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Chris Barley

@christopherbarley

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Traveler, linguist, teacher, proud Lancaster, PA-native, current NYC dweller.

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MY PODCAST DEBUT! 🎙️ I recently appeared on The Amateur Traveler podcast with @chris2x to talk about what makes my hometown of Lancaster, PA, so special. Although I have lived in New York City for the last 22 years, Lancaster holds a special place in my heart.

I never fully appreciated my hometown for what it had to offer. As a child, I was obsessed with maps, atlases, and travel magazines, and I always dreamed of leaving the farm where I grew up so I could explore the world. I have been fortunate to see a lot of fabulous places, but as time passes by, Lancaster always calls me back.

Whether it’s sitting on my mom’s porch and watching the sunset over the rolling hills, walking along the numerous rail trails on the Susquehanna River, or meandering through Lancaster County Central Market, I am constantly in awe of the beauty, diversity, and charm of Lancaster County. 
Listen to my take on what makes Lancaster so magical, share it with a friend, or simply armchair travel through Amish Country with @chris2x and me. Better yet, plan a trip to experience Lancaster County for yourself. You will be all the better for it!
@visitlancasterpa

Link in bio. by @christopherbarley

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15 days ago

Today marks the birthday of the most iconic figure in my life, my mother. There is no one I admire more in this world than you @pattyebarley. Your life is an inspiration to me, and I in turn aspire to be more like you.  
All that you have witnessed, experienced, and felt these past 80 years have only made you stronger, wiser, more loving. Your vitality, joie de vivre, and lust for life grow with each passing day. You fit in everywhere you go, and you connect with everyone you meet. You bring light, love, and laughter to the world while always holding space for depth, authenticity, and truth.

When asked to describe you to others, there are a few important facts. You’ve lived on a farm your entire life; you’re the daughter of a farmer, the wife of a farmer, the mother of a farmer. You too worked on the farm—tending to baby calves at all hours of the day, making parts runs, preparing lunches for employees, doing anything and everything that was asked of you. You birthed four children and are the matriarch of matriarchs. Your sense of fashion and style is impeccable. You are a connector, a Capricorn, a Catholic, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a yogi, a makeup-loving fashionista, a caretaker, a confidant, a role model. You are resilient, spiritual, curious, honest, and compassionate. The multitudes you contain light up this world.

I’ve only known you for a little more than half of your 80 years, but you’ve made my entire life rich…rich with your love, your support, your attention, your care. I am so grateful for our morning talks on my way to school, the epic trips we’ve taken together in February, your visits to NYC, and the times I’ve spent in Lancaster. There is no greater gift than to call you my mother. I love you @pattyebarley! Happy birthday to you! ` by @christopherbarley

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3 years ago

One week ago today, I left Turkey after spending a little more than a month there. My first time in Istanbul was the summer of 2001 when I was just 20 years old. Little did I know then how much one country would enchant me, embrace me, and make me feel whole. While it’s true that Turkey is a spectacular place, the friends I made there, the deep connections that I forged, and the cherished few who have become family to me are my greatest gifts. Thank you @ekoshy for opening your world to me in all its beauty and splendor. Thank you for filling the past month with so many of the pleasures of life—sumptuous feasts, swims in azure seas, discovering hidden gems, and of course, watching Turkish morning television programs. I’m eternally grateful for your gift of friendship and for inviting me to Istanbul that very first time. 🤍🤍❤️❤️ taken in Amos by @christopherbarley

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4 years ago

“I can sail without wind, I can row without oars, but I cannot part from my friends without tears.” Thank you @ekoshy @mj_powers @damakcatlatan for the most magical time this past August. No other place has my heart quick like Turkey. 🇹🇷♥️ taken in Türkiye by @christopherbarley

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5 years ago

by @christopherbarley

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6 years ago

Sunset over the Susquehanna #nofilter taken in Turkey Hill Trail by @christopherbarley

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7 years ago

My first time in Turkey was 2001. Little did I know that Ülker teyze would become like a second mother to me—warm, witty, at times a little intimidating, but so deeply loving and nurturing. With Ülker, I learned so much about myself. She fully embraced every part of me, even before I could fully embrace all parts of myself.
Ülker taught me how to be a bon vivant and knew how to live the good life better than anyone I’ve ever met. Everything for Ülker was A-class because she herself was a class act. Even when chiding me for being a “cimri” (stingy) American, she always did it with a twinkle in her eye and a touch of naughtiness in her voice.
Because of Ülker, I found a home and a second family in Turkey, a place that I love with my whole heart.
Thank you, Ülker, for all the Turkish breakfasts, all the Bosnian delicacies, all the chats in the garden, all the time spent in Istanbul and Amos, and all of the joy you brought to me since I first met you, @ekoshy and @damakcatlatan on the steps of New South in 1999. I will miss you dearly, but your light will always shine bright in my life! taken in Istanbul, Turkey by @christopherbarley

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7 years ago

🇬🇷 taken in Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa by @christopherbarley

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7 years ago

Living la dolce vita 🇮🇹 taken in Positano by @christopherbarley

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8 years ago

“And all at once, summer collapsed into fall” Oscar Wilde 🍂 taken in Washington Boro, Pennsylvania by @christopherbarley

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8 years ago

Fall sunsets are the best #nofilter taken in New York, New York by @christopherbarley

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8 years ago

A little swim, then dinner 🇹🇷⚓️ taken in Selimiye, Muğla, Turkey by @christopherbarley

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8 years ago