Champions League Final Istanbul Turkey

Liverpool is the champion: Liverpool won the European Champions Cup for the first time since 1984, overcoming a three-goal deficit to beat AC Milan 3-2 on penalty kicks following a 3-3 tie Wednesday night in the greatest comeback in the tournament's history.

Turkey hosted the champions league final: European CHampions League Final was held in Istanbul Turkey at Ataturk Olympic Stadium. Thousands of tourists have visited Istanbul, Turkey for this important soccer game.

AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini scored in the first minute, and Hernan Crespo added goals in the 39th and 43rd.

No team had ever come back from a three-goal deficit in the final, but Liverpool did just that during a stunning sequence in the 50th Champions Cup final. Captain Steve Gerrard scored in the 54th, Vladimir Smicer made it 3-2 in the 56th and Xabi Alonso tied it in the 60th on the rebound of his penalty kick, which goalkeeper Dida had saved.

The game, the highest-scoring final since 1962, went to 30 minutes of overtime, and Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek stopped Andriy Shevchenko twice in the 118th minute, first saving his header, then blocking Shevchenko's shot off the rebound.

Serginho put AC Milan's first penalty kick over the crossbar, and Dietmar Hamann converted his, With Dudek bouncing back and fourth on the goal line, he dived to his right and batted away Andrea Pirlo's kick with his right hand.

Djibril Cisse put Liverpool ahead 2-0, Jon Dahl Tomasson converted for AC Milan, Dida dived right to stop John Arne Riise and Kaka tied it for AC Milan. Smicer gave Liverpool a 3-2 lead and Shevchenko's kick down the middle was saved by Dudek.

It was the fifth title for Liverpool, the first since its fans rioted at the 1985 in Belgium, causing the death of 39 fans and leading to a lengthy ban from European competition. Under currently rules, Liverpool won't be able to defend its title because only the top four teams in England's Premier League qualified for next year's competition and Liverpool finished fifth.

Turkish Restaurant Turquoise Grill San Antonio Texas

While I travel in different countries, especially in the US, I try to visit as many Turkish Restaurants as possible. I have been to San Antonio, Texas last year, but I haven't heard about Turquoise Restaurant.

Yesterday, I have read an article about Turquoise Grill Turkish Restaurant at SanAntonioCurrent.com and I will be visiting Turquoise Grill at my next visit to San Antonio.

This is the address and contact information for Turquoise Grill if you get a chance to visit.

Turquoise Turkish Grill
11220 Perrin Beitel
946-3070
11am-2:30pm & 5-9pm Mon-Fri,
11am-9pm Sat- Sun
Price Range $9-13
Major cards accepted
Wheelchair accessible

American Tourist in Turkey

Here's another article about thoughts of an American tourist in Turkey. Brenda had a trip to Turkey during 2004. She has written her thoughts, experiences, and fascination with Turkish culture during her trip. My friend Haydar has sent me Brenda's notes about Turkey.

American Tourist in Turkey by Brenda Young

I first visited Turkey in the spring of 2004. As an American who had never crossed the Atlantic Ocean, I did not know what to expect once I arrived. I was pleasantly surprised at every turn, and instantly felt a love for this country!

My first reaction was to the beauty everywhere. From the cool breeze and blue water of the Bosphorus to the magnificent structures, so well preserved throughout hundreds of years. I was also privileged to travel throughout the country, to Ankara and down south to the Mediterranean. It was a dream come true for an avid photographer! The beauty of the various areas, so different from what I had seen in other cities, really painted a picture of a country so full of magnificent sites and historical significance.

The food was another surprise. The taste sensations I had never experienced before left me looking forward to the next dining experience. I wasn't even real sure what I was eating at times, but it was just so different and appealing to me that it didn't matter. The spices and blended flavors were like none I had experienced. (I now dine at Turkish restaurants I have found at home as often as possible!).


I had heard many things about the wonderful shopping in Istanbul. I was amazed at the size of the Grand Bazaar and the courtesy of the vendors. I came home with so many "treasures" that I had bought a great prices. Everyone fortunate enough to receive something from Turkey feels so honored and proudly display their gifts in their homes.

I leave the best for last. By far my greatest impression of Turkey came directly from the Turks themselves. I had never experienced being in a country where many people to do not speak my language. I thought that may be a little intimidating. Although I found a fair number of people who speak English, even the ones who do not were so cordial to me and made me feel so comfortable being in their country as we tried to communicate at a very basic level. From a girl I met on a bus who went out of her way to show me how to get back to my hotel, to some new Turkish friends who spent a whole day showing me things only real Turkish residents know to do. Everyone showed such hospitality, seemed so willing to assist, and make sure that I enjoyed my stay in their country. It is the Turkish people who make Turkey a wonderful place to visit!

