The latest start of the tour so far was well appreciated. The food at our hotel in Antalya is great – the best of the tour so far. So, with a full stomach and rested bodies we headed off to explore Antalya.

Kesik Minare

Initially we grabbed a ride with the tour group – most of who were going on a cruise to see a waterfall. We opted out – choosing instead to see all we could in the old town and some museums at our own pace. After ditching our travelling companions at the Roman harbour, we first came across the Broken Minaret Mosque (Kesik Minare) which was built as a Roman temple, then converted to a church, then to a mosque. Now it’s just a very picturesque ruin (requiring plenty of photos). Next stop was Sun and Inan Kirac Kaleici museum, which is housed in an old Ottoman building. They had displays showing old pictures of the area, and life size rooms depicting both the male and female aspects of a traditional wedding ceremony. It was well done. There was also an old church that had been completely restored that housed a couple of further exhibitions.

We made our way towards Hadrian’s gate, and saw stairs. On asking the guy next to the stairs if we could climb and how much, he asked us where we came from. We said NZ – and he said that it was free for us! It was actually free for everyone, but he enjoyed the joke (we laughed too once we realised we had been had).

BsKnee washing down lunch

On the tourist map, the old stone tower looked like it was next. However, it was just a stone tower – nothing really to see or climb. After a wander through the local mall, we stopped for a bite for lunch – finally local food that tastes good – and Rashid was nowhere in sight. We might just give him some advice next time we see him…

We just had to catch the local tram – it wasn’t far, but was part of the experience of being in Antalya – and boy we were pleased we did later. We’d been given advice (thanks Di and Bruce) to go to the Antalya Museum. What an experience. We saw some of the most amazing things we’ve ever seen in this place!!! All the statues from Perge (which we visited yesterday) were on display, as well as sarcophagi (also from Perge) – they were simply outstanding!!! This has Karla’s vote for one of the most awesome things she’s ever seen.

Sarcophogus

The museum also had the most spectacular coin collection, pre-historic items, artefacts from all ages, jewellery, etc. etc. Two hours were lost in this place – and we’d certainly also recommend it to anyone who comes here.

The feet were a bit sore by this time, so we stopped at a local park, watched the hang-gliders and had a quiet beer (and orange juice) watching the locals and the scenery pass by. And, a quick toe in the Med completed the day for us (pre-dinner of course).

It was great to have the day at our own pace, doing what we wanted to do, having the potential to get a bit lost, and just exploring the back streets by ourselves. That’s what we love doing. But, we also know that there is no way we could see as much as we are seeing without the tour. We’ve met some really neat people, and Rashid is a bit of a card. He is incredibly knowledgeable about all things Turkish – so we think we are on a winner.