Blogs from Selçuk, Aegean, Turkey, Middle East - page 4

Day 13: Today we were off to see the ruins that lie in Priene, Miletus, and Didyma. Before you read the little bit of history I can offer I would like to inform you that it was so ridiculously hot that I wasn't really listening to the little guide but was instead more focused on finding what little shade there was. If I miss some information and you would like to know a little more once again you can do a little research on your own. Priene was our first stop. Strategically, this was one of the most fortified sites used to fend of the Persians around 350 BC. The entire town was designed to face the south so it received more sun in the winter time and less sun during the summer months. To the ... read more

Yesterday we were shown round properties, mostly from the outside and were pleasantly surprised by the view from party roof house. Not an uninterrupted picture postcard, no sea view (it is 7Km away) but you can see the castle, the street, some mountains and plenty of sky. It is a varied view. Couldn't get inside though as owner in Bodrum. In the afternoon we went to Kirazli where we were made very welcome and given good advice from people who live there and write blogs. On the way back I got a haircut and Ashley got a shave. I badly needed a haircut and I am happy with the result. We ate in again and took a few beers in Deniz bar which is where we usually go when we are here. Today I went and ... read more

A short 5 hour drive up the coast to Selcuk and Atillas - our home for the next two nights. It was warm enough for tents so back to camping. Atillas is a great place run by Aussie-Turks and includes cocktails, good barbaques, and pool table. We're ten mins from Ephesus where we went for a wander today to see lots more ruins. In Selcuk town there's St Johns basicalla where John of John's gospel is buried. Also near by are the remains of two of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World - the Temple of Artemis in Selcuk, and the Mausoleum of Mausolus in Bodrum (originally Halicarnassus), both of which we didn't see :(... read more

Today we travelled from Istanbul to Selçuk. We were origınally going to go by ferry and then train but having walked to the ferry termial yesterday to sort out tickets, we were advised that bus is a better option. Amazingly, we managed to book tickets and get ourselves to the right place and on the right bus!! I am impressed with the buses. They had TV screens, pıllows and came round with snacks and drinks throughout. Someone from our hotel met us at Izmır bus station to take us to Selçuk. Unfortunaely, Izmır bus station is huge! Findıng the guy was a task! Thankfully we had his mobile so we could phone him but it was still a challenge so İ had to hand my phone to someone who could speak Turkısh and explain where exactly ... read more

Wednesday - today was a scary day. We got our tax numbers (this was very, very easy) and opened a bank account. That was scary. We didn't put a lot of money in it - that can be done later and in a less scary way from the UK. We are trying to arrange for stuff to be sent to us there which does seem possible though not entirely uncomplicated. We had cay then wandered around a couple of areas. The cay was good, and in a nice garden with water and ducks. The owners seem to have adopted a crow which is no longer bothered by people. The funniest bit was when it ran up behind a lady and pecked the back of her ankle. There is a great deal of building work going on ... read more