Merhaba,
For 13 days, we toured Turkey, a nation with its land straddles across the two continents, Asia and Europe. We started our tour in its capital city of Istanbul, home of 16 millions inhabitants. It took us about 45 min. to get to our hotel from the airport by bus. Along the way, we saw Mosques, big one, small one. We saw high rise condos. We saw flower-decorated highway leading into town. We saw streets crowded with cars and people. People, many in western clothes, lined up at the bus stop shoulder to shoulder waiting for the next bus to arrive. It was quite a chaotic scene.
Istanbul - 2 Nights
On our second day in Istanbul, we did what typical tourists do, visiting mosques, bazaar, and palaces. It’s quite a popular destination for tourists by the evidence of lines of tour buses at the entrance of mosque, museums…etc. We went to see the Hippodome and the square for the Chariot race. In the old days, couple hundred thousands of people congregated around this ground to see competitions. We went to see the massive underground water cistern where they kept water for people to use back then.
In the afternoon we went to see the Topkapi Palace, the residence of Ottoman sultans long ago. We then visited the Grand bazaar where 4,000 plus shops congregated in one area, competing for tourists business. The tour guide told us that the rent for a jewelry stall in the main entrance could be as high as 6 to 8K$ per month.
Tonight, we walked thru the Istanbul neighborhood to a traditional Turkish restaurant Kaskral Hatay Solfrasi in a busy residential section of town. It was about a 15-min walk from our hotel. Along the way, we saw men sitting around the store front, sharing hooka, staring at us with curiosity, children playing on the narrow streets. We asked if they had Raki or beer at the restaurant but they did not have, we then quickly realized that this is one of the more traditional Muslim estatablishment. We had salted chicken that was baked in a thick, white color layer of salt then flamed up at the table before serving. The chicken was quite moist and delicious. We also had broiled eggplants. Our meal came with round, puffy bread. It was quite a tasty dinner.
We ended the night out with a Raki at the hotel. It is a strong 48-proof liqueur like anise-flavored Brandy. They usually serve you Raki with a small glass of water, and if you were to mix the two together it turns into a cloudy white mixture. That is why they call it “Milk for the strong”…heheh
For 13 days, we toured Turkey, a nation with its land straddles across the two continents, Asia and Europe. We started our tour in its capital city of Istanbul, home of 16 millions inhabitants. It took us about 45 min. to get to our hotel from the airport by bus. Along the way, we saw Mosques, big one, small one. We saw high rise condos. We saw flower-decorated highway leading into town. We saw streets crowded with cars and people. People, many in western clothes, lined up at the bus stop shoulder to shoulder waiting for the next bus to arrive. It was quite a chaotic scene.
Istanbul - 2 Nights
On our second day in Istanbul, we did what typical tourists do, visiting mosques, bazaar, and palaces. It’s quite a popular destination for tourists by the evidence of lines of tour buses at the entrance of mosque, museums…etc. We went to see the Hippodome and the square for the Chariot race. In the old days, couple hundred thousands of people congregated around this ground to see competitions. We went to see the massive underground water cistern where they kept water for people to use back then.
In the afternoon we went to see the Topkapi Palace, the residence of Ottoman sultans long ago. We then visited the Grand bazaar where 4,000 plus shops congregated in one area, competing for tourists business. The tour guide told us that the rent for a jewelry stall in the main entrance could be as high as 6 to 8K$ per month.
Tonight, we walked thru the Istanbul neighborhood to a traditional Turkish restaurant Kaskral Hatay Solfrasi in a busy residential section of town. It was about a 15-min walk from our hotel. Along the way, we saw men sitting around the store front, sharing hooka, staring at us with curiosity, children playing on the narrow streets. We asked if they had Raki or beer at the restaurant but they did not have, we then quickly realized that this is one of the more traditional Muslim estatablishment. We had salted chicken that was baked in a thick, white color layer of salt then flamed up at the table before serving. The chicken was quite moist and delicious. We also had broiled eggplants. Our meal came with round, puffy bread. It was quite a tasty dinner.
