Postcards

Knud and David getting ready for the big city of Istanbul



Breakfast spread

Backgammon in the street

Gallipoli

Gallipoli has been a place I have wanted to visit for many years. Grandfather Eric Wooster served here, Ambulance, then latter France Belgium.
A guided tour by far the best way to see the place and our guide fantastic. A wonderful in depth knowledge and balanced tour.
We began by crossing over the Dardanelles to the peninsular
a breezy day

Known by the ANZAC'S as Brighton Beach, this was where they were supposed to land.

British ended up putting Australians and New Zealanders ashore at what is now known as ANZAC Cove, very steep terrain, cliffs.

on ANZAC Cove

Lone Pine

remains of trenches

Landing 25April 1915 ,after hundreds of thousands wounded and killed on both sides a tactical retreat completed Dec 1915 , total waste of human life.

Postcards

Assos and Troy

Dragged ourselves away from our gorgeous hotel and up the hill to visit the ruins of Assos. Dating from 10th century BC . Usual chequered and colourful history, Aristotle, Xenocrates St Paul among some of the notable visitors.
Lyn

Team duster next to some of the remains of the Athena Temple

[image_2 Model of what it would have looked like


Leaving Assos we passed this beautiful Ottoman bridge

Next stop Troy. Short hours drive, excellent new road, not too many examples of bizarre Turkish driving.

Would the horse have looked like this. Some controversy over the story, but why would Homer make it up.

This shows all the different layers of civilisations

Excavations

Finally back on air

Blog decided to go AWOL, more unladylike behaviour followed, now after 24 hours back on track.
So to continue on our fabulous day yesterday, not that every day hasn't been fabulous. We left the lovely town of B and made our way over a few more hills, mountains trying to stick to the quieter roads Turkish drivers are crazy. Lane markings , speed signs are mere suggestions. There have been a number of heart in mouth moments, Knuds excellent driving has kept us safe and Davids calm and expert navigation has kept us on the right track. Lyn and I supplement the duo with sharp intakes of breath, little squeals and squeaks and the occasional obscenity.
Much of Turkey is rural, but the nearer we headed to Istanbul the more built up, tacky and depressing it got. We were happiest in the rural areas.
Our hotel Monday night was in a dear little hamlet called Behramkale, at the foot of Assos, our hotel Assosyal. What a find this was, a real arty farty place, lots of quirky sculptures, eclectic arrangements of things, just my sort of place. Following are some of the treasures.


What to do with those spare corks



Our artistic arrangement with wine, fresh figs, olives









The OTT dining table where we ate dinner.

Test

Steps at hotel

Part 2 28th September

Well after an amazing explore of Pergamon we headed down the hill to check out Bergama.

What a great idea, seats that fold up automatically , would be a good idea in a place with lots of rain









Do love the carpet shops but have to be so careful not to make eye contact.

This gorgeous door dates from 1600's

donkey saddle bags

Part 2 28th September

Well after an amazing explore of Pergamon we headed down the hill to check out Bergama.

What a great idea, seats that fold up automatically , would be a good idea in a place with lots of rain









Do love the carpet shops but have to be so careful not to make eye contact.

This gorgeous door dates from 1600's

donkey saddle bags

Another Great Day part 1

A wonderful stay at Kozbeyli Hotel, fantastic bed and room , gorgeous staff, amazing food.
What a breakfast

We set off along the coast then turned inland to Bergama, Pergamon ruins nearby, could we handle more, oh well may as well we are here after all. Oh wow so glad we did. Amazing. Dating from 5th century, BC, crowds not here so that was even better