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Published: September 29th 2008
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backgammon on the beach
with my beautiful set. As much as I'd loved travelling through Eastern Turkey, I was ready for a sea change, and looking forward to a few weeks of rest, relaxation and fun in the sun. But it meant having to say goodbye to Sandra and Xavi as they were heading back to Istanbul for a couple of more nights before having to return to Barcelona. No doubt my experiences would not have been as much fun if I had not met them, and I probably would have gotten myself into trouble somewhere along the line.
My longest bus trip so far took me from Antep along the Mediterranean coast to
Olympos . The 16hr trip was an overnighter along some hairpin roads, which meant that I didn't get much sleep. Not to mention that the overly friendly young, male, bus steward kept on trying to strike up a conversation with me.
I had heard good things about Olympos and everyone who has been told me I would love it and not want to leave. I can't say I feel that way about it though! It is definitely an interesting place to visit as it's an old Lycian city with ancient ruins and
sun setting in Kas
view from our hostel it is surrounded by a rocky gorge and lovely mountains. Although the beach itself was a little bit too crowded and the water was almost too warm to swim in! In addition to that, the pumping western pop music was too much and such a stark contrast to what I had been used to over the last few weeks. But I know, I shouldn't complain!
So after a 10hr solid sleep (my first I think on the whole trip) I actually felt like I could function normally, which was a welcome change. My instinct was telling me to move on and so I decided to go to
Kas , a quaint, coastal town between Olympos and Fetiye, and I was so happy I did. Kas is one of those places you instantly fall in love with, walking through its cobblestoned laneways and wandering through the cute shops selling the usual trinkets but also antique and unique items that I haven't seen elsewhere in Turkey. I met a fellow Melbournian - Johnny, who had been in Kas for a few days already so it was great to be with someone who had already scoped out where to swim, and
almonds on ice?
never eaten iced almonds before! of course all the great pide and kebap places!
We swam, sunbaked and drank cherry juice - something I have fallen in love with in Turkey. The canned juices here are made from Coca-Cola and they are so tasty and refreshing, particularly the cherry. I've realised I've become addicted to them and have one at least everyday. I'm not sure what I will do when I leave! The mediterranean water is so salty and the water wasn't very calm so I ended up drinking a bit of that too!
Backgammon seems to be quite a popular game in all the Muslim countries I've been to, and I decided not only that I wanted to play, but I also wanted to acquire my very own antique backgammon set! Johnny was keen to learn how to play so I dragged him on a hunt with me to find one. After much indecision on whether to buy a cheap, plastic lacquered set or an antique, hand carved wooden one with mother of pearl details, I convinced myself that only the latter would do. So I ended up splurging and bought one of the beautiful handmade ones, and proceeded to justify to
view of Kastellorizo (a Greek Island)
we contemplated floating over on a lilo for the day myself and anyone who would listen that it was an investment, and I will treasure it like a rare piece of furniture. haha.
We spent the night attempting to look like seasoned veterans of the backgammon board, but I secretly had to check that I had lined up all the pieces correctly to begin the game. Johnny became hooked after one game, just as I had, so we had to force ourselves to stop before falling asleep on the board! We have already agreed that we're going to start a backgammon club when we get back to Melbourne, so I'll be looking for recruits if anyone is interested!
I could have easily stayed in Kas for another night, particularly as our hostel was so comfortable. We had an 8 bed dorm all to ourselves with views of the sea (even from my bed) and the town from our lovely terrace. But I was tempted to go on a shopping spree and needed to stop myself, regardless of the fact that my funds have dwindled way too quickly here, so the only way I knew how was to leave the town, and head to a farm in a village,
far away from temptation!
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