Pat

Retired. Have time for the things I love: travel, my cat, reading, good food, travel, genealogy, walking, and of course travel.

Gaziantep

Into Earthquake Country

25 September 2023

Another long drive with views improved by the towering Taurus Mountains. Turkey is a mountainous country and the Taurus Mountains curve 350 miles through southern Turkey separating the Mediterranean coast from the central Anatolian Plateau.

It extends all the way to the Euphrates and Tigris rivers. Turkey’s highest peak is Mount Ararat in the east at 16,854’; peaks in the Taurus range are as high as 13,504. Snow skiing is a popular sport.

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By Pat, ago

Cappadocia or Kapadokya?

Fairy Chimneys or Penises?

23-24 September 2023

The whole of Asia Minor is built on ancient, fascinating rocks. Those of the Cappadocia region of Turkey are especially so. After a very long day on good roads, I arrive in Mustafapasa, a major city of Cappadocia. I am surrounded by a unique landscape of caves, carved domiciles, and “fairy” images. My lodging for the next three nights is the Old Greek House, a massive stone structure built in 1879.

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By Pat, ago

A Change in Geology

22 September 2023

Today is “a long scenic drive”. In tour terms, this means prepare for over 300 miles in a van. There can be varying degrees of discomfort. Usually there are stops ever 2 hours. Thankfully, there is always a Magnum ice cream bar involved.

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By Pat, ago

Antalya, Turkey

20-21 September 2023

Hadrian’s Gate to historic Antalya

Antalya is a charming city sitting above a gorgeous blue bay. It loses some of its charm because of its size and bustle, but once I pass through Hadrian’s Gate into the old quarter, life is really good. There is much to occupy a couple days and still avoid a beach and the Starbucks and McDonalds.

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By Pat, ago

Sailing the Aegean Coast

18-19 September 2023

Ancient City of Kaunos

A relaxing morning finds us sailing south along the Anatolian coast to a strip of beach at Iztuzu. Caretta sea turtles come here to lay their eggs, thus the name Turtle Beach. Turtles are currently absent.

Here, also, is the mouth of the Dalyan Stream. We change boats to travel upstream weaving a meandering path northeast through the delta. The delta banks are thick with reeds, enough to hide a thousand babies. There is the occasional resort, many summer homes, and dockside restaurants. Mountains rise in the distance. I note a noticeable lack of bird life.

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By Pat, ago