Istanbul to Ankara

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We have spent the last two days on the road, firstly driving from Istanbul to the capital Ankara.
Day1
The landscape is ever changing. Everywhere you looked in Istanbul you saw tulips. Thousands are planted every year at this time to bloom on celebrate Childrens Day – a national day in Turkey. With all flags flying & 46 different colours of tulips, the city really looked beautiful. The tulips & cherry blossom are in bloom for only about ten days so we feel lucky to be here at this time.

Our coach is big & comfortable & with only 9 on board we can all stretch out. Our guide Ines is extremely knowledgeable and keeps the commentary light but interesting. We left Istanbul and crossed the bridge to the Asia side. This is where most people live as Istanbul is really the business centre. Rows & rows of apartment blocks for miles. Finally we came to some countryside and the most spectacular mountains. These are snow-covered in the winter.

Through every small village we passed we noticed poplar trees. Ines explained one is planted for every boy born in the village. We stopped at a local café for lunch where we tried a dink made from yoghurt with salt and water, Surprisingly refreshing. Ines ordered local dishes for us and we all had a taste. Back on the bus where we all had a siesta before arriving in Ankara the capital. Ankara is a modern city much like Canberra except there are 5 million people living here, Again the rows of apartment buildings to house them all. Our hotel was excellent – very modern. Ines joined us for dinner & we ordered the local drink Raki. We had this at the seafood restaurant but they could never have explained its cultural significance & we drank it straight down. No wonder it went to straight to our heads! We learned it should be sipped slowly held in the mouth & followed with water. Young children watch their fathers and grandfathers for years to learn the technique and it is a ‘moment’ when the boy is asked to join them to drink. Again the benefit of being on a tour……
On that point – we have both embraced the tour concept. It does take a lot of worry and stress away. Brian doesn’t even handle the suitcases. Of course we are a small group and we know we are lucky but it is a much easier way to travel in countries with no English.

Thanks to everyone who is responding to the blog- we love hearing from you. Gotta catch up so probably two blogs tomorrow depending on the internet.

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Photos

Tulips everywhere
Their national flower

Apartment blocks
The Asian side of Istanbul $400,000 for an apartment

Scenery
The scenery as we drive along in the bus

Comments

[pam]

back to work
Enjoying the blog.We found the tour very easy also.Well now is the time when we pay for the wonderful 5 days off.We will all be trying to complete 5 days work in three days.Here goes! xx

[Jenny Mercier]

great blog and photos
Hi Debbie and Brian, sounds like you are having a wonderful time. Love reading the blogs and seeing your photos - very descriptive (what else from Deb!!) Jen and Col.

[Mary McGrath]

Hello
Hey what a good Blog!!! I love to travel along with you. Isn't Turkey great? Each day I check the itinerary to see what you are doing. Then read about. Mary

[Anne and Ian]

Great Reading
Hi Debbie and Brian We have finally got internet access so we were able to catch up on all of your entries. It certainly does make very interesting reading. Enjoy your experiences. Anne and Ian

[Robyn]

Hi Deb and Brian It is so good to read you blog and see what you are doing each day. We leave on Sat i will miss not being able to read it unless i find a net some where, which will try to N.Y. Enjoy your trip Speak soon Robyn

[Robyn Bourke]

Turkey Envy
Hi Willynobs, Well Pete and I are both envious of you all and we are sure there sounds as if there was plenty of room for us on the bus??? The photos of Turkey do not look unlike Egypt surprise surprise. Thailand is going to be pretty boring compared to your Turkey travels. Well we do have a trip to Warracknabeal in the interim that should be very eventful to say the least. Peter and I endorse your sentiments in regard to tours, it does take all the worry out of a holiday but not sure

[Jenny Burrows]

A LONG WAY FROM OZ
Hi Deb - am enjoying following your antics in Turkey. The tulips sound amazing. I think you must have been Dubai the same time a Paul!! He is now in Egypt. Keep safe (& having fun). JENNY

[Ann Maree]

Foreign Correspondent
Debbie and Brian, Feel like I am there with you, wonderful blog. Next stop, Getaway Reporter! I will send in your resume while you are gone. Ann Maree