Because nothing is as impressive the second time.

In this instance – not true.

I have returned to one of my favorite hotels in the world. I was here in 2012 – as an extension from an East African safari … a logical stopover based on my flight routing. It grabbed me then. And it’s grabbed me again. There’s a soul to this place – not spooky … but a rich depth of artistry, detail and dedication to preservation. It’s obvious that the owner is in love with the region. Argos in Cappadocia began as a relatively modest plan to rescue a few historical sites that had been used as the local garbage dump. Nearly two decades later, it’s a wonderfully unusual hotel, billed as “an ancient village with a reception desk.”

I wrote about Cappadocia before – listing it first in my Top Ten Travel Treasures blog post in April 2013.

I’ll write more when time permits. As for now, it’s 4am here. My group arrives later this morning. I’m listening the the Call to Prayer from the nearby mosque. Soothing.

Will leave you with some pictures.

Scene from Argos in Cappadocia – my favorite hotel in all the world!

Taken from inside one of the caves.

Argos: “An ancient village with a reception desk.”

(NOTE: Because I’m traveling, this week’s blog is a little different. A little bit of this, and a little bit of that.  Enjoy!)

Whatever happened to . . .?

It freaks me out a bit when I run across people who ask me for updates on some rather personal things about my life. I wonder, “How on earth did they know that about me?”

And then I remember. I write this blog. And I share all kinds of details about my life.

So, if you are one of my rabid fans, here’s an update about some things that are probably keeping you up at night!

So whatever happened with the Dollar Rental car fiasco that I wrote about on May 1? [It’s a long story, but I had a most unpleasant service issue in the middle of the night at the LAX rental facility.] Outcome: I got a $50 credit with Dollar and the manager said she’d look into the situation. I would feel better if the manager had included a small note of apology. Why is it so hard for some people in management to acknowledge a customer’s negative experience?

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What about my battered red suitcase that I wrote about in February? Is she still traveling with me?

Well … I broke down and bought a new set of luggage to take with me on this trip to Istanbul and Greece. I’m trying the hard-sided, spinner luggage (Samsonite) which I bought at a discount (love Ross Dress for Less!). I’ve brought a LOT of stuff on this trip (“wow” surprises require it) and they have not busted open as yet.

I’m not convinced I like them: I have to dedicate twice as much floor space when it’s open. (No chance of it sitting atop one of those luggage racks.) Flipping the top to close it can be a heavy proposition – compared to the canvas flap. So, we’ll see.

I noticed something about me: I was uncomfortable with virgin luggage – the mark of a rookie traveler! I’m relieved they’re already scuffed and battered. And I’m glad I didn’t invest a lot.

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And my little TT? (The reason I was renting a car at LAX?)

I’m afraid she’s kaput. Something about her anti-lock braking system which would cost nearly $3,000 to fix – and I’m thinking it’s not worth the investment. To my husband’s chagrin, I still have the car and would like to find a collector who would appreciate having her as a restoration project. She’s an original – from the first model year in 2000 – and I even have the beautiful full-color book from the dealer.

Haven’t got a new car yet because I’ve been traveling so much, and a friend had a second (automatic transmission) car which he’s loaned me for the last few weeks I’ve been in town – which has been handy because of my broken wrist (which connects to the Dollar rental car story – above).

When I come back in two weeks, I should have a spiffy new Genesis Coupe (manual transmission, of course!)

Question: Why don’t car manufacturers offer more color choices than boring white, black, red, silver or smoke? I’d have paid extra to choose my own color!

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And my arm? Am I healed?

They took another set of x-rays just before I left on this trip and declared me healed. They sawed off my pretty blue cast and told me I’d experience some pain and be stiff for awhile. They didn’t tell me it would hurt like hell! (It really hurts!)

Arm wrestling with my publisher, Adam Witty … who’s trying to convince me to finish my book – and now I have another excuse!

Comments?  What’s your favorite hotel in all the world?