Turkey

Antakya
Our Turkish city of firsts. First Otogar (bus station), Servis, Doner Kebab, Efes, Turkish Breakfast (tomato, cucumber, olives, bread, salted cheese). Tidy little town in the grips of local elections. Surrounded by mountains and a stones throw from Syria.

Sanliurfa
The furtherest we ventured east. A traditional town, a throw back to Syria. Pilgrim town where Abraham hid from King Nimrod and Job lived in a cave waiting for God. The beautiful Golbasi. A garden comemorating Abraham's story where God turned the coals Nimrod put him on into fish and the fire into water. Butcher's street with carcasses hanging everywhere.

Gaziantap
One word Baklava !! The home of it and reputably the best in the world at Imam Cagdas. Interesting story of Antep's rebellion against colonisation. The impressive Mosaic Museum housing the mysterious Gypsy Girl. A pleasant cup of Tea in a converted Hamam, with Turkısh folk music in the background.

Kayseri
A cold spot wıth snow on the ground. Set against the backdrop of Mt Erciyes and home to Turkish Pastrami. A garlic tasting version at that. Our fırst taste of carpet sellers resulting in a tour around the Bazaar and Caravaniseri.

Goreme

Snow covered lunar landscape. Our very own cave for three nights. The distinct town of Goreme with numerous pension built in the rocks. A long tour to the main sights of Cappadocia. Derinkuyu the largest underground city, 8 stories and 55m under the ground. A small hike in the Ihlara valley a canyon like expanse. Lunch in the valley on the banks of the Melendiz Syu river. A leisurely day hiking the Rose and Red canyons, the names aptly describing the landscape. Finally the Goreme open air museum. A collection of Byzantine churches dug into the hills. Some with vivid frescoes.

Konya

Two words "Whirling Dervishes." The Islamic brotherhood of Mevlana, a brilliant student of Islamic Theology. A spiritual visit to his Masoleum (even for me). The cleanest Hotel in the Middle East at Ulusan Hotel. Toasted sandwiches for breakfast a tasty touch.

Antalya

Our first sight of the Mediteranean and what a backdrop with snow covered mountains hovering over the pebble beaches. Hotel Oscar and our Half Board experience. Eating way too much from the buffet. But making the most of the incredible array of Meze. Fanatastic excavations from Perge in the Antayla Museum. Including a large array of Sarcophogus and Greek God statues. A huge black cloud blocking the sun as we went for a dip in the cool waters. Expensive beers in the Roman Harbour and possible the worst boat trip in the world. Thankfully we aren't that gullible. Bitte Scheon as we wandered the manicured old town.