I have shared my love for this country and its people with so many here in the states, and surely hope they will one day have the opportunity to feel so at home, so far away from home, just as did!

Brenda Young
Nashville, Tennessee
USA

Journey of an American Lawyer

This is a diary of an American Lawyer Steve Schmidt from his last trip to Turkey during 2003. One of my friends "Haydar" has sent me this to contribute.

It will be a great resource because everything is observed from an American citizen's perspective in this diary notes. Let's keep it short and post the notes of Mr. Schmidt:

September 18, 2003

Before today I had covered nearly everything on my itinerary with the exception of visiting the islands. That would take an all day excursion and I wasn’t willing to spend my last day in that fashion. So, I did what I usually like to do as a capstone, I decided to “just get down amongst them.” To this end I purchased some tram tokens, took it to its farthest extreme and got off to walk back. On the way there I noted there were some patches which just weren’t worth walking. Off I started covering ground 3’ at a time. It’s amazing the things one senses in the sights, sounds and smells of a city and its people. It is incredibly enjoyable to do this no matter where you are. One of the more fascinating things about the mass transit system here is that autos, pedestrians, carts, etc. can all share the tram way with the tram. Therefore you see near accidents all the time when cars are trying to pass, dodge, dart, cross, follow, stop these trains. It’s completely reckless, but it’s invigorating as well. Teaches one to step lively. The trams are air conditioned and a relatively cheap and comfortable way of getting about.

While walking along I found a “regular” carpet store which sold carpet for homes and businesses. There were rolls of padding piled high and I had to chuckle. I passed a small park with a memorial in it where mothers were playing with their children. It reminded me of swinging a small child myself and brought back precious memories. I have to note that I may have crossed over today in the matter of appearance. Would you believe that a car actually stopped and a man, in broken English, asked me if I spoke English. When I said, “Yes,” he asked me for directions. I had to chuckle. I sent the poor guy on a wild goose chase, as if I really knew what I was talking about. There would be no way he’d find me in a few minutes. As I sauntered through the city I enjoyed many things. The sight of a man trying to make a little money with just a scale for people to weigh themselves on, walnuts the size of tennis balls, pastry shops that rival anything back home, and the trading jungle on almost every street corner.

Occasionally I’d hop the tram to whiz through the more desolate, deserted sections, but for the most part I walked from the burbs, through the slums, to the high rent district. It was there, in the nice part, that I got a call from Erol. Last evening Erol and Haydar had planned to meet me at 6:30 to spend my last evening together. There was still some unfinished business with regard to experiences and food. Erol called about 4:00 and said that Haydar’s medical rounds and seeing patients had ended early and what time could I get there to start earlier. I figured about 5:00 by the time I stopped at the hotel to drop off some baggage. I didn’t actually make it until about 5:30 because I had to navigate the tramway and a ferry during rush hour. When I finally arrived and was walking off the boat, Haydar was waiting and he didn’t notice me until I almost walked into him. I thought that was funny. I’m starting to really blend in.

Erol drove up in his car which is powered by methane and we drove to the highest hill on the Asian side overlooking the city. Here were buildings that had been built and used by the Sultans to get away. It was a lovely park area with a nice restaurant and vistas that would take your breath away. We walked about for a bit and then decided to have supper. It was a pleasant meal they ordered me, and I began to realize that they intended to pay the bills for the entire evening. Talk about hospitality! Generosity! Kindness! These two had just met me and were treating me like a king! Now let me tell you about my assessment of them both. First, Haydar. He is very good looking and adventurous. He’s always out in front, leading the way, and seems to be absolutely fearless. I enjoy his personality and the way these two interact together. Haydar loves jokes and tells a good one himself. Both men are absolutely brilliant. By comparison, my impression is that Erol is much more reserved and careful about everything. On this evening he was much more talkative than the night before. One senses that there is within him the desire to be as flamboyant as Haydar, but he just has trouble, like me, in letting it out. In our conversations, Erol was quite interested that I understand the Turkish culture, the Islamic religion, and the entire experience. More than once I was asked what I thought and how I would report things when I got back home. I consistently affirmed that I was having a positive experience, that I would come back, that I would bring someone with me. I noted that Erol was suffering some congestion and breathing discomfort and I was very concerned about him throughout the evening. I suggested on several occasions that we cut the evening short for his sake, but he refused.

