Our day in Ankara

July 29th

Rode back on the bus from Cappadocia last night arriving at the hotel around midnight. We only had a part day in Ankara today as we had to catch a flight be to Istanbul in the late afternoon. Spent the morning enjoying a local park and the afternoon touring the Ataturk Mausoleum. I previously did a short post on Mustafa Kemel Ataturk so won't repeat myself, but suffice it to say this was truly a great man. I suspect with what is happening with the current government, Ataturk is not resting that well. Hopefully the democracy and reforms he brought to Turkey will not be lost.

We were not allowed to take photographs inside the mausoleum but I did get a few pictures outside.

Entrance to the mausoleum

 Ataturk rests in this building

 beneath this tomb (had to take a photo)

 The changing of the guard

 Army

And Navy

And now we head back to Istanbul.

We've gone full circle and are now cavemen (cavepeople?)

July 27th and 28th

Yesterday (July 26th) was a travel day. We said goodbye to our friends (they were much more than staff) at Three Brothers and made our way to the airport where we flew to Ankara. Ankara is the capital of Turkey and the most modern city we've been to so far in this country. Had a great meal as every meal to date has been and then hit the sack for an early start on the 27th.

And early it was. Woke up at 4:30, stubbed my toe trying to find the washroom, got cleaned up, dressed and made my way to the bus station for a 5 hour ride to Cappadocia.  Although it was a long ride with only one stop, we found it quite comfortable. The seats all have individual TV's with several channels (all in Turkish). I discovered that when you're watching movies with lots of gun play and fighting it really doesn't matter what language they are speaking to still enjoy the movie. Also the bus companies run similar to the airlines in that there were two attendants who offered sweets and tea throughout the ride. Greyhound could learn something here. We also met a lovely lady from Germany who was doing a solo trip to Cappadocia and she joined us for this portion of the trip.

The history of Cappadocia goes back to 600BC. The people who lived here were constantly being invaded and as such moved to the mountains and beneath the cities to hide from the various invaders. I probably took over a hundred photos of this area and still it will be difficult to describe this place, but here it goes.

So this is me standing in from of a village (or maybe a city). Can't really see much in the background.

After an earthquake, part of the mountain falls away revealing the village behind it. 

I added this photo to give an idea of the size of the mountain village behind us.

Throughout these mountains there are villages which still haven't been discovered. It wasn't till 1960 when a small earthquake brought this village to light (so to say).

Typical family dwelling. The hole in front of us is for cooking and heat (not sure where the bathroom is)

Some rooms like this are communal spaces. Here up to 50 people can sit and eat. Also looks like a primitive bowling alley but that was invented in a different century.

When the Christians occupied these caves, they added spaces as churches and painted the walls and ceilings accordingly.

With the addition of our new friend Judith (pronounced Udith - the J is silent), I now officially have 111 friend on Facebook. Judith works for the Coca Cola Company in Germany so I no longer drink Pepsi (not that I ever did).

The larger cities were above ground but they built caves below where they could hide for up to 5 weeks when there was a war or invasion. Some of these underground cities would extend five or six stories below ground.

The start of our underground tour.

If there was an invasion, everyone would head below ground and the last few people would roll this stone across the various cave openings so that no one could follow behind.

And then you just keep heading down. Animals (and bathrooms) were on the first level. Grains and vegetables were kept on the second level along with the kitchens and throughout the rest of the levels where various communal rooms and family homes.

Most of the walkways had very low ceilings and you had to crouch to get through (well most of us did anyway).

 Although there were wells throughout with water at the bottom, like me these people enjoyed their wine. Large clay containers of grapes would ferment here.

And be drained into this basin once ready.

We were only allowed down to the third level. Not sure how many feet below ground we are but would guess  around 30 feet.

An idea of what it's like moving around down there.

Our first night was also a treat in that we got to sleep in one of the many Cave Hotels in Cappadocia. We were a little worried at first what this experience might be like but were pleasantly surprised when we saw our room

 Welcome to our suite

 Which also includes an outdoor seating area

For those of you in construction, here is the before picture. The owner is adding three new suites below ours.

A labour of love chiseling away at this rock.

PS, did I mention the food in Turkey is great!

Tomorrow, back to Ankara.

Happy Birthday Mine

July 24th

Got to sleep in today, then sleep by the pool and later slept by the sea. Also ate and drank. And then went to bed.