We ended the night out with a Raki at the hotel. It is a strong 48-proof liqueur like anise-flavored Brandy. They usually serve you Raki with a small glass of water, and if you were to mix the two together it turns into a cloudy white mixture. That is why they call it “Milk for the strong”…heheh
Canakkale - 1 Night
The next day, we started out visited the blue mosque in Istanbul before heading to Canakkake. It was built by the 14th sultan when he was only 14 years old… a lot of flowers, mosaic influenced by the gardener who oversaw the project. It was another massive mosque with intricate marble work inside.
We had lunch at a road side café with clean restroom and “bellesh” (Free of charge). A bowl of soup was about 2US$. It seems that food is very reasonable here in Turkey. For lunch, on average is about 5US$. Currently, as we travel, an exchange rate for 1US$ is about 3 Turkish Lira.
We went to see the Anzac cemetery near the town of Gallipoli, where there were a few commemorative cemeteries built to honor foreign fighters like the Australian, New Zealand, and British in this area. It was a strategic area that defended by the Ottoman during WW1 and one of the famous soldiers was Ataturk, a Turkish hero. Turk people think highly of him. Historian said that without him, there probably would not be a Turkey as it is today.
We then took a ferry across the Dardanelles to Canakkale. The ferry was clean and efficient. I would say the Turks' infrastructure is far better than some other countries.
The next day, we started out visited the blue mosque in Istanbul before heading to Canakkake. It was built by the 14th sultan when he was only 14 years old… a lot of flowers, mosaic influenced by the gardener who oversaw the project. It was another massive mosque with intricate marble work inside.
We had lunch at a road side café with clean restroom and “bellesh” (Free of charge). A bowl of soup was about 2US$. It seems that food is very reasonable here in Turkey. For lunch, on average is about 5US$. Currently, as we travel, an exchange rate for 1US$ is about 3 Turkish Lira.
We went to see the Anzac cemetery near the town of Gallipoli, where there were a few commemorative cemeteries built to honor foreign fighters like the Australian, New Zealand, and British in this area. It was a strategic area that defended by the Ottoman during WW1 and one of the famous soldiers was Ataturk, a Turkish hero. Turk people think highly of him. Historian said that without him, there probably would not be a Turkey as it is today.
We then took a ferry across the Dardanelles to Canakkale. The ferry was clean and efficient. I would say the Turks' infrastructure is far better than some other countries.
Izmir – 2 Nights - Day 1
We visited Troy this morning. The city was built and rebuilt and expanded, thus after a while when they discovered and excavated, it’s like a wedding cake upside down. Small city to start, then destruction happened caused it to be rebuilt on top of the old one. Other than the famous wooden horse and its legendary history it was not that impressive.
As part of the tour itinerary, we went to lunch at a small village hosted by a local family. The tour described the visit as a way to see how the real Turkish family lives. The house that we visited was a nice brick house, and we ate outside in the patio of the house. Other than walking thru the main square of the village we didn’t see much of or gaining much knowledge of the daily life of Turkish people.
We then went to Pergamum, a powerful kingdom during the ancient Hellenistic period before arriving at the coastal town of Izmir for two nights stay. People here are more chic, we were told. They are more adapted to the western style of dress code and style than some other parts of Turkey. We strolled the water front after dinner. It reminded us of Nha Trang. It was a nice walk; we met a young couple, perhaps they are boy friend and girl friend. The boy played accordion for us, the girl collected tips, and we took some pictures with them. It reminded me of an old saying “Hai qua tim vang va mot chum nuoc lanh”…heheheh. Hope they will be famous someday.
We visited Troy this morning. The city was built and rebuilt and expanded, thus after a while when they discovered and excavated, it’s like a wedding cake upside down. Small city to start, then destruction happened caused it to be rebuilt on top of the old one. Other than the famous wooden horse and its legendary history it was not that impressive.
As part of the tour itinerary, we went to lunch at a small village hosted by a local family. The tour described the visit as a way to see how the real Turkish family lives. The house that we visited was a nice brick house, and we ate outside in the patio of the house. Other than walking thru the main square of the village we didn’t see much of or gaining much knowledge of the daily life of Turkish people.
We then went to Pergamum, a powerful kingdom during the ancient Hellenistic period before arriving at the coastal town of Izmir for two nights stay. People here are more chic, we were told. They are more adapted to the western style of dress code and style than some other parts of Turkey. We strolled the water front after dinner. It reminded us of Nha Trang. It was a nice walk; we met a young couple, perhaps they are boy friend and girl friend. The boy played accordion for us, the girl collected tips, and we took some pictures with them. It reminded me of an old saying “Hai qua tim vang va mot chum nuoc lanh”…heheheh. Hope they will be famous someday.
