Inflight info

You know those info screens they show you on the inflight video monitors that show where you are on a map, how far it is to your destination, the airspeed and temperature, etc.? Well, this is the first trip where I've seen them throw this one in to the mix.

Fwd: Istanbul!

Here's the view from my pansion - not bad for $50 USD a night!  Only drawback is the 5 AM call to prayer....

Not sure what order they will show up - but the one with 6 minarets is the Blue Mosque, the other is the Hagia Sophia, and the third is the Bosphorus Strait. 

Sailing the Mediterranean

Following the biking trip, I tagged along with 6 of the British Columbians for a 4 day, 3 night cruise on a 38 meter sailboat called a "gulet" (pronounced goo-let; rhymes with Phuket).  We started in Fethiye and disembarked in Demre, and were then tranported by dolmus (van) to Olympos.  Here are some picture of the ship.

From the bow

Captain Dawn (wo)manning the helm.  The "other" captain is keeping watch from nearby.

I now understand where the term "barefoot cruise" comes from.  Shoes are generally discouraged on the deck and  not allowed down below.  I can live with that.

The ship was only 12 years old and was quite well decked out.  Much to our pleasure and surprise, each cabin had a private bathroom that resembled what you'd expect to find in a decent hotel.  No pump toilets or tiny showers!

For the first three days we shared the boat with 6 Aussies and a woman from Mumbai.  They were a friendly and fun crowd, so once they left we had to expend some energy to fill the void.

The whole gang enjoying dinner in the dining area toward the stern of the boat.

The weather was great - breezy and comfortable, warm in the sun.  We spent a good part of the days motoring from one spot to another, anchoring at meal time and for the night. We also got in the water to swim, snorkel and kayak. One day we stopped for some beach time and to hike up a canyon.  Another day we stopped for a brief visit in a seaside village that was built in and amongst some ruins.  Actually, there seemed to be ruins just about everywhere along the coast.

Bob in Butterfly Canyon

Simena

Sunken city

What wasn't provided on board was often available from entrepreneurs who plied the coastal waters.

Anyone want ice cream?

I do! I do!

And, from what we understand, the captain obliged our requests to do what seldom happens on a gulet cruise - we actually sailed for a couple hours!

OMG!  We're sailing!

Sadly, the "sailing" excursion came to an end and I had to bid adieu to my new BFFs from BC.  Being that they were all a bit older than me (58 - 66ish?) and retired I think of them as role models for what I want to be doing and how I want to be doing it when I am fortunate enough to join their ranks.

And now it's on to new adventures for the last week of my trip.  Check back soon!

Turkish Delights

Some of you may have heard of "Turkish Delight" but not be aware that there are two different kinds.  One kind is sold everywhere, especially in airports.

The other "Turkish Delight" is a nickname for the lovely chip seal that exists in poor condition on many of the roads throughout Turkey.  Not sure if it is a commonly known nickname or one that is only used by bicyclists.  I'd guess the latter.  Now I know why almost everyone else on the bike trip chose to ride a mountain bike with fat tires and front suspension. This shot shows some of the relatively good pavement.  Fortunately I wore padded shorts so things didn't get out of control.

Of course, being a native east coaster, it is my duty to inject something snarky like that.  But the bike trip truly was a delight.  Great weather, fantastic guides, a great group of British Columbians to share the ride with, excellent accommodations and - my only complaint - too much wonderful food.  But whose fault is that?

We wrapped up our trip in Akyaka - a very quaint small city on the Aegean that, since the 80's, has required all new building to adhere to a certain type of architecture that evolved here in the mid 20th century.

We visited the weekly market and partook of the fruits of the sea.  The huge artichokes sold for about 80 cents - how does that compare to New Seasons?

We took a day trip where we road some wonderful country roads, checked out the thermal mud baths and took a boat trip to the beach.

Three of our guides - Ken, John and Firat (plus a profile of Audrey).

Along the way we got a good view of the Lycian tombs of the 4th Century B.C. rich and famous.  They are incredible.

I've been wanting to visit Turkey for about 25 years - ever since my younger sister came back from her travels there and raved about the place.  It is still a place to rave about and I hope to be back soon.  Many thanks to my hosts (Danelle, John, Lima, Ken and Firat) to making my first two weeks in Turkey a wonderful and memorable experience.  Should anyone reading this blog be interested - check out tourtk.com 

And now it's on to other Turkish adventures!