Micah

One day we travelled from Istanbul to Ephesus, an ancient Roman city. One highlight is Library of Celsius, pictured above. So much detail, beautifully preserved! There is also a huge amphitheater, still used today for concerts. But the clear highlight was the archeological dig that was uncovering the Terrace Houses. Here wall paintings and mosaics were exceptionally well preserved, enabling us to imagine how rich Romans lived. The wide boulevards and huge agora emphasized how important and wealthy this city was. ...

Following our amazing trip to Africa, Micah, Jacob and I spent a week in Istanbul, and thus also visited Europe and Asia. City Views We loved how Istanbul is situated on the water with spectacular views around every bend. All the major mosques are situated atop hills. From the hills, you can always see the sparkling Bosphorus. After a night ferry ride, we looked out on restaurants and mosques. ...

Micah, Jacob and I travelled through Mozambique with the leading behavior change organization in conservation of oceans and fisheries, Rare.org. We visited sites where Rare is saving reef and ocean ecosystems, met with local leaders, and enjoyed this beautiful and friendly country. Below, I’ll share some photos, explain more about why Rare’s work is so impressive, and also connect to our own work in educational research. I’m going to focus on our visit to Ilha De Mozambique, the most significant part of the journey. ...

While visiting Istanbul, Micah, Jacob and I enjoyed the 32nd Annual Istanbul Jazz Festival, attending three concerts. 1. Bulut Gülen Quartet, Nardis Jazz Club We were staying in an apartment next to Galata Tower, and just around the corner was the premier jazz club in Istanbul. Nardis is a compact club with an exposed brick wall and everything else painted black. We found it very welcoming. ...

At the Bach Dynamite and Dancing Society, founder Pete Douglas is remembered each week by putting his pipes and cap on the windowsill for the duration of the jazz concert. Pete had an intense love for jazz, strong and pure, and I’m sure he’d be pleased that his club keeps on swinging under the leadership of his daughter, Barbara. Micah, Victoria and I came out to hear Isaiah Collier with his trio. Isaiah is a devotee of John Coltrane, and plays his sax ferociously, filling the hall with a relentless intensity. The music was loud, wild, fast, and expressive—exploring all a saxophone can do. He started with some standards including Bye Bye Blackbird and Naima. And then later moved into his originals. I particularly liked a moving piece written in memory of Ahmaud Arbery. ...