Izmir – 2 Nights – Day 2
The next day, a short ride from Izmir, we visited the ancient city of Ephesus. Perhaps this is my most favorite visit of the trip. It’s an ancient town of around 250 thousand people that is only 10% excavated. It was quite an impressive layout. Walking thru the ruin I can picture in my mind how lavishly the roman enjoyed life back then. It was hot when we were there, but the tour guy, Faruk said it could get even hotter in the summer months. We then visited the House of the Virgin Mary. After lunch at a remote restaurant, we went to see the Basilica of St. John. Here we saw a boy selling knick knack to tourists. We got off the bus and gave him some of our grandchild’s clothes that we brought along on the trip. After the Basilica visit, we came back to the bus and saw him now wearing the T-shirt that we gave him earlier. He must have liked it.
The next day, a short ride from Izmir, we visited the ancient city of Ephesus. Perhaps this is my most favorite visit of the trip. It’s an ancient town of around 250 thousand people that is only 10% excavated. It was quite an impressive layout. Walking thru the ruin I can picture in my mind how lavishly the roman enjoyed life back then. It was hot when we were there, but the tour guy, Faruk said it could get even hotter in the summer months. We then visited the House of the Virgin Mary. After lunch at a remote restaurant, we went to see the Basilica of St. John. Here we saw a boy selling knick knack to tourists. We got off the bus and gave him some of our grandchild’s clothes that we brought along on the trip. After the Basilica visit, we came back to the bus and saw him now wearing the T-shirt that we gave him earlier. He must have liked it.
Antalya – 2 Nights – Day 1
From Izmir we traveled to Antalya where we were going to spend the next two nights.
It was a long bus drive to Antalya. We started out at 7AM. Stopped along the way to see another Roman ruin; a Necropolis (a large ancient cemetery with elaborate tombs) and the ancient city of Hierapolis (holy city) situated on the Pamukkale hot spring. It was quite a beautiful, interesting site with gorgeous blue ponds surrounding them with white calcium deposits. In the old days, this had served as a thermal bath for the ailings and the elders.
Antalya is a modern coastal town of 2 millions. Our tour guy said that many tourists come to this town for vacationing. In general, he said the largest group of visitors to Turkey is the Russians followed by the Germans and the Northern Europeans. The Porto Bello hotel is a large complex and the dining room is massive. At night they have an outdoor variety show with good music and dancers to entertain guests at the outdoor stage by the swimming pool to wind down the evening.
From Izmir we traveled to Antalya where we were going to spend the next two nights.
It was a long bus drive to Antalya. We started out at 7AM. Stopped along the way to see another Roman ruin; a Necropolis (a large ancient cemetery with elaborate tombs) and the ancient city of Hierapolis (holy city) situated on the Pamukkale hot spring. It was quite a beautiful, interesting site with gorgeous blue ponds surrounding them with white calcium deposits. In the old days, this had served as a thermal bath for the ailings and the elders.
Antalya is a modern coastal town of 2 millions. Our tour guy said that many tourists come to this town for vacationing. In general, he said the largest group of visitors to Turkey is the Russians followed by the Germans and the Northern Europeans. The Porto Bello hotel is a large complex and the dining room is massive. At night they have an outdoor variety show with good music and dancers to entertain guests at the outdoor stage by the swimming pool to wind down the evening.
Antalya – 2 Nights – Day 2
On the second day in Antalya, we went to see another ruin this morning nearby Antalya (the Heaven on Earth place).
We went to see the Pamphylian city of Perge with bathhouses, market places, theater etc….Afterward; we went to see the city of Aspendos where an impressive free standing theater is still in use today. We ended the optional excursion with a visit to the Antalya archeological museum with lots of relic from Perge.
In the afternoon, we decided to go parasailing from the beach just across the highway from our hotel. It was fun and it was a first time for us. The cost was 200 Turkish Lira for 2 persons. 120 Turkish Lira for one.
The Mediterranean water was quite warm to swim in, unlike the Aegean sea that's colder at this time of the year. As we observed during our trip, Turkish people are very friendly, helpful and curious.
