Well, to be exact, I just traveled almost around the world in 30 days, but that’s neither here nor there.  “Here” was in Austin, Texas, back in August, and “there” was over 16,000 miles of prime European territory.  (Most of it by boat!)  Those nasty rumors of my incarceration in a Turkish prison were greatly exaggerated, and as you can see, I am back in the proverbial saddle.  Back in the good old U.S.A.  I loved each and every minute of my recent adventure, but as they say, there is no place like home.

However, if you are among those who believe that home is where you lay your hat or head, then you might be interested to know that my recent “homes” were in Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Greece, and Turkey.  My summer vacation and world wide book tour managed to squeeze in stops in Venice, Piran (Slovenia), Dubrovnik (Croatia), Cofu, Katakolon, Taormina, Sorrento, Gaeta, Civitavecchia, Rome, Athens, and the Greek islands of Nafplio, Mykonos, Patmos, Santorini, and Monemvasia.  (With a memorable day in Kusadasi, Turkey, in order to visit my old cell mates from the movie Midnight Express!)

I really enjoyed Europe, but there were so many foreigners there.  Gosh, they were everywhere.  (and many of them speak their own language!)  Nevertheless, I managed to endear myself to many of the locals and police officials.  (Spending money always helps.)  Italy and Greece are among my favorite places on earth, but as I said before, I loved every port of call.  I will describe my itinerary in detail (and provide some photographic evidence) in future blogs, but first I must recover from a serious bout of jet lag.  (and start my new diet!)

In the meantime, let me re-state (for the record) that the very best part of travel is always the same… meeting new people and making new friends from around the globe.  This trip was no exception.  Far from it.  Please indulge me while I say a special hello to some of my former shipmates…  Helga and John from Naples, Roy and Carol from Thailand, Vladimir and Natasa from Serbia, Paul and Connie from New Jersey, and Mick and Marlene from California.  We loved meeting each and every one of you folks, and we will always cherish the fond memories we shared together.  (Your autographed books are on the way!)

Speaking of books (for a moment), my recent outing, as you might imagine, resulted in some new blog followers.  Actually, a LOT of new blog followers.  I am happy to report that we now have over 100,000 Sunday subscribers!  In addition, our little blog was recently chosen as one of the “Top 500 Entertainment Blogs” in the nation!  (Pretty good considering my bad jokes!)  Needless to say, I am very grateful for your continued support!

Well, I think it might be a good idea to start unpacking.  (I got back late last night!)  I hope I find some Euros and my missing black sock.  By the way, if you’ll scroll down, you’ll see a photo or two from my first stop, which was Venice, Italy.  The photo was taken in St. Mark’s Square.  I loved Venice, but driving was very difficult.  The residents call themselves Venetians, so I told them I was from Mars. (Oddly enough, they didn’t question that.)  You will also see a photo of a cute little monkey who looks happy to have Grandpa back in town.  (My darling Fiona)

I hope you have a pleasant week.  You have my blessing to toast my return with some good wine.  (Although, in my view, a croissant would be better than toast.)  Love to all,

Doc Yanoff