I just returned home from Istanbul, Turkiye where I had the chance to spend time with some of my favorite people at the #SATWIstanbul conference.
Coming away from it with a silver in the Lowell Thomas Best Travel Blog category was something I did not expect, but I’m over the moon with pride.

Fabulous closing ceremony for our Society of American Travel Writers convention in the incredible city of Istanbul, Turkiye. Our hosts were gracious, helpful and enthusiastic, and our facilities wonderful. Great meetings & tours, too. Thank you! @satw @GoTurkiye #SATWIstanbul

Excellent meal last night at Okra in Istanbul for our Society of American Travel Writers dine-around. Couldn't get good food shots, but the rooftop patio (it's at the Marmara Taksim hotel) offers amazing city views. #SATWIstanbul #GoTurkiye #GoIstanbul #travel #Istanbul #Turkiye

The Society of American Travel Writers will hold our 2025 convention in Detroit, Michigan. I was there this summer for a great visit. So many new experiences,
incredible art and architecture, fab food and a vibrant downtown. #Detroit #Michigan #SATWIstanbul

Thanks to the Conrad Istanbul hotel for the nice goodies. This is a beautiful spot in a quiet, green area of the city. Nice view of the Bosporus, too! @ConradHotels @goturkiye #SATWIstanbul #Turkiye #Istanbul

Roller bag

The most beautiful thing I’ve seen so far on this trip of Türkiye: my missing luggage. After 4 days of living out of my carry-on backpack, I am reunited with my conference clothes. #satwistanbul

A lovely day checking out some of the sights of Istanbul, including the Galata Tower. Hagia Sophia and the Roman Cisterns. Fab Turkish dinner and tour of the beautiful Galataport waterfront development. #SATWIstanbul #Turkiye #Istanbul

A brief venture outside the fabulous Peninsula Hotel Istanbul revealed colourful streets, lively cafes, a nice view of the Galata Tower and cats. Lots and lots of cats! #Istanbul #SATWIstanbul #GoTurkiye #GoIstanbul #Turkiye #cats #travel