Midyat to Hasankeyf

---

Had a nice brekky at the hotel, packed up and waited for Omer. We drove on in to the old part of Midyat where Omer dropped us off for an hour or so of free time. We first wandered into the back streets of the old city, with its ancient, honey-coloured stone houses and narrow alleys, quite similar to Mardin although not as steeply hilly. We came across an old church, but couldn't see inside. A small boy attached himself to us and followed us around, occasionally trying to lead us in particular directions, which we avoided following. He was hoping we'd pay him to be our guide. Shook him off eventually. After the back alleys, we explored some of the old shopping bazaar areas then headed back to the main street and found a lovely little park where we sat and people-watched locals and Turkish tourists going about their business. Once again, not a western tourist in sight. 

At the appointed time we met up with Omer and drove out of Midyat to the Morgabriel monastery. This is another still-functioning monastery dating back to AD397. It is on a remote hillside and quite an extensive complex, with gardens and orchards as well as the buildings. We were given a to

---