Lake Baikal, Siberia

Today was a day I indulged my wanderlust. One must be careful when one delves into YouTube videos. I write novels Monday through Friday, prepare and publish a blog post on Saturday, and rest on the 7th day. The usual blog is related to my research on the current book, but not always. Today I wanted a holiday from Western Asia. A good holiday usually involves going somewhere outside my current obsession.

I started my journey by going ashore in Kuşadası, (Anatolia) Turkey and up the road to the ruins of Ephesus. I’ve been there twice (1973 with Nancy and 1988 with her and our four kids, both times on grand tours.) and am obsessed by the beauty of the ruins. This 4K Ultra HD video of Ephesus is accompanied by music but not words, but if you have read the preceding Wiki link on the city, you’ll recognize much of what you’re looking at and enjoy all you’re seeing. These 4K Ultra HD videos are a rare treat on the web, and are eye candy to me.

Next I zipped across Anatolia and the length of Mesopotamia to the Shat al Arab and the Iranian city of Al-Qurnah where I caught this train through Iran’s Zagros Mountains to the Caspian Sea. This part of Iran plays a big part in my latest novel.

Next, I cross the border from Iran into Kazakhstan in video 1 and video 2. That 2nd video is the closest I came to good fishing this year. The results of the Botai excavation in Kazakhstan also plays a crucial part in the novel I’m working on.

Kyrgyzstan is tucked under and microscopic next to Kazakhstan,  but has this interesting video.

Last, I took this luxurious private train from Moscow over the Eurasian Steppe via the  Trans Siberia Railway to Beijing. This last trip was incredibly relaxing after a strenuous week and refreshed me.

Glad you could come with me. Hope you enjoyed the trip.

Thanks for visiting,

R. E. J. Burke