Turkey views like nothing else on earth
July 15, 2010I’m finally back home after a wonderful 10 day holiday in Turkey! Three days in Istanbul, checking out the most popular sights including the Aga Sophia/Blue Mosque and the Topkapi palace (where the Sultan used to live). There I was able to see the Staff of Moses and even the arm of John the Baptist.In general, the people are very friendly. Not as in, “I’m only being nice cos I want something”, but helpful in giving directions, and if the don’t know they’ll find someone that does. Another example is in our last days, Monique was carrying an empty bottle of water and this guy from a shop stand just goes ahead and tells him where he can find a trash can, and this other guy from a place where we ate at saw that we were leaving so told us to have a nice life. How funny!
So after Istanbul we took a 10hr bus ride (with TVs, drink/snack service/lemon cologne splashes) to Cappadocia, famous for its unusual rock formations and cave dwellings. There we stayed at a hillside cave hotel where we enjoyed breakfast that set up individually on the terrace and had great views. Here we also went for a hot air balloon ride at sunrise and the breathing views were like nowhere else on earth - A must do!We visited many churches and homes, all carved out of the soft rock and took a tour to an underground city, where up to 10,000 people went about there business up to 12 floors underground. Not good if you’re claustrophobic!
Next stop was Pammukale, famous for there white terraces and thermo pools. Popular with people who are into Speedos and g-strings, no matter what shape or size. So spent the day climbing up the terraces, wandering around ancient roman ruins and relaxed in the sacred pool, said to cure many illnesses. Quite touristy but the water was almost like soda. It bubbles around you, especially when you make a splash and it all fizzes up. 5 hours to Antalya, a popular coastal city for resorts and beaches. Two days just to unwind, eat, swim, spa and eat some more. I would definitely recommend going back there, for either sight seeing or a relaxing getaway. Monique and I enjoyed everyday and were impressed by pretty much everything!
I will put up some pictures on our Facebook page so feel free to click here if you want to view more.