Saint Bonifatius von Tarsus

Not sure if Boniface is fit for Blip. Tales of debauchery and slavery and best left undocumented. Over the years he has slipped out of favour and is now no longer listed in the official cathoic feast days, however he continues to be an Ice Saint here in Germany.

Tarsus is in Turkey. Boniface was a Roman but was martyred while on a "mission" to Turkey. Sadly links todays Blip with the current tragic mine disaster.

I have only been to Turkey for half a day, at the end of the 80's along with my two children. Whizz tour to Ephesus a quite spectacular ancient Greek city. Managed a few hours at a beach resort but it was pretty barren and unattractive. Whenever I think of Turkish holidays always recall being fascinated that a colleague, Phil (mentioned yesterday too) took a package holiday to the area around this time when it was quite a novelty and really didn't seem to fit his character.

I see to remember that Izmir port was filthy, but a walk around a bazaar there was what one would expect with loads of sights, sounds and smells and of course calls from tradesmen with "special deals".

A fascinating country I am sure, with an enormous wealth of history but torn somehow between two worlds. I hope it finds a solution.

Weather again cold but frost free ... just. In the evening we had quite a spectacular red sunset but they say it will not be getting better for a day or two. The Ice Saints continue to do their best.