Venice to Greece to Turkey

Middle East » Turkey » Marmara
October 18th 2008

Published: October 19th 2008

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Driscolls on Wheels

Venice

The view from the boat as we left.

Finally arrived in Turkey 5 years since we first thought of it.
Set off from Venice by ferry at the end of September-it's a great way to see the city. After a night on the boat and smooth crossing, we arrived at Igoumenitsa in northern Greece. From there we wound our way up and over the hills in heavy rain to our first stop at Ioaninna. Parked on campsite next to the lake there where it rained on and off for the next 2 days with thunderstorms for added effect. But we had the entertainment of the local rowing club each evening.
Arrived on the Greek border of Turkey at Alexandroupoli where it was also warm enough to swim in the sea.which was a short walk across the beach from the van door. At last, too, a friendly, well run, tidy Greek campsite unlike most of them with the honourable exception of the one at Meteora where we had the added bonus of nut trees:walnuts and almonds there for the taking. Just a bit of nutcracking by Chris and we now have a plentiful supply of nuts,and grapes which were hanging on a fence nearby. Apart from free food, Meteora has

Meteora

Just one of several existing monasteries.

some of the most extraordinary rocks in Greece. They rise up like pinnacles with tops of greenery and on some are built monasteries. The first one was founded in 10th century and the miracle is how they got the building materials up there? Now there are stairs for the hordes of tourists but originally the only way up ,and down, for the monks was by a net bag hauled up by rope on a winch!
Catching our breath after one week in Turkey doing a mountain of washing at a campsite near the ancient city of Pergamon. The Caravan Kamping site is behind a restaurant called "Caravan" and not only has a pleasant garden full of old artifacts including a rusting sewing machine but a modern washing machine. Hence the washing marathon as we haven't seen one since Venice. No ,it's not in the garden,it's in the washroom! Luckily the sun is out and hot so no trouble drying it. An added bonus of this wonderful campsite is free wi-fi which is why we are doing this blog.
During this week we have fitted in a trip to Gallipoli and the War Memorials on the peninsula and 3 days in

Meteora

Chris about to demonstrate the netbag descent.

Istanbul. Avoiding the need to drive in Istanbul we left the van on a campsite near Erdek on the southern shores of the Marmara Sea. With the help, in our limited German, of the friendly owner there we caught a fast ferry to the city where we stayed in the recommended hotel(daughter's boyfriend is FOH Manager!) near the Topkapi Palace. From there it was easy to do the "sights"including a pleasant trip up the Bosphoros.
We have been to the Acropolis of Pergamon today which is atop a very high hill. The theatre is vertiginous not unlike the feeling one gets in the gods at Drury Lane! Usual interesting bits of ruin but apparently most of the artifacts are in Berlin.
On to Pammakale tomorrow so will sign off now.
Love to all.

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