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Published: September 13th 2008
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Turkey
The one thing we can say for sure about Turkey is 6 days is not enough! The people, sites, beauty and rich history of this country will absorb you for as long as you can stay.
Turkey is one of those places that never ceases to surprise you, whether it be the scenery, the hospitality or the culture. Turkey, and Istanbul in particular, is an amazing mix of western and middle eastern culture. In many ways Istanbul felt like a European city, but at the same time reminds you that it is not entirely European, exemplified through its interesting and diverse sights, smells, tastes and sounds. Never before have we experienced such genuine hospitality like that shown by the Turks, whether it be general friendliness and interest, or in one case, someone bringing out two glases of fruit juice for us while we were munching our backpacker breakfast (fresh bread from the bakery) on a park bench near their house.
Also, to confirm Di and Rob's comments, we found Turkey's bus system to be brilliant! In the main cities there are regular buses going just about anywhere, with reasonable prices, and excellent onboard service, such as
complimentary snacks and drinks.
Istanbul
After our final easyJet flight of the year, we arrived in Istanbul. We stayed at a backpackers in the historical area of Sultanamet, and spent a couple of days checking out the sites and tastes of Istanbul. We visited the Topkapi Palace, which was absolutely awes! We were expecting to see some interesting buildings, which we did, but were completely surprised to see some of the most interesting stuff we've ever seen, including King David's sword, Prophet Abraham's dinner bowl, and some very sacred Islamic artefacts - many of which were several thousand years old. Jane was particularly impressed with the jewellery, featuring an 86 carat diamond - the 5th largest diamond in the world - that someone found at the rubbish dump and exchanged for three spoons several hundred years ago! We also enjoyed the stunning views of the Bosphorus from the Palace's walls.
The Blue Mosque was a pretty amazing place to visit too. It is a fascinating contrast from having seen so many catherdrals in Europe. We both sensed a real community feel inside, and it was cool to see it totally being used when we visited.
Jane in Istanbul
Does anyone find this roof-top seating area familiar?? On our last day in Istanbul we splashed out and had a Turkish bath each, it was bliss! We went for the complete package, including the bath, sauna, a massage and full exfoliation treatment. It was slightly odd bathing in a communal (single sex) room; Jane can honestly say she has never seen so many naked women EVER! And Sam saw some things he would rather forget... But it was all a part of the experience! The massage was slightly bone crunching but very benefical, and left both of us feeling great!
We spent the rest of our time cruising Istanbul, checking out the Grand Bazzar and Istanbul's local restaurants and eateries. Mmmm, kebaps...
Gallipoli
After Istanbul we jumped on a bus and headed south to the Gallipoli Peninsular. We bused down to Eceabat, then caught a local bus over to Kabatepe on the western side of the peninsular. Kabatepe - supposedly the intended destination of the ANZAC's landing on 25 April 1915, instead of ANZAC cove - is a small village that consists of a nice beach, camping ground, ferry terminal and two shops. The camping ground was a great place to stay
Jane and Sam
Jane and Sam at the Topkapi Palace with the Bosphorus in the background and was right on the beach. From Kabatepe we embarked on a walking tour of Gallipoli. The place was pretty much deserted and definitely had a very eerie feel about it. Walking around the battle fields and cemetries full of men (many of whom were younger than us) was a very sombre experience, and is hard to describe... But it's fair to say that the preservation of the area and the numerous memorials convey a moving impression of the reality of Gallipoli and the experiences of both the Allies and the Turks.
Ephesus
Following our couple of days at the Gallipoli Peninsular, we headed south to Selcuk (pronounced Sell - Chook!) and to another scenic camping ground. This one was located behind an ancient fortress and had a swimming pool :o) The next morning we walked to Ephesus, supposedly one of the best preserved Roman cities. Over the past few months we have seen lots of old ruins and buildings, but we reckon that Ephesus takes the cake. A cool thing about Ephesus is that no one has lived there for hundreds of years, so it allows one to kind of get an impression of life
Gallipoli
Sam at north beach - near ANZAC cove in Roman times. Also, there are hardly any barriers up, so people can clamber around on the ruins - fun :o) It also provides some impressive examples of ancient architecture, particularily the theatre, which can hold 25,000 people and has very good acoustics... which we got to witness thanks to some very musical Italian tourists...
Following Ephesus we cruised down to the Aegean resort town of Kusadasi, and to another camping ground (also with a pool!), where we enjoyed a bit more sun and relaxation before catching the ferry to Samos Island (Greece) the next morning. To be honest, Kusadasi was a bit too touristy for us - but we did discover an amazing fruit and vege market with several hundred stalls selling a phenomenal array of produce. Very tasty.
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But what about the recommended ice-block?
We still salivate over our bargain daily treat. Brilliant reading about your Turkey/Greece adventure. Keep it up fellow travellers! xxxx