Blogs from Black Sea, Turkey, Middle East - page 4

It’s for days like today, that I do what I do. My only goal was to walk to the İncekaya Aqueduct, an old Byzantine structure that spans the Tokatlı Gorge. With the sun on my face, a cool breeze at my back and good tunes in my ears, I charged uphill for seven kilometers, passing only a handful of people on the way (all of whom smiled and waved at the crazy woman). I was on my own the entire day, free to enjoy the peacefulness of the river, the aqueduct, the bells of the sheep grazing on the hills around me. I had no place to be, and nothing to do – just be. It’s also days like today when I wonder if I’m crazy, or maybe the only one who’s got the right idea. ... read more

Built during the 17th century as a stopping point along the trade route to the Black Sea coast, Safranbolu lies within a deep ravine of the Tokatlı mountains. Although the town now boasts running water and electricity, there is nothing modern about it. The buildings are made from sun-dried mud bricks and wood, varying in condition from crumbling to perfectly restored. Toilets are hidden in cupboards, and houses come equipped with revolving cupboards (allowing women to prepare meals unseen). The town is known for its handmade textiles and sweet shops – and the people who live here are even sweeter than the lokum they sell. After only half a day, it felt like I already knew the entire village. The taxi drivers who had helped me the previous night, waved in warm recognition. An old man ... read more

After visiting Sumela Monastery, we drove back to Trabzon and it was early afternoon so we decided to use the car to see Aya Sophia before returning it. On the map, it looked like Aya Sophia was further away than it really was. It is actually in the city, just 3km from the city center. It sits on a hill overlooking the sea and is pretty easy to spot. We found free parking close by, totally by accident, and walked up the hill. We had to walk around to the back to get in (3TL). Aya Sophia was built between 1238-1263 and its original name, Hagia Sophia, means Church of Divine Wisdom. This church-turned-mosque is well-preserved and has beautiful frescoes and a mosaic on the floor that was once stunning, but has clearly had pieces removed. ... read more

My new friend Megan and I decided to visit a small part of the Black Sea area of Turkey this summer, and I am really glad I did. I am leaving Turkey in two weeks and after living here for a year, I realized I hadn't done any traveling within Turkey, and that is a shame. So we took an evening flight to Trabzon, rented an economical Fiat for three days, and drove the 70km or so to Rize. We stayed in an öğretmen evi, or teacher house. These apartment-like hotels are all over Turkey and are for teachers to stay in when they travel, and some even live there while teaching. Megan had a teacher card, so I could stay as her guest. These apartments are inexpensive and convenient, and a great idea!!! When we ... read more

Geo: 40.8445, 31.5898 GÜN 02 günlerden Cuma: Aracımız, İzmit'ten Bolu ya doğru yol aldı. Yedigöller Milli Parkı, Batı Karadeniz bölgesinde Bolu ilinin kuzeyinde, Zonguldak ilinin güneyinde, Düzce ilinin doğusunda yer alır. Milli Parka, Bolu İli Mengen ilçesinden ,ulaşim mümkündür. Ayrıca Ankara-İstanbul karayolunun 152inci km'sinden, Yeniçağa ve 190 km'sindeki ,Bolu ilinden kuzeye ayrılan, yollarla ulaşilabilir. Kışın Bolu-Yedigöller güzergahı karla kapalı olduğundan ulaşim sadece Yeniçağa-Mengen-Yazıcık üzerinden yapılır. Her iki yolun da yaklaşik 30 km'lik bölümü stabilizedir. Stabilize yola girince öndeki araba da giden Ayşe'yi düşünmeye başladım.Onun adına endişelenmeye başladım. Yolun durumu ciddi üstelik yağmur başladı... read more