Hi- from Turkey-

I didn’t think I would do it. Even going to the boat this morning, I thought of ways out of going- but instead- got on board and off we went. It was a bit strange because they took your passport and kept it—that being a big caution light. They said it was for passport control and I would get it back on entry into Turkey. Well—that put a bit of an edge on the crossing. No problem—when we arrived—there it was—ensuring that I bought a visa to enter Turkey. 45€ which I already knew. So—off we went.
It was great that I got a chance to shop around a bit in Kos because some of the companies were charging 25€ each way. The tickets I have are that but return so I have a bit to spare on that to put towards the visa.
The coastline of Turkey is very harsh- but realized later on the bus that it is similar to southern California- you go over mountains and then there are the valleys which are very agricultural and beautiful-.



On narriving in Boudrum—I felt very silly. What a beautiful city—and very friendly and it just hit me in the face how silly my preconceived thoughts probably were—again. As in many of the cities in this area- at the mouth of the harbour is the fort/ castle. This is no exception and with the millions of flags flying everywhere, it is not hard to remember that you are in another country.



Also, in the background of the city on the side of the mountain, you can easily see the ancient theatre site– . This area was a very busy area in that time and if you remember your bible history, the guys traveled around this point many times instead of inland. So, the early church was big in this area.



I went directly to the bus center to arrange transport to Selcuk—pronounced Sell- chuck. There was a huge bus getting ready to leave for Izmir and I was told to get that one as far as Soke- which is the same as our Sooke—and then change busses to Kusadasi- then change again to Sulcuk. That sounds very complicated but there were people there all the way—telling me- now- get off and now- get on- and this bus and that direction. Felt like I was totally surrounded by helpers. They are very friendly which is what I have heard and it was wild seeing someone going with my duffle bag—towards a different bus to get me located properly. Very nice. I definitely want to go back and spend some time in Boudrum. In many ways it reminds me of Mexico city with the bus stations and mini busses and the general atmosphere. Also, the streets and community life- very similar.
Anyway- to make a long story shorter—got all the connections and now- I am in Selcuk. When I arrived- there was a guy passing out cards for Diana Pension—which I have seen on the internet and in the Lonely Planet guide. I took the card but went to the information place just to prove a point of not going for the first one. Anyway—they were of no help at all and I ended up going to the first place. I have a nice room—two single beds with about a 4 inch foam mattress—a private bathroom- and they will serve breakfast if wanted. Oh yes—I did not know that I am in a different currency as well. I am now dealing with the Turkish Lira—which is not far off the Canadian dollar—just to mix everything up. My room is 20 Lira- which I think I have figured out to be around 12CDN. So—had to get some money changed and now have to start thinking differently. Not ready for that yet.
So== I am about 2 km from the ruins of Ephesus and saw some of it from the road as I passed this afternoon. Plan to walk there tomorrow and see what is there—then, maybe the day after, move down to the sea port of Jusadasi- a bit bigger and where the hotels are what I have been looking at. Where I am is very nice—but I am not that keen on spending time right in someone else’s house. I might see it differently tomorrow- but I don’t think so.. The guy that met me first is very nice—and he has two brothers who also work here. They are nice as well. Actually, as we talked, I mentioned about a dentist to look at the tooth that broke off a few days ago in Kos. He said no problem—that one of his friends is a dentist and – well—later that afternoon, there I was sitting in a waiting room of a dentist in Turkey– . Now what do you do? Does the guy speak English?? It was soon my turn and in I went—sit in the chair- and yes- he spoke not bad English—looked at the tooth- and as I already knew, said it was in bad shape and squirted this stuff in that instantly numbed my mouth and pointed to the spit basin—no suction here- . Then we talked a bit and he said about it needing to be extracted and later that it would be just adding one more false tooth to my partial. I agreed but remembered that our dentist wanted to see it- possibly a crown which I don’t think is possible. Was asking him if it was ok to leave it till I got home and around he came with a needle—pointing my way. Hey—what is this?? So I asked him quickly what he was doing and he said it was to freeze for the extraction. WELL!!! I don’t think so. I froze- so to speak- and said that is not what I was wanting- during travel time—and finally got him to understand what I was there for and was it ok to wait for a month. No problem—so that was a very close call. In retrospect—probably should have let him do it—but then, when I got home, could just hear the dentist saying I made a mistake. So—the thing remains. No charge which was terrific.
Now that was just too close. It was nice to see the light of day again. Selcuk is famous for being close to Ephesus. There are some huge hotel complexes nearby and it is all based on that. Also being so close to the seaport. But there is one other thing that makes it famous—the storks. IN the center of the town, there are ruins of an ancient aquaduct- and on the top of each pillar- there are now nests of the storks that come back each year to nest. They are here right now and as I sat for supper—outside—overhead it was like to many movies we have seen- the huge birds with extensive wingspans—and strange noises. Sitting in each nest is a stork and it is just strange. Will get some pics tomorrow.
Next on my strange list—there was one thing I was considering in Turkey but assumed I would never have the intestinal fortitude to do. What is Turkey famous for? Besides delight? Turkish baths. They are called Hammens—and I did read about them– . Well, just after the dentist office—I walked a bit and there it was—and from what I read, I knew it was cheaper and more original here than any other place I would be. What do you do? After my near death experience—I decided to go for it. Wow– . It was incredible.
You go in- get changed—into a towel—then you are led into this room- a dome that has been going on for centuries—and you sit on a slab of marble. This guy comes along and throws a bucket of cool water on you and then leads you to lay back on the huge marble platform- which is heated from underneath—and steam filling the room as well. It is a dome and on the roof are multiple rows of openings letting light in making it very surreal. You lay there for maybe half an hour- almost asleep- and then in this guy comes- and tells you to hit the slab in the corner. It is the cleansing thing—and you get scrubbed with a brush- everywhere except where the towel is thank heaven– — then- you sit up- and buckets of water thrown on you. Sounds weird but it was very cool. Then, the soap—huge sleeves of soapsuds—all over you- head to toe—and massaged in. – oww—then the buckets again- then a cold shower- back on the marble slab- shower and out to the main area to sit- and rest – and dry off. It was incredible—not about to repeat- but a once in a lifetime gift—took that as my birthday gift to myself. So—cross that off the list. Next—check out the delight.
So—that is it for now. I am safe and sound- and very much enjoying Turkey. It is a beautiful country- terrific people and it seems much to discover. I will spend all my remaining time here I think before flying from Kos on the 18th back to Athens.
end