July 25th

Same as above except for the evening when we celebrated

MINE'S BIRTHDAY!

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you,...

John arranged a dinner for everyone at Three Brother's, then we walked down the beach to another hotel where front row seats were waiting to hear this band.

No birthday is complete without a cake and some Raki to help digest.

Tomorrow we leave for Ankara and Cappadocia

Most expensive sand in the world

July 23rd

And another boat trip and swim-fest. Today was a short history lesson and a then some swimming.

First the history.

We headed for Sedir Island, which is more commonly know as Cleopatra's Island. Here is where Cleopatra and Mark Anthony vacationed. Cleopatra wasn't fond of the sand here so Mark Anthony ordered 7 boat loads of sand from the Sahara Desert in North Africa. What some guys won't do eh! There was a time when tourists were allowed to walk on the sand but now the government has roped it off to preserve this treasure of sand.

You can't walk on it but you can walk around it and swim up to it.

The rest of the day was spend at a number of bays. I forgot the waterproof camera so the only shots we have are from Sheryl's iPhone from the boat. Too bad as we found a large sea shell inhabited by a sea slug (we think) and a small octopus.

Also found one starfish there in the middle.

Happy on the outside but on the inside a little sad I forgot the camera, sorry about that.

Our day in Greece

July 22nd

So another early morning to catch a bus, to catch a ferry, to go to Rhodes for the day (and get another stamp in our passports).

Rhodes has an interesting history. Originally a greek island, a number of countries have laid claim to this piece of earth. During the Medieval period, the island was purchased by some Knights. In 1522 the Turks occupied Rhodes. They were given the boot by the Italians in 1912. Then a fellow by the name of Hitler decided he wanted it, but that was short lived and Greece was given back the island after the second world war.

There are a number of ruins here, but not as well kept as some of the sites we've seen in Turkey. What is referred to as the Old City of Rhodes is behind a stone wall with two dry moats which are in fairly good shape. Inside the walls is the Palace of the Grand Master which is in very good shape but we're told that was because a fellow by the name of Mussolini wanted a summer place here and had the Palace rebuilt in the 1943. Anyway enough history, here are the pictures

The entrance to Rhodes from the sea. It is said this is where the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world, once stood here.

One of the dry moats surrounding the city

The Palace of the Grand Master

And the Grand Master

The Street of Knights. Apparently there were about 800 Knights, most of who lived along this street.

A video from the town square.

Had a great day (again)

Let's talk Tomatoes

July 21st

Today was another fantastic day on the beach, but that's getting a bit repetitive for everyone, so some more ramblings about other Turkish stuff.

So you say tomato and I say tomoto (as the song goes). Now back home we have B.C. Hot House tomatoes, which we are very proud of. My former father in law grew tomatoes that I would have said were the best I’ve ever had. But that was before visiting Turkey. I’m not saying Turkey invented the tomato, but they sure did perfect it. Looking at them you might not see the difference but once you bite into one, WOW.

They also grow some mean peppers as well.

And speaking of wow, the sunsets here are something else. The last couple days in particular with there being a full moon out. Sheryl got this photo on her iPhone.

Tonight another feast...

And tomorrow we’re off to Rhodes.

Another boat trip and day on the water

July 20th

Hopefully this isn't getting too repetitive for the reader but today we went on a boat trip who's purpose was just to take us to six different locations for a swim. Two boats left with probably 100 Russians, a handful of Turks and 10 Canadians. English was definitely a third language on this trip. Below are some pics.

The kids under the watchful eye of Leean

Not sure who's watching us?

Our yacht (er, boat) for the day.

 Some underwater fun

Look out Steve, here comes Jaws!

JAWS!!!!

Scott to the rescue.

And we captured Jaws.

At one stop in the middle of nowhere was a church.

Which was guarded by...

Goats.

Outside of the church. The tree to the right is covered in ribbons, the story being that if you tied a ribbon and make a wish it will come true.

Samantha, Sheryl and Mine inside the church.

A painting discovered by Samantha

As I mentioned there were probably 100 Russians on the two boats. We noticed that at every stop, the Russian ladies loved to pose for photographs. At our last stop we thought we would do a few poses ourselves.

Steve (fresh from Muscle Beach) and Leean.

Who seems to have also impressed Mine and Sheryl

Not to be out done, John shows off his harem (Mine and Leean)

This last photo is for my staff back home...

Yes I can walk on water!