Following the meal at the restaurant, we headed for a STARBUCKS. I was excited about this. I had brought my card with me for use, and here I’d have the opportunity. Unfortunately, they don’t take cards here yet, but the young people behind the counter were very pleased to have a westerner come up and order an exotic drink. I ordered my usual: white chocolate mocha, half caff, vente, breve, no whip, no foam. Both guys were really impressed as I reeled off my order. The young man behind the counter understood and was trying to tell me the Turkish way of saying. They don’t have vente’s here. They only have small, large and grande. The grande is a medium in the U.S. Both Haydar and Erol got the same drink and both fell in love with it. I had to write it down for them. We sat and sipped for a while and then headed toward a place they had told me about where people smoke water pipes. As we parked and drew near, they kept asking me if I could smell the odor of the smoke. My untrained sense of smell didn’t detect it, but the closer we came, the more I discerned the smell of apples. There was the mall-like setting where the elite of the city (as Erol said, the most beautiful women) come together and play backgammon and smoke water pipes. Now these are large, bulky affairs with interchangeable mouth pieces, long hoses which lead to a water bottle. At the top is what looks like a #10 can opened at each end and sitting over a device that holds the tobacco. It is generally apple, but there are other selections one can make. The tobacco is in this device and live, burning coals are set on top of this. One sucks through the pipe, drawing the heat over the tobacco, through the water and into your lungs. A long puff produces billows of pleasant smelling smoke. An old man who stoked the pipes with fresh coals came by and said, “You must make the water sing.” We sat, joked and talked for a good while as Haydar attempted to teach me to play backgammon. Unfortunately, while I know some of the basics, I lack an appreciation for the strategies and placement of the chips. This was very relaxing time and a sense of well-being and restfulness came over me.

Following this, Erol and Haydar planned to fulfill my last wish for Istanbul, and that is to try a native drink called “Raki.” I’m told it’s made from hashish and it’s called the “milk of lions.” They took me to the Taksim district to a very nice, cozy club with live entertainment. While I didn’t understand any of the words, the music was all Turkish folk ballads and quite nice. The theme of one song, as related to me, was this: It matters not how beautiful you are if I don’t love you. Quite a comment, eh? There were slow songs and fast songs and our drinks came. Let me describe. Raki is a beverage which is served in this fashion. An eight ounce glass is filled to about 2/5s and then water is poured over that. Finally, ice cubes are carefully dropped in. One is supposed to take a sip of the Raki, then a sip of water. Now I became quite concerned about this since Haydar told me a story about a man who had gotten drunk on this stuff, stood up and yelled to all who would listen, “F--- me!” Whereupon he was taken by some companions and when he woke up the next day he had a severe ache in his backside. When asked about his experience drinking Raki, he replied that he enjoyed it, but it make his seater hurt. I had no intention of finding myself in this dilemma.

It has been some time before we had eaten our meal and I didn’t wish to take in any of this drink on a stomach that I felt was nearly empty. Fortunately, the guys ordered a vast spread of fruits and cheese. So, after fortifying myself with some of this, I ventured a sip. If you’ve ever had a very good licorice, you would know what this drink smells like and tastes like. Since I love licorice, I enjoyed this beverage. Our evening at this place started at 10:30 pm and didn’t end until 3 am. We sat, talked, laughed, nibbled, and sipped while listening to great traditional music. Most was provided by one singer, but during the course of the evening, another lovely young lady got up to sing. I had thought she was a guest, because she came in with a group of people and sat off to one side, and when she got up to sing, I thought to myself, “How nice.” My impression was formed because an aged gentleman went up and took the mike and after a monologue, recited a poem.

This second singer was much better than the first. Indeed, she was quite professional. As it turned out, she OWNED this club and has her own recordings. After she sang a fairly complete set, she went from table to table greeting guests and eventually came to ours. During the course of the evening, Haydar had gotten several unpleasant communications from his girlfriend who was complaining that he wasn’t spending enough time and attention on her. We both agreed if she was this type BEFORE they were married, she would be even WORSE after they were married. So, picture us sitting in this private booth, right in front of the stage, Erol is having a very uncomfortable evening with his sinuses, Haydar is having trouble with his girlfriend, and we’re eating fruit, cheese and drinking Roki. When the owner finally came to our table, we had a nice chat. She spoke some English, and she called waiter over and ordered him to bring one of her recordings as a gift to me. She was very gracious and they have a habit of lifting they hand to their opposite shoulder, flat against the chest, as a gesture of goodwill and greeting. It became apparent that Haydar, ever the man of adventure, was interested in this young lady. She was quite pretty and, as I said, Haydar is handsome. I must inject that Erol is good looking to. He is much lighter in complexion and of a different native culture from the Caucasus mountains.

