Hello! I’m Marie Goff – a travel blogger, photographer, writer, and speaker.
I’m on the go with my husband, Eddie. We are passionate about traveling, meeting new people, and seeing new sights. It’s a life-long endeavor, and sometimes, it’s a bit overwhelming. But the challenges are worth it!
The support of my friends and family keeps me going, too. The help of other writers, photographers, bloggers, travelers, and speakers is crucial. Even museum curators, librarians, and other knowledge professionals have become lifelong mentors. Travel guides and companions are a must. Without them, we could not even get to some places we go.
I’ve traveled with photography guides to countries such as Jordan and Bali. We sometimes hire guides in the U.S., too. Eddie and I hired photography guides to see places like the slot canyons and Dead Horse Point State Park in Utah. Closer to home, we’ve traveled with guides to photograph the Carolinas and Florida.
I’m incredibly grateful for the talented people at T2H Advertising, Kristin, Jeff, and Katie. They welcome my ideas and share theirs in a warm and professional environment. I couldn’t do it without them!
Once I started writing, photography followed. I bought a Sony a7III and started learning the ins and outs. Read about my first photography trip and the equipment I rented in Learning Photography with the Professionals – Expedition to Jordan.
Writing and photography inspire new and exciting ways of seeing the world.
My stories highlight beautiful landscapes, cultural richness, and rare encounters with wildlife, all with awe-inspiring images.
Part of the magic of the journey comes from the people you travel with and the people you meet along the way.
My husband, Eddie, is my best travel companion! He does research and planning for trips and lots of driving. He spots wildlife, analyzes new equipment, proofreads my stories, and takes pictures too.
How it Started.
Critical thinking, desire to learn, and adapting to change are the most vital takeaways from my liberal arts college days. I attended Lander University in Greenwood, S.C. It was there that I got my first taste of travel abroad. With a small group of students and a history professor, I traveled to Dijon, France, for summer courses. Along the way, we visited England, Germany, and Switzerland. The trip fueled my passion for travel!
I’ve experienced many jobs: textile worker, waiter, short order cook, police officer, deputy sheriff, teacher. Then, I enlisted in the military and stayed for almost 38 years!
All of the information on this site is my own, except where I’ve highlighted others.
I’m blessed to travel, see the world, and share experiences. I hope they inspire your next journey!
Thanks for joining me at Travel Notes and Storytelling!
Marie Goff, travel blogger, photographer, writer, speaker
Learn more at Marie Goff.
Travel Note:
February 19, 2024Travel Notes
The sign above the street in Gülhane Park anticipates the celebration to come. It is translated into English to read "Happy 6 October Liberation of Istanbul from enemy occupation, 99 years." In 2023, Turkey celebrated the 100th anniversary. In 1923, it became the independent Republic of Turkey.
Eddie and I felt welcome and secure in Istanbul. I fondly recall brilliant Turkish tiles, sesame-coated bagels, schoolchildren, baklava with pistachios, and the call to prayer echoing throughout the city.
We enjoyed seeing Istanbul with our guide, Sami. He has a wealth of knowledge and a sense of humor, as with his telling of the origins of Byzantium.
Origins of Byzantium
According to Tradition.
In the 7th century B.C., the Greeks expanded their colonies. Nisos, the King of Megara, on the advice of the oracle of Delphi, sent his son Byzsas to "locate land opposite the city of the blind." Nisos reached the point where the Sea of Marmara meets the Bosphorus, which marks the borders of Europe and Asia. The Asian side was already populated, and he realized the significance of the prophecy.
According to our amiable and witty guide.
"Byzsas saw the green foliage on the European side, looked at the other side, and said, those people must be blind!" - Sami.
The green side became Byzantium. In 330 C.E., Emperor Constantine split the Roman Empire, and Byzantium became Constantinople.
Books
Birds Without Wings by Louis de Bernières
This picture shows just a part of the spectacularly beautiful Grand Bazaar. The hustle and bustle inside the market rivals Istanbul's vibrant streets outside. Servers scurry along with tea service on a hand-held hanger with the tiny iconic Turkish glasses filled with hot tea.
Other stories surrounding the Aegean Sea.
You'll Fall in Love with these Aegean Sea Islands
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