During our breakfast which Angel had so carefully laid out for ourselves and the Dutch couple we met last night Vince was catching up on some emails whilst I was looking on booking.com for some accommodation options in Selcuk (todays destination). Our host, Iden, saw what I was doing and recommended a friend of his….Dervish, who owned Homeros Pension and Guesthouse for the same price we were paying here (120TL around 40 Euro). He made a call for us and before we knew it the phone was handed to Vince and he organised two nights, including secure parking for the ANIMAL.
We packed up and reluctantly said farewell….it was such a nice place…..a 17th Century Ottoman house in the old town that was used for the Camel Traders. We set off up to the cable car to the Acropolis but when we got there a local indicated to Vince that we could ride up instead. So we back tracked and took the other road that wound up the mountain….a bit steep but nothing the ANIMAL couldn’t handle. At the top we were inundated with market sellers but made our way through to get our tickets. Vince choose to purchase the 7 Day Turkish Museum pass for 75TL each (instead of 25TL each)….we then got some audio guides (10 TL each) but these proved to be of little use as after the first couple of stops we found that nothing matched…..there were few signs, the map didn’t match and this made it very difficult to really understand where we were and what we were looking at. That said…it was still a great thing to see….much larger than Troy….but far less organised. It was VERY hot and despite my hat and water…..we decided to stop at one of the shops for an ice cream and cool water. On the way through I was tempted by a silk scarf which I ended up purchasing for 25TL…..I think it will look nice over my black Hijab when I get to Iran….I have seen the same item elsewhere for 50TL and 75TL ….so I think I did well….and it fold up tiny and is light so will fit in my dry bag.
One of the older men gave us a carpet place brochure, which we took so as not to offend, and gave us a tiny Evil Eye each to keep us safe as we are travelling so far and through “dangerous places”. I will put it onto the ANIMAL along side the larger (keyring size) Evil Eye that was a gift from Fatih at the Emerald Hotel (for the same reason). This is apparently a Turkish tradition…..very sweet.
We set off for Selcuk on a 186km trip taking around 3 hours on the main highway. We had a little difficulty finding our hotel as the GPS took us up a very steep road….but Vince circled around the block and we took a downward approach which was better. Our host, Dervish, was soon at the door welcoming us and told us we were to feel at home and be part of the family….if we weren’t happy we need not pay! The room was small but totally charming and eclectic…we loved it!
We showered and freshened up and then accepted his offer of a welcome drink on the rooftop bar of pomegranete tea….delicious! We then took a walk into town and had a cool drink. We walked past some local shops and there was an artist out front doing hand painted pottery….she invited us to come and have a look in her shop ….”no need to buy” but we said we could come back another time.
Some other high pressure people tried to sell us things and coerce us into their shops but we managed to politely avoid this. Back at our pension we had dinner at the roof top bar (25TL each) and it was unusual….no menu was given nor order taken, we were just presented with a series of small offerings including….bread…..soup…..assorted vegetable dishes (zucchini and green beans)….grilled chicken on rice….and fresh fruit platter….all brought out as separate courses.
We had an early night as we were pretty tired from the heat of the day…..Turkey is HOT!
