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.
So glad to hear you guys are enjoying the trip more – especially now the temps are warmer and you’ve actually found some decent food.
Maori Bus Dev scheme (one of Govts) digest Maori pjts) has been suspended amid serious concerns about what it achieved with millions of dollars of taxpayers money. The Project has been frozen and the Maori Dev Ministry says that if ‘fees were taken inappropriately recovery action will be taken”.
The Carter Observatory refurbishments are finally completed and it pens again to the public on Sat.
Hurricanes were winning 15-10 at half time against Bulls in SA on Fri night. I didn’t watch the match, but apparently Steve Walsh had another controversial performance handing the Hurricanes a string of questionable penalties in 2nd half. Bulls still top of table then Stormers and Crusaders. Hurricanes are 8th.
France beat England 12-10 to win 6 nations Competition.
Team NZ has won the Louis Vuitton Trophy for 2nd year in row. All races were very close over the past 10 days.
You’ve probably seen all the results… Netball games were all very close scores over the weekend.
Mystics beat Thurderbirds 55-52. Most of Tutaia’s goals were shooting from well out. Latu more accurate, but often lost the ball trying to get closer to the goal. Henry made a huge impact when she came on in 2nd half.
Steel beat Fever 48-46. De Bruin had fantastic game at GD. Fever has extremely young team and Steel only won in the last few minutes of Q4.
Swifts beat Firebirds 55-52 (I think). Swifts well ahead by half time. FBirds ahead by 10 at Q3 but lost it thru bad passes in last 5 min.
OZ is currently in control in the Basin Reserve test – late yesterday two NZers given out on no balls which was disappointing. With 5 wickets in hand we need 115 today to make OZ bat again. Weather not the best – overcast and strong northerlies with the threat of rain later today. Until today our weather has been perfect with lovely warm sunny days in the early 20s and light winds.
Cheers, Jan
Great to get to some good weather!
I’m looking forward to your comments about Ephesus and Gallipoli, especially Gallipoli.
Weather here so so, a few sprinkles but still warm.
Enjoy yourselves.
Glad the weather has warmed up for you now. When you visit Pamukkale make sure to take time to have a look at the ruins of Hierapolis as well. If I remember correctly there’s a small but very steep ampitheatre there in good condition.
The worst food we had was in Gallipoli, there’s not a lot of commerce allowed in, so there’s little choice.
The agony continues in the cricket, with a reargurad fightback trying to delay the inevitable.
Rain due here overnight, but we actually need it for a change.