The Turkish border is our first biggy. The rules change every year and even as they try and align themselves with Europe, the bureaucracy at the border never ceases to amaze. 3 hours later, 3 hours better than last year, we were waved through customs and heading for Istanbul.
For me, Istanbul is where the trip truly starts. Europe is an incredible place to travel and easily do-able, on a short hop flight with the likes of Squeazy Jet. Istanbul to is a good weekend break, but having driven through France, Belgium, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria, not even the cover of the Lonely Planet can prepare you for the sudden and definite change. Minarets reach for the sky, while loud speakers blare out for the afternoon call to prayer.
Our dress code changes too, as we try and respect the culture around us. Even though Istanbul is touristy, it is so vast and impressive, that the tourists cannot dilute the culture change.
Three things are a must in Istanbul, and having four nights and three days, we have plenty of time to tick all the tourist boxes plus a bit more.
On an Odyssey tour we do not lead our group of twenty two around the town on a whistle stop tour (we don’t even have an umbrella or a microphone!). Each time we arrive at a new city Cheryl finds a map of the area, we mark all sights, roads and train stations, list bus numbers and stops, give everybody an idea of their bearings and then you are free to explore at your own leisure. If your life would be complete never setting foot into a museum, again you simply find somebody in the group who would like to walk the markets or streets, and if museums are your thing, there is sure to be another who has done the same reading as you, and you can explore together. A museum in this town and a bar in the next, is the wonder of travelling in a group of like-minded travellers. This is travelling not touring.
Three things are a must in Istanbul, and having four nights and three days, we have plenty of time to tick all the tourist boxes plus a bit more.
On an Odyssey tour we do not lead our group of twenty two around the town on a whistle stop tour (we don’t even have an umbrella or a microphone!). Each time we arrive at a new city Cheryl finds a map of the area, we mark all sights, roads and train stations, list bus numbers and stops, give everybody an idea of their bearings and then you are free to explore at your own leisure. If your life would be complete never setting foot into a museum, again you simply find somebody in the group who would like to walk the markets or streets, and if museums are your thing, there is sure to be another who has done the same reading as you, and you can explore together. A museum in this town and a bar in the next, is the wonder of travelling in a group of like-minded travellers. This is travelling not touring.
The Aya Sophia, a building to wonder at from the outside and marvel at from the inside, is Istanbul’s biggest attraction. First a church and then later a mosque, the frescos contrast with the words from the Koran, gold embossed on massive disks.
The Blue Mosque, built opposite, is just as incredible and many folks chose to explore its wonders.
The Blue Mosque, built opposite, is just as incredible and many folks chose to explore its wonders.
The Grand Bazaar should be where the latter word was started, as touts call out your nationalities by chance and greet you in what they think would be the most appropriate manner, greetings range from the Aussie “Good day mate” to the much enjoyed, by Paul “konichiwa” from Japan. Haggling at the markets is an art. Denis confused the issue, by several times at first offering more, and then coming in low and hard, he managed to add to his hat collection.
Crazy markets, shopping with the locals
The fish role an Istanbul lunch for lots of locals and travellers
in the know!
in the know!
The luggage locker was bulging by the time we left, but it was smiles all round as a taste developed for the Silk Road and its amazing food.
From the bustling streets of Istanbul, we head for the quiet coastal town of Ackakoca, on the edge of the Black Sea, a welcome change from the hooting horns of the city. We take two nights to relax and enjoy a fish BBQ.
From the bustling streets of Istanbul, we head for the quiet coastal town of Ackakoca, on the edge of the Black Sea, a welcome change from the hooting horns of the city. We take two nights to relax and enjoy a fish BBQ.
Just chilling
Fun with the truck boats on the Black Sea
Turkey is a country that offers more than the blue water and white sand so often seen in glossy magazines. Heading for Goreme sees us leaving the mountains of the coast and arriving in what could be best described as a scene from “star trek”. Kapadokea (or Cappadocia) is well travelled by tourists, but not yet in the limelight of the world as it should be. An extensive cave system some that used to hold 300 people in their own community, covers the land of fairy towers and lunar landscapes, best described by photographs. We had a full day tour with an English guide to help us understand the wonders.
Turkey is a country that offers more than the blue water and white sand so often seen in glossy magazines. Heading for Goreme sees us leaving the mountains of the coast and arriving in what could be best described as a scene from “star trek”. Kapadokea (or Cappadocia) is well travelled by tourists, but not yet in the limelight of the world as it should be. An extensive cave system some that used to hold 300 people in their own community, covers the land of fairy towers and lunar landscapes, best described by photographs. We had a full day tour with an English guide to help us understand the wonders.
In the tunnels of an underground city
We have four nights her to sort ourselves out and to explore the area, visiting a carpet shop and pottery workshop to further understand the country’s culture and beauty.
Hot air-ballooning is a must in this part of the world, as you drift silently above the surreal world below.
A expensive optional activity but so worth it!
Whirling Dervishes and David learns to belly dance!
From Goreme we head for the vibrant city of Trabzon and on to the Sumela Monastery. Spot a foreign tourist here and you are doing well.
From Goreme we cross some high mountains en route to Sumela
Truck is helped out of the mud by friendly local and tractor!
Trabzon is a local gem of busy streets and amazing shops, all clean and polished, greet you as you round nearly every corner, not blighted by rude tourists. Debbie took a chance asking to take photos in a local Halva (local sweet) shop and was welcomed in with warm greetings and left with gifts of nougat and halva.
Trabzon is a local gem of busy streets and amazing shops, all clean and polished, greet you as you round nearly every corner, not blighted by rude tourists. Debbie took a chance asking to take photos in a local Halva (local sweet) shop and was welcomed in with warm greetings and left with gifts of nougat and halva.
Then off to Sumela Monastery where we had two nights to explore and relax. The monastery, perched high up on the mountain side, is a Unesco World heritage site, and with its 12th century frescos, and is a sight to be seen before believed.
Lunch on the Black Sea coast on the way to Georgia
Georgia and all its funky adventures coming soon!!
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