Fethiye

Patara was an interesting ruin. It was a wealthy city, very prosperous and reasonably well preserved. It's undoing was the river they relied on for trade became silted up and and carried malaria. 

The afternoon was spent looking at a Greek village that had been abandoned when the Greek - Turkish swap took place. It was then a 7 km walk. This would not have been so bad but most of it was straight up  a mountain!! It was very challenging. There was the promise of  a swim at the end. 

This was also very funny as the beach had small rocks rather than sand and we had to crawl out on our hands and knees to avoid broken ankles!

We stayed in Fethiye for the night.

Kas

It was off to Kas for 2 nights. Kas was a smaller town but with spectacular sea views. On the way we stopped at a Lycian city - Phaselis. It was interesting but more special as we could swim in the Mediterranean. It was a near perfect beach. It was the right temperature and depth, very salty so not much of an effort to swim. 

In the afternoon we visited Demre - more ruins and the home of St Nicholas. There were many Russians. 

The next day was mostly leisurely -except for the massive climb up to a fort. The rest of the day was spent on a boat, swimming and eating and generally relaxing. Perfect!!

Antalya

We had a very long drive today to Antalya. On the way we stopped at the largest Caravanserai in Turkey. It was one of many along the Silk Road. It was very large and not difficult to imagine the many merchants and traders staying a few days for rest and protection. 

We also visited a Whirling Dervish museum. There were hundreds of people there and it seemed to be a shrine as well. The dervishes are considered a cult of Islam and cults are not legal. But it does appear that many people still are attracted to the dancers. 

Antalya is a very touristy place but it we stayed in the old town and that was interesting. It was full of tiny lanes with many twists and turns. We walked around to the marina and Hadrians Gate. Great seafood meal!

 

We had a very long drive today to Antalya. On the way we stopped at the largest Caravanserai in Turkey. It was one of many along the Silk Road. It was very large and not difficult to imagine the many merchants and traders staying a few days for rest and protection. 

We also visited a Whirling Dervish museum. There were hundreds of people there and it seemed to be a shrine as well. The dervishes are considered a cult of Islam and cults are not legal. But it does appear that many people still are attracted to the dancers. 

Antalya is a very touristy place but it we stayed in the old town and that was interesting. It was full of tiny lanes with many twists and turns. We walked around to the marina and Hadrians Gate. Great seafood meal!

 

The day of stairs

This was a busy day! We were up early to get away by 8.30. We visited an underground city. This was started 2000 BC. It was 16 stories deep but we could only access 8 stories. That was plenty. It is amazing that hundreds of people lived in this place for years. They had cattle and chickens down there, graves, churches... Everything except privacy apparently! It was then back to walking 7 km this time. It was pretty hard going but there were some interesting churches along the way.  Lunch was on the river and most enjoyable.  It was then back to climbing. Another fort up a massive rock formation. Good views for nearly the top. A short drive to another underground city. This was smaller but still interesting. We then went to a mosque which was converted from a church. We climbed to the top of a hill to the Church of St Gregory, one if the early, Christian bishops.  To the hotel for a shower.

I must be getting fitter

I have to be getting fitter. Today was a quick stop at the fairy chimneys, which are the symbol of Cappodocia. We then went to a fort and climbed to the top. It was one of the highest points in the area. The fort was used by the monks for protection.  We then had a 3 km walk. This was not too bad. It was through a valley and fairly flat.  We then went to a ceramic artisan workshop that had fantastic pottery at very special prices.  Lunch and then to Goreme Open Air Museum. This had many ancient churches all up a million steps in caves. They were fairly well preserved and handsome interesting stories and history.  It was then back for a rest before dinner at the hotel.

More walking!

More walking today. Firstly through the White valley. It was about 3 hours and very hard going. One of the hills was just so steep I did not give myself a chance of making it. But I did! We stopped at a cafe in the middle of nowhere. People are very enterprising here! We had a cup of tea  or juice and their was an opt out if it was getting too difficult because apparently it got worse. I decided the 5 Kms was enough and got a lift to the next town where I waited with an icy cold beer.  We then went to look at some caves in some fairy chimneys.  On the way home we had a Turkish bath, which was sooooo relaxing!  We then went to a cultural night for dinner, meal, alcohol and entertainment. It was a very late night.