This week, I ventured to Istanbul, Turkey and Athens, Greece
to conduct clinics on behalf of Columbia 300. The clinics, which primarily
targeted women, were the first of this nature in both countries.
First, I travelled to Istanbul, Turkey to meet with the
Ebonite International exclusive distributor Trianka and Trianka Bowling
Academy. Since the clinics started at night, to accommodate the working
bowlers, I was able to go sightseeing during the day.
Istanbul’s rich history really makes the City one of the
most fascinating in the world. On Day 1, I was able to visit and drive along
the Bosphorus, a water channel that connects the Sea
of Marmara to the Black Sea and separates Europe from Asia. This unique and picturesque
waterway is the narrowest strait used today by many commercial ships
transporting goods across Europe and Asia. We stopped for a traditional Greek
Breakfast along the Bosphorus and the food is so amazing. I challenge everyone
to not judge a book by its cover when it comes to food because I otherwise
wouldn't have been able to experience the rich food of Turkey.
Later that evening we started Day 1 of the clinics. In
Istanbul, the clinic was comprised of a two-day event, allowing women and junior
bowlers to attend. The seminar marked the first time in Turkey that a seminar
was geared specifically towards women.
Several of the women bowlers did bring along their spouses, who were
able to attend the classroom portion of the event only. Day 1 focused on
Bowling Tips as well as covered the entire line of products in the Columbia 300
brand. After a classroom session, I then worked one-on-one on the lanes with
the bowlers, helping with their physical games.
During the day on Day 2, we were able to visit several
historical places in Istanbul. We first went to the Basilica Cistern, an
underwater reservoir that was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the 6th
century. This enormous underground palace, as it’s referred to, is definitely
one of the ancient marvels of architecture from that time period and can hold
up to 100,000 tons of water.
Next, we ventured to Hagia Sophia, which was originally
built as a Greek Orthodox church in 537 A.D. In 1453, the church was then
converted to an imperial mosque. It is very interesting to see both religions
displayed throughout the beautiful structure, for example a minbar, also known
as a pulpit, (which is where the Muslim leader of the mosque speaks from during
prayer time) is situated right in front of a beautiful mosaic of the Virgin
Mary.
Our next stop was the Blue Mosque, built in 1609, which is
one of the most famed historical spots in the City. Although we didn’t get to
go inside, since we were there during prayer time, we did get to see the
intricate structure up close. After a yummy Turkish lunch, we then made our way
to the Grand Bazaar, which was originally constructed in 1461 and is one of the
largest and oldest indoor markets. I was able to purchase a few souvenirs and
not get lost in the 3,000+ shops that encompass the venue.
Day 2 of the clinics focused on lane play. After a classroom
session, the bowlers were then able to compete on three different lane patterns
using the skills they learned in the classroom. All of the bowlers were able to
compete on all of the patterns, as I went around and helped them get lined up.
The next day I flew to Athens, Greece to meet with our new
distributor 9th Frame. After checking in to my gorgeous ocean view
hotel room, I quickly changed and then was off to conduct the first of two
clinics. In an effort to boost the level of competitive women bowlers in
Greece, the clinics in Athens were open only to women. The clinic focused on
lane play strategies and allowed the bowlers to also compete on three different
oil patterns, which is a first for clinics in Greece. The clinics also heavily
focused on explaining the Columbia 300 brand of products, since this brand is
specifically struggling in Greece.
After the clinic, we then went out to a traditional Greek
dinner, which meant we ate at 10pm and ate A LOT of yummy food. I’m pretty
convinced that Mediterranean food is the best food in the world. Several
different plates of seafood, salads and meats kept coming to the table and
everyone eats family style, which makes it nice since you are able to try a
little bit of everything. After our 2+ hour meal with over 15 people in
attendance, we then called it a night and I went back to the hotel.
The next day, I was able to go sightseeing around Athens. I
had been to Athens once before on my honeymoon, but it was only for a small
portion of the day since it was a part of a cruise ship sightseeing tour. I was
very happy that I was able to again visit the Acropolis and climbed up the hill
to again see the Parthenon and neighboring structures. This time, I was able to
explore a little more of the historical City, by also visiting La Plaka, a
section of small alleyways that have tons of shops and cafes, as well as visit
the ancient market and Athens Flea Market. We had lunch in La Plaka at a
Scholarhio, which is a family restaurant that doesn’t have a menu. The waiter
brings out several small dishes that have already been prepared and you choose
3-5 items from the tray. This also proved to be very yummy, did I mention I
think I gained a few pounds on this trip.
One of the very interesting new things I was able to do was
visit the Acropolis Museum, which wasn’t finished when I had previously been to
Athens. That museum was absolutely gorgeous and I can definitely understand why
it’s already one of the top museums in the world.
After a day full of amazing sightseeing adventures, I then
headed to the bowling center to conduct the second clinic. After another successful
clinic and a great turnout, I had another late Greek dinner before going back
to the hotel and packing for my trip home.
I had such an amazing time promoting the sport and meeting
tons of new friends along the way. I want to again thank Columbia 300, Trianka
Bowling Academy and 9th Frame for making this trip possible. I hope to make it back to this part of the
world sometime soon! J Till next time…
