So Far...
Absolutely loving Turkey!
Turkey has been a very pleasant surprise for some of us as we not expecting to enjoy it 'quite so much' (well our wallets weren't anyway)! It truly is wonderful country and the people have been very welcoming and the scenery is amazing.
The change's in the landscape from day to day has been simply remarkable, not to mention the 'ever so tasty' food fare on constant offer (Turkish bread is just divine, arguably some of the best in the world). So with waist-bands increasing and wallets decreasing we make our way through this wonderful country and I think it is very fair to say that Turkey has been thoroughly enjoyed by all of us.
After leaving the bustling city of Istanbul (now with two brand new and very proud Auntie's amongst us ;-) and heading east, we visited the battlefields of Gallipoli where our respects were paid to the many British, NZ, Australian and Turkish soldiers who fought and lost their lives there in 1915.
Then it was off to the great Roman ruins of Ephesus and beach camping for a couple of nights, taking in Troy en-route.
We have started cooking on fire now that we are out of Europe so cook group has become 'just that little bit harder' with a couple of singed legs and a few blisters to show for our troubles while we are all getting used to it all (not to mention being covered in black soot from A--- end to Turkey ;-) as cooking on gas is a thing of the past unless we've no other option.
The weather is really cranking up now and it is being immensely enjoyed by all (isn't it Nick ;-), day after day of blue skies and 25-35 degree heat is the norm so far and apparently it's just going to get hotter.
Taking in a quick side visit to the white calcium-formed landscape of Pammukale we enter the wonderful region of Cappadocia where the scenery is amazing. With it's unique fairy chimneys, spectacular canyons, ancient caves and underground cities it is an incredible place to travel through.
Hot air ballooning over this amazing place at sunrise was a definite highlight for most and the rest of our free time here was quickly snapped up with Turkish Belly Dancing, carpet shopping and lounging by the pool.
But as much as we have loved it, it's time to move on and it's off to Armenia and Georgia we go, 4 bush camps in a row (that's free camping with no facilities) is on the agenda so it might be time to get the camp shower out for the first time...!
Until next time...
Absolutely loving Turkey!
Turkey has been a very pleasant surprise for some of us as we not expecting to enjoy it 'quite so much' (well our wallets weren't anyway)! It truly is wonderful country and the people have been very welcoming and the scenery is amazing.
 |
| View from the hostel roof top terrace in Istanbul |
 |
| Drinks in Istanbul. |
The change's in the landscape from day to day has been simply remarkable, not to mention the 'ever so tasty' food fare on constant offer (Turkish bread is just divine, arguably some of the best in the world). So with waist-bands increasing and wallets decreasing we make our way through this wonderful country and I think it is very fair to say that Turkey has been thoroughly enjoyed by all of us.
After leaving the bustling city of Istanbul (now with two brand new and very proud Auntie's amongst us ;-) and heading east, we visited the battlefields of Gallipoli where our respects were paid to the many British, NZ, Australian and Turkish soldiers who fought and lost their lives there in 1915.
Then it was off to the great Roman ruins of Ephesus and beach camping for a couple of nights, taking in Troy en-route.
 |
| Gallipoli |
 |
| Boomerang Cafe |
We have started cooking on fire now that we are out of Europe so cook group has become 'just that little bit harder' with a couple of singed legs and a few blisters to show for our troubles while we are all getting used to it all (not to mention being covered in black soot from A--- end to Turkey ;-) as cooking on gas is a thing of the past unless we've no other option.
The weather is really cranking up now and it is being immensely enjoyed by all (isn't it Nick ;-), day after day of blue skies and 25-35 degree heat is the norm so far and apparently it's just going to get hotter.
 |
| Bush camp |
 |
| Relaxing and lunching on fresh trout by the river! |
Taking in a quick side visit to the white calcium-formed landscape of Pammukale we enter the wonderful region of Cappadocia where the scenery is amazing. With it's unique fairy chimneys, spectacular canyons, ancient caves and underground cities it is an incredible place to travel through.
Hot air ballooning over this amazing place at sunrise was a definite highlight for most and the rest of our free time here was quickly snapped up with Turkish Belly Dancing, carpet shopping and lounging by the pool.
 |
| Cappadocia |
 |
| Ballooning in Cappadocia! |
 |
| On Yassar's roof top! |
But as much as we have loved it, it's time to move on and it's off to Armenia and Georgia we go, 4 bush camps in a row (that's free camping with no facilities) is on the agenda so it might be time to get the camp shower out for the first time...!
Until next time...
