Back to Istanbul

We take a ferry a Bandirma for Istanbul. We squeeze into first class and we have the most pleasant crossing, thinking that we are cutting some serious traveling time. Once in Istanbul it took us forever to find the hotel because the access were close to traffic. Thanks to the kindness of a stranger we finally made it. We go back to our favorite first night restaurant, and we start our ritual shopping. Next day we continue at the bazaar, it is not overwhelming and a very pleasant experience even for someone who doesn't like to shop. We don't want to miss the archaeological museum and we encounter the president of Turkey doing his little visit too! What a unpretentious world! We take a walk of the Bosphorous and group of kids were jumping in the water, a young photographer were taking pictures of them and also of M and O without asking anyone permission. We have dinner in Bebek (the Soho of Istanbul), with all the beautiful people and overpriced menu. That's Istanbul too. We missed our plane because we realize half way we go in the wrong airport, however we have to drop the rental car...oh well it means another night in Istanbul staying in the Asian side. We have dinner overlooking the Marmara sea, how bad can it be!

Canakkale - Troy's neighbours

We stop there just to take our excursion to Tray, we have a great deal on the newly renovated hotel across the boardwalk. There is a Troy horse donated by Hollywood that they use for the movie, apparently with more resemblance with the original one that the one is on the actual site! There was an important battle fought here " The battle of Gallopoli" where Ataturk show his talent as a military conductor and eventually as the father of the nation. Next day we visit Troy, and you revisit your hours in school talking about Troy! The ruins are not impressive but the memory and the legend of it is. The different layers of the city are recognizable and it is a pleasant walk.

Assos

The driving to Assos is interesting, a narrow road overlooking the sea, it is quaint, secluded, peaceful. Our hotel is a bit resortish but the tourists are locals which makes the experience authentic. Next day we enjoy the peaceful rocky beach with extremely transparent water even if a bit chilly, it is a good place to relax! Ask the kids

Ayvalik

We find an accommodation in the little hotel run by German-Turkish family in the island of Cunda. We have the most delicious dinner on a pier, where they were able to protect us for the evening wind. Next day we explore the beach and we drive to the top of the hill to an incredible view of the Aegean sea and the little mythological islands.

Selcuk -Ephese

Ok now we are in the Romans ruins mood! You can't avoid Ephese. We find an hotel a Selcuk with a great view of the castle. It is a third floor with no elevator but we get a great semi-private terrace and a small pool. Next day we are extremely lucky with the weather, it is sunny but windy so our visit of the ruins is actually pleasant. Besides the clearly impressed Roman ruins, we see a group of South African women dressed in the most colorful and beautiful dress that attracted the attention as much as the ruins. For the kids the major attraction were the cats, we counted 18 Romans cats.

Pamukkale - the white

We drive inline to see the limestone basins of Pamukkale, it is impressive and pretty crowded but then we start walking way toward the other reconstructed basins and frankly as beautiful and much more enjoyable as the crowd was evaporating. On the other side of the basins there are interesting Roman ruins that we visited in the comfort of our swimming suite. It is a pleasant walk from pool to pool you take a little dip and avoid the midday heat. On the other side of the walk there are interesting Romans ruins. Oh these Romans knew where to settle! On the way back it is 2 p.m. it gets hot and we have an enjoyable lunch in the shade of the tree.

Fethiye

We had heard about this little touristic town, he had a pleasant board walk and choices of restaurants but it was enough to spend an evening