Finally, about 3 am, they musicians and singer were doing their last songs. The musicians played a guitar and another distinctive stringed instrument which has a whiney sound and a very fat echo chamber. The piece they were closing with must have been very popular and it was fast. Suddenly both Erol and Haydar leaped to the floor and began doing some of the most graceful, folk-dancing. Both were quite good, and I dare not attempt anything. Following this, we bade our farewells to the people at the club and walked to our auto. I’d had four glasses of Raki during the course of the evening, but I felt absolutely no effects whatsoever. There was no dizziness, nothing. When I asked Erol about this, he said I needed to have drunk FIVE glasses and it would have been that last glass that did me in. He suggested that it has a cumulative effect and that at a certain point, it all rushes to the small intestine and knocks you out. When one eats cheese with it, the cheese keeps it in the stomach until it’s released. I will have to say that I enjoyed Raki and hope to bring some home from this journey...

Steve Schmidt

Aegean Region

Many would agree that the coastal region of the Aegean has some of the most stunning views in the country and, in the words of Heredotus, "have the most beautiful sky and the best climate in the world."

The bays peninsulas, and golden beaches stretchthe length of coastline and this region was also the venue of countless mythological events. There are remains of ancient cities including Troy, immortalised by Homer, and Pergamum, the art and cultural centre and capital of one of the most powerfulkingdoms at the time.

The provinces in the Aegean region are Afyon, Aydin, Denizli, Izmir, Kutahya, Manisa, Mugla and Usak. Situated in Edremit bay is Ayvalik, the meeting point of the sea, the theraputic springs of Akcay, and pine forests, which has been dubbed the olive-grove Riviera.

To the south are countless resorts, then further south is Foca, famous for the heroic Turkish sailors who were based here. Sardis, the capital of the wealthy Lydian king Croesus, is a small detour inland.

Located in a narrow bay, Izmir is a modern city and the third largest in Turkey, as well as the major part on the Aegean. It brims with life and is a busy commercial centre, with broad boulevards and modern architecture, combined with the traditionalred-tiled roofs of the old houses in the bazaar area.

The peninsula of Çesme with its brilliant waters, superb beaches and thermal springs, lies to the west of Izmir.Among the most famous cities of the ancient world, Ephesus was one of the biggest during the Roman era.

A treasury of all the riches of Ionian culture, Ephesus had a reputation for philosophy and critical thinking. The Temple of Artemis, one of theseven wonders of the ancient world, as well as countless statues, theatres, libraries, markets and smaller temples were all architectural symbols of the city's fame. Further to the south is the ancient city of Priene, built according to a geometricplan designed by the great architect of Milet, Hippodamos.

Milet was a great centre of commerce and thought in the ancient world, and was the venue of many significant developments, scientific and intellectual. The nearby Didim, though not one of theancient cities, is still famous for its magnificent temple dedicated to Apollo.On the Izmir-Antalya road, Aphrodisias (Geyre) was an important centre for culture and art famous for its training in sculpture. On the same road is the world-famous Pamukkale, with its calcium-rich thermal waters flowing out of the mountain whichhave, over centuries, created an extraordinary geographical phenomenon of white marble terraces.

The ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis lie behind this. The best known holiday resorts in this area are Bodrum, Marmaris, Datca, Koycegiz and Fethiye, and private boats can be chartered to explore the bays of the south Aegean, immortalised in the book Mavi Yolculuk (Blue Voayge). Bodrum (ancient Halikarnas)is the birthplace of the great historian Heredotus.

The mausoleum of King Mausolos was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Marmaris is a lively resort with a modern marina surrounded by lush mountains and crystal-clear waters,and further south is the bay of Oludeniz, famous for watersports and paragliding, and the coastal town of Fethiye.

Marmara Region

The Roman province of Trakya (Thrace) is separated from the rest of Turkey by the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara and the Dardenelle Straits.

Edirne, lying close to the borders of Greece and Bulgaria, is best known for the masterpieces of local architect Mimar Sinan, with wonderful examples from the Ottoman Empire.

The area is also famous for the lush rolling fields, filled with vineyards and sunflowers grown for their seeds and oil.

The cities in this region are Balikesir, Bilecik, Bursa, Canakkale,Edirne, Istanbul, Kirklareli, Kocaeli, Sakarya,Tekirdag and Yalova. Marmara Region has a turbulent past.

