Jun 16, 2019 - Bodrum to Antalya

After a fabulous week or so of trying to fill a friend of mine’s shoes, we were holed up in Bodrum on the South West coast of Turkey. It is always a delight for the senses to be in a Marina that has the haphazard layout found in most of the small European marinas. Where the boats on the pontoons are just an extension of the hard stands, technician cubicles and offices, work vans and the frenzied sailors prepping their pride and joys for the race to come. No fences or safety barriers to stop you falling off the road/path (or stop fishing...

Jun 3, 2019 - A tour and more

Up at 7:00 and our guide – Hatice – was there early. We went and had a quick breakfast and off on the tour! We started off by going through the hippodrome and were told about the chariot races that were held in the Eastern Roman Empire. Then to the Blue Mosque and Kitty put on a scarf and in we went. It was under extensive renovation, but still a massive building. Hatice took some pictures of us in the masque as well. Then outside and to the Basilica Cistern. With a guide we could “skip the line” so we went right it. It too was under...

Jun 2, 2019 - Istanbul from early morning to late at night

We arrived at the airport about 5:00 AM and went through passport and customs with no issues. Said goodbye to James then we met our transport at the gate. Packed bags and off to the hotel Sultanhill. We got there and they did have a room for us, so we dropped off all our stuff and had breakfast at the hotel – which was quite simple but good. We could see one of the minarets of the Blue Masque under construction from the room, and the Bosporus. Then we took a walk through the hippodrome and there were many tents set up to celebrate the end...

Aug 3, 2018 - Istanbul

We had a leisurely drive to the airport in Istanbul where we returned our rental car and connected with our flight to the next leg of our Asia Minor travels. Unlike the difficulty we experienced when picking up the rental car the return went as smooth as silk and we were soon inside the terminal doing what all travellers enjoy the most, waiting for a flight.

Aug 2, 2018 - Bursa

We took the longer way to our next stop-over in Bursa so that we could visit Canakkale and then travel along the Dardanelles opposite Gallipoli. The road was brilliant and the traffic minor for most of the way. Canakkale was quite a pretty town especially around the waterfront which had wide open pedestrian plazas and wall-to-wall eateries and coffee shops. The wooden horse used in the film 'Troy' sat proudly in the main plaza and its size and detail was incredible. We were impressed. The road remained brilliant for the onward run which...

Jul 31, 2018 - Kusdasi

We enjoyed more good roads to our next stop-over at Kusadasi on the Aegean Coast with Gilli doing much of the driving. Two coffee stops along the way amazingly ended with much clothes shop browsing and two very happy buyers. With great prices how could we resist ? Our beachside hotel wasn't brilliant but it was comfy and convenient for a dip in the Agean. Apart from the seaweed it was nice to get into ocean water again. Kusadasi is very popular with tourists especially those from Europe who flock there for the sun, sand and sea. Its a major...

Jul 29, 2018 - Fethiye

Temperatures as low as 21C made a good drive to Fethiye even better but nearer the Mediterranean it warmed to 33C. Fortunately our hotel had a nice pool which we were into without much delay. The marina area was very tourist oriented and had many really gorgeous twin masted yachts just waiting to take full advantage of the crowds moving around. The main reason for us being in that area was to explore the politically deserted town of Kayakoy. The original Greek inhabitants were deported in the early 1920's in the aftermath of the...

Jul 27, 2018 - Pamukkale

Gilli took the controls for the drive to Pamukkale and got us there in next to no time. Again the roads were great and temperatures became more reasonable. The gorgeous travertine thermal springs we remembered from ten years ago were unfortunately not quite so gorgeous this time around. Not only was there little or no water but what there was had lost its beautiful turquoise colour. Such a shame. While in the area we explored another Roman archeological site this time Hierapolis and it was another big one. We did some serious walking...

Jul 25, 2018 - Antalya

Although only a few hours to Antalya for our next stopover the drive was full of incredible sites. Thankfully the ruins of ancient Perge was the main one but the scary antics of many drivers along the way will remain in our memories for a long time to come. They were crazy. With temperatures of 41C we had reservations of visiting the Perge Archeological site but fortunately our decision to do so was extremely well rewarded. That place was definitely the best ancient site we have explored to date. Covering a huge area it contains the remains...

Jul 22, 2018 - Alanya

Sadly that happiness diminished upon our arrival at our Alanya hotel in 40C heat. It was so disappointing to find our room air-conditioning not working but after reassurances from the manager that when we return from dinner all would be good. The popular Turkish saying “no problem” was alive and well but not the a/c. A room change was decided so we re-packed and moved only to find room two had the same problem. The 'technician' fiddled, scratched his head and pondered while we sweated some more. We were moved once again although that time...

Jul 21, 2018 - Mersin

We now made our way to the southern Mediterranean coast and enjoyed a 4.5 hour run through Aksaray on brilliant roads. A toll road section was excellent but very expensive when compared to those in Greece or Italy. Our arrival into Mersin was welcomed by heat, traffic and dust. Both the heat and dust were bad enough but drivers were shocking. We were glad to reach our very comfy hotel for our short break. Hotel staff were once again great but had little understanding of English so our iPhone translating app was put to heavy use. At dinner...

Jul 19, 2018 - Cappadocia

The drive north into Cappadocia saw the temperatures plummet from 41C to 25C in some areas which made the going much easier. Although not the coolest of locations a stop in Kayseri for lunch was perfect. This was a pretty town through which a light-rail system ran along a grassed alley lined with green hedging. It looked absolutely fantastic and very safe for traffic and travellers. Our hotel was in Avanos and once again was in an old stone building this time positioned close to the river that flowed through the town. We put in some time on...