I am updating this on the day after our visit to Turkey as we sail toward Egypt. We are getting some warm and sunny weather. Turkey was a pretty fascinating place. So far, it is the most different place I have ever been.
We started our day by being greeted by our private driver and guide. Just Chris and I on this tour. As we travel to our first stop, about an hour we were educated on the customs, history and economy of Turkey. Our first stop was at the House of the Virgin Mary. This is where she lived out her final years high on a mountain top. It was very moving. We were advised not to drink from the natural holy water spring. I did soak my rosary that I have had since my first communion.
Next we went down the mountain to the ancient city of Ephusus. We spent 2.5 hours exploring the ruins have ever detail explained to us. Our guide was very good. After we left he asked to at least stop and look in a leather shop as a favor to him. It was very expensive. We were out in 3 min. We skipped a visit to another site because I wanted to see the city. So instead of returning to the ship we were dropped at the heart of Izmir….Konic Square.
We wondered the Kermeralti Bazaar. It was and experience for all the senses. NO BAD SMELLS other than the fresh fish. Chris almost shit his pants when the call to prayer came over the loud speakers. It was deafening.
So next it was time to find something to eat. We found this “restaurant” in the heat of the bazaar. No menu. In the his limited English the owner “took care of us” and I know we were going to be ripped off.
1. We started with all this just a taste free stuff
What we later found out was fermented HOT carrot juice.
A yogurt drink that was ok but I was afraid was not pasteurized.
A very fresh salad.
A taste of the meat that was skewer in the window.
2. I pointed to some pictures of what I wanted but no luck. I make plate for you. AND did he ever.
-The soulvaki like meat.
-Pita pizza which is the real way pita is served with meat and cheese and spices.
-Turkish meatballs with a special spice one the side delivered and spooned on our plates by a very attractive women.
-some bread
-fresh tomatoes, onions sweat cabbage.
3. Desert some soft cake with honey and a coffee caramel sauce over it very light.
4. Pepsi zero.
We did not even come close to finishing all the food. Finally it came time for the bill. No itemized list just number 42 TL. I checked my credit card today 29 American dollars. We ate like kings. I only had 20 Turkish lera left. I made the mistake of asking if he know how much a Takis would be to the port. Suddenly his English not so good. He did not understand asked for address. Chris took our his Turkish landing card(temp visa) and the 20 TL fell on the table he grabbed it and said oh for me thanks…..What the heel do you do? He did get us a body guard to walk us to the main square takis stand. So I guess the going rate for body gauds in Turkey in 11 American Dollars plus an ATM charge for another 20 TL. Always an adventure!!!!!!
Will be in Cairo Sun until Monday night out of touch until Tuesday.
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