In 481 BC the second Persian War, the Persian King Xerxes made a bridge of boats over the Dardanelle Straits between Abydos and Sestos. In the same location is the infamous love affair of Leander and Hera, whowere buried in the waters of the strait. And it was here that Mustafa Kemal won the first big victory against enemy forces in World War I, and the war graves and battlegrounds of Gelibolu are visited by thousands of tourists every year.

The lively city of Izmit with its fruit orchards and vegetable gardens is now an industrial centre, and nearby Hereke is famous for its carpets. To the south is Iznik, renowned during Ottoman times for its glazed tiles which adorned the mosques andtombs, and its great Byzantine city walls. Bursa, the land of silk, was the first capital city of the Ottoman Empire and birthplace of modern Turkish Culture . The mosques, like Yesil Came and Ulu Cami, are some of the most important and beautiful inthe country. The country's first ski resort was built on the mountain of Uludag, lying to the south of the city.

Tekirdag, with beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture and broad beaches, is known for its vineyards and wine festivals. To the north is Gonen with its famous thermal springs, and the commercial port of Bandirma which is the biggest in theMarmara sea after Istanbul. Near the city and by Lake Manyas is Kuscenneti (Bird Heaven) National Park with 239 species of birds, many of which migrate from Europe and Asia during the summer, and fly south before the winter.

One the shores of the Marmara Sea are a whole host of beautiful beaches and holiday resorts, including Cinarcik, Armutlu, Gemlik, Mudanya, Erdek, the Marmara and Avsa Islands, Denizkent, Sarkoy and Silivri. To the west is Yalova, a site famous for itsthermal springs.

Regions of Turkey

• Black Sea
• Marmara

Black Sea Region

Lush and green throughout the year, rocky mountains, the cool waters of the coast and plantations of tea, hazelnuts, tobacco and corn, the Black Sea is a unique part of the country.

The main industry is farming, thanks mainly to the high rainfall, andin the summer the roadsides are lined with hazelnuts drying in the sun. The culture, cuisine, climate and even dialect is different to the rest of Turkey, and the coastal road stretches from east of Istanbul to the border with Georgia.

The cities in this region are Amasya, Artvin, Bolu, Corum, Duzce, Giresun, Gumushane, Kastamonu, Ordu, Rize, Samsun, Sinop, Tokat, Trabzon Zonguldak, Bartin and Karabuk.

Akcakoca is on the far western side of the coast, with endless hazelnutorchards. Inland to the east is Safranbolu, with a wonderful collection of old Ottoman houses, and Devek, famous for its intricately carved walking canes.

Further along the coast are Inkum, Amasra and Cakraz, and then Sinop which has been a port for 1000 years and is still one of the biggest in the Black Sea. The town takes its name from the Amazon queen Sinope and local mythology suggests that femalewarriors, called Amazons, lived in this region. It is now an important industrial and commercial centre.Unye and Fatsa, east of Samsun, are popular holiday resorts with natural scenic beauty, beaches, accommodation, campsites and restaurants.

Ordu is a charming city with hazelnut orchards stretching out for miles in all directions and 46km east is Giresun, with its castle perched on a steep rocky slope, crowning the city and overlooking the beach. This is where the Roman general Lucullus saw cherries for the first time, and liked them so much he introduced them into Europe.

Trabzon is another important commercial port on the Black Sea, and it connects with ports in other Black Sea countries. Trabzon Castle was founded on an area shaped like a table, and the architecture that developed around the castle reflects Byzantine,Commagene and Ottoman styles.

The city’s most important building is the Ayasofya Museum, the interior of which is decorated with frescoes, and the exterior with reliefs. From Boztepe Park and the Ataturk Museum there are stunning panoramic views ofthe city. Inside the Altindere National Park near Macka, the Sumela Monastery is perched on high cliffs overlooking the Altindere valley, and was founded in the 14th century by Alexius III. Inside the monastery is a church, a library, various other rooms and asacred spring.

The area around Rize is the wettest in the country with wonderful shades of green, and is the centre of Turkey’s tea production with plantations on the high terraces.

Hopa is the last Turkish port before reaching the Georgian border, and to the southis Artvin. The city was established on the terraced hills overlooking the Coruh River, which is well known for rafting, and within the province are old Georgian houses and churches.

Black Sea Region is one of the most beautiful regions in Turkey. If you want to experince the natural beauty, see every tone of green, and giant waves of Black Sea , you have to visit Black Sea Region during your next visit to Turkey.