On the second day in Antalya, we went to see another ruin this morning nearby Antalya (the Heaven on Earth place).
We went to see the Pamphylian city of Perge with bathhouses, market places, theater etc….Afterward; we went to see the city of Aspendos where an impressive free standing theater is still in use today. We ended the optional excursion with a visit to the Antalya archeological museum with lots of relic from Perge.
In the afternoon, we decided to go parasailing from the beach just across the highway from our hotel. It was fun and it was a first time for us. The cost was 200 Turkish Lira for 2 persons. 120 Turkish Lira for one.
The Mediterranean water was quite warm to swim in, unlike the Aegean sea that's colder at this time of the year. As we observed during our trip, Turkish people are very friendly, helpful and curious.
Cappadocia – 2 Nights
Today, we traveled to Cappadocia region which is on an old ancient silk route. We stopped by a school to see how money donated from Gate1 has helped the school. Some tour mates dropped off some clothing and school supplies for the children.
We stopped by to visit one of the Caravanserai, one of the biggest in the world. In the old days, this type of place was built as inn for traders to rest, to trade goods and to refuel their caravan.
On the second day in Capadocia, we started out for the balloon ride rather early, around 5AM in the morning to catch the sunrise view from above. It was nice to quietly float over the area full of fairy chimneys, a surreal rock formations that caused by wind and rain erosions. We came back to the hotel from the early balloon ride, had a quick breakfast at the hotel then off we went, exploring rock-cut temples, ancient underground cities.
Today, we traveled to Cappadocia region which is on an old ancient silk route. We stopped by a school to see how money donated from Gate1 has helped the school. Some tour mates dropped off some clothing and school supplies for the children.
We stopped by to visit one of the Caravanserai, one of the biggest in the world. In the old days, this type of place was built as inn for traders to rest, to trade goods and to refuel their caravan.
On the second day in Capadocia, we started out for the balloon ride rather early, around 5AM in the morning to catch the sunrise view from above. It was nice to quietly float over the area full of fairy chimneys, a surreal rock formations that caused by wind and rain erosions. We came back to the hotel from the early balloon ride, had a quick breakfast at the hotel then off we went, exploring rock-cut temples, ancient underground cities.
Ankara - 1 Night
Today we traveled to Ankara, the capital of Turkey where a mausoleum was built in honor of Ataturk (Father Turk). Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was an Army man, a revolutionary and later, the first president of Turkey. It was quite an impressive site. He once said: “One day my mortal body will turn to dust, but the Turkish Republic will stand forever.”
Today we traveled to Ankara, the capital of Turkey where a mausoleum was built in honor of Ataturk (Father Turk). Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was an Army man, a revolutionary and later, the first president of Turkey. It was quite an impressive site. He once said: “One day my mortal body will turn to dust, but the Turkish Republic will stand forever.”
Istanbul - 1 Night
On the last day in Istanbul, we visited the spice bazaar for any last minute shopping of sweets that Turkish is famous for, then we took the cruise on the Bosphorus strait to wind down our wonderful trip, enjoyed the narration of what’s what on both sides of the continents, the European side and the Asian side, that once was called Constantinople, the capital city of the powerful Ottoman empire.
We have traveled around the western part of Turkey for almost 2,000 miles on this trip. We were impressed with how modernize Turkey is; we were in awe with its rich history; we were humbled by the friendliness and curiosity of its people; and most of all, we were in love with the Turkish delights….:)
As an old Turkish proverb says:
tatlı yiyelim, tatlı konuşalım (let’s eat sweet, let’s talk sweet)
On the last day in Istanbul, we visited the spice bazaar for any last minute shopping of sweets that Turkish is famous for, then we took the cruise on the Bosphorus strait to wind down our wonderful trip, enjoyed the narration of what’s what on both sides of the continents, the European side and the Asian side, that once was called Constantinople, the capital city of the powerful Ottoman empire.
We have traveled around the western part of Turkey for almost 2,000 miles on this trip. We were impressed with how modernize Turkey is; we were in awe with its rich history; we were humbled by the friendliness and curiosity of its people; and most of all, we were in love with the Turkish delights….:)
As an old Turkish proverb says:
tatlı yiyelim, tatlı konuşalım (let’s eat sweet, let’s talk sweet)