Friday, March 5, 2010

Olympos




The Turkish mecca for dirty, backpacking hippies. Everyone told us about how great this place was, and how fabulous the Tree Houses were. First, the were not tree houses. They were wooden shacks on stilts. Don't get me wrong, tt was cool, but it wasn't a highlight of the trip. Plus the water was a little dirty. And did I mention the stones on the beach were so hot they could fry an egg?

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Cruising the Med














4 days and 3 nights of pure bliss. Living on a boat is THE SHIT! I can see why Jay-Z and Diddy are all into it.

We met some great people (The Hummel Family from San Diego. So COOL!). Definitely the highlight of our travels in Turkey. Couldn't help throwing in that last picture of Vernie getting down at an island bar. CLASSIC!

Doesn't this place belong in Indiana Jones?

We were in Fethiye for half a day and a night because our wooden gulet (turkish yacht) trip was leaving from here he next day. This ancient tomb is one of the most appealing attractions, and after checking into our hostel we went off to have lunch and see THE sight. After by-passing all of the tourist restaurants (because we were sick of eating with all the other whites) we came into the part of town where actual Turkish people live and work. We spotted a local joint that appeared to be a simple, greasy diner, and went in. The food was sitting in dishes underneath a Luby's style display window and we ordered what the owner told us was good. After sitting down Veronica and I talk about how we might have made a mistake since none of the dishes had prices next to them. I laugh and say, "There is no way this meal is going to be more than 15 Lira." Get up to pay and he tells us it is 30 Lira. I contemplate whether I should pay him or just hit him straight in the mouth as this is outright robbery. Common sense prevails, we pay, and then walk over to the tombs. At this point I am furious to have paid that much money for greasy food. I actually figure out that it is the 2nd most expensive meal we have had in Turkey to date! (The first was in Istanbul at a fabulous, historical restaurant.) Furious isn't even the right word, I am livid. We are walking over and I think I mention that I want to go back and defecate on his doorstep for ripping us off. Veronica is not happy with my attitude. But I can't get over it.

We arrive at the tomb. At the steps there is a ticket booth. A girl tells us it will be 10 Lira to go up.
"Isn't it supposed to be 5 Lira?"
Girl "It went up."
Me "Do we get to go inside the tomb?"
Girl "No."

I think you can imagine what I said next. And yeah, we didn't go up to the tomb.

It's funny, this had to be one of the only times I was really mad during our travels. 6 months later and it still evokes fury to think about. At least I can laugh about that meal now.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Cappadocia





















One of the coolest places we visited in Turkey was the little town of Goreme. Located in the Cappadocia region, this area is known for it's fairy chimneys, which are these crazy rock formations that were formed from a volcanic eruption sculpted by desert winds. Almost 2,000 years ago the rocks were very soft and the early Christian inhabitants could hollow out the inside of the chimneys to create homes. Big fans of this place, especially the churches, which had phenomenal art on the walls.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

The Bull, Part Deaux
















At long last, I am attempting to finish the blog and posting all the pictures. Good times!