the Phrygian plain, Artemis holding court at her temple, Crusaders besieging castles, Christians hiding in Cappadoccia, and Rumi teaching in Konya. Antony and Cleopatra at Selcuk, and Paul preaching to the Ephesians.

This magic land, criss-crossed by the paths of invaders and traders. Home of long-forgotten peoples and kingdoms, with only fragments of myths and stories surviving. A turquoise sea and barren landscapes.

I uncover a few words and symbols, but intentions lie hidden behind the mist and fog of longing for now. Protected beneath layers of yearning. They will be revealed in due course. And I will arrive when I arrive.

– with love for the journey.

Visual Journal page by Lou Ann Granger

Return to Byzantium

Lou Ann — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:59:02 +0000

My heart sings as I contemplate a return. Istanbul or Constantinople or Byzantium, this beautiful city straddling the Bosphorus at the crossroads between Europe and Asia has called to me for many years.

Such an aura of mystery and intrigue, a blending of exotic and known. At this gateway to the unknown, I come again, and ready for another adventure.

It has been eight years, and I saw so little the first time. Even this next time, in September, it is only a few days, and as part of a larger trip including Kusadasi, Konya and Cappadoccia.

I set forth with intention, to be open to the spirit of this ancient city, and the lingering essence of the many travelers who have passed this way before me.

– with love for the journey

Photo and postprocessing by Lou Ann Granger