Marmaris, Turkey and the Warmth of the Sun

Marmaris, Turkey is such a great surprise to us.  The sun was out and warming us to the bone.  It was actually hot.  But we loved it. 

It is a port town, with a populations of about 30,000.  It was founded in the 6th century BC.

 It's harbour is incredible with rows upon rows of white sails.  Yachts and more yachts.

We followed the pier which brought us almost to the door of the Marmaris Castle.

On our travels, we met 'Granny' a hardcore sales woman who's grip on my arm (to shop in her store) was impressive.

English was widely spoken.  Friendly, non-intrusive store owners.  We purchased pillow covers (at a carpet store) and yes....more dishes....because we don't have quite enough yet.

Our view from the cafe at lunch.

Lord Nelson sheltered here in this harbour on his way to Egypt to defeat Napoleon in 1798.

And here we are casually enjoying a pizza centuries later.

By view from the ship while I lied on my deck chair. 

The Marmaris Castle was rebuilt in 1522 and now coverted into a museum.

A huge earthquake hit this beautiful town and destroyed the Old City, now rebuilt.

The harbour at Marmaris can hold over 700 yachts.

Locals playing backgammon.  Very popular.

A Day in Kusadasi, Turkey

I hope everyone is hanging in there with regards to my Blog.  We have had a great struggle trying to find strong wifi to download my pictures to my Blog.  Without pictures, it would just be me chatting away.  We are sitting at a Starbucks on the island of Crete, Greece and trying to catch up.

We spent a day in Kusadasi a few days ago.  Started off with rain, but turned out not too bad, and great for walking.

Kusadasi is a resort town on Turkey's Aegean coast.  Founded in 3000 BC.  In the early years of Christianity, St. John the Evangelist and Virgin Mary came to live in this area.  This is the jumping off point for Ephesus and the Virgin Mary's last home.  Cleopatra walked the streets of Ephesus in her era.

We visited these sites last visit and they are impressive.  Highly recommend by us if you get the chance.

Later the Port town was a haven for pirates.

From 1919-1922 was occupied by Italy.  Then Greek troops.  Followed by Turkish troops who won control in September 1922.

Below is a castle that is over 500 years old.  It is now a luxury hotel.

Each Turkish town we have visited has their own Grand Bazaar.  Many, many, stores and lots of fellows wanting you to buy, buy, buy.

On our way to Pigeon Island in the background.  It was not opened, but a great walk along the pier with wondrous views and the exhilarating salty ocean air.

Purchasing hand knit socks from a local lady.  We love to meet these individuals who are very gracious even if you don't buy their goods.  But we often do.  Two pairs of hand knit socks for 5 euros.

A sneak picture of a women working on a carpet.

Many of the stores in the Grand Bazaar are knock-off designer items.  Bags, shoes, clothes.

Many streets of the Grand Bazaar.

Debbie walking the narrow path around the fortress on Pigeon Island.  Our ship, The Rotterdam, in the back ground.

View of Kusadasi from the pier.

Pigeon Island which was also a fortress for pirates.

The statue on top of the hill, is the first president.  The ships crew refer to him as 'Batman' because of the cape he wears.

This is the same fishing boat that is pictured before, but filled with fish.  You can tell by the birds.

Istanbul and The Spice Market

Deb and I are sitting at a Starbucks Coffee House, on the Golden Horn pier, across the river from the Istanbul Spice Market, listening to the 'call to prayer' over head?  Incredibly surreal.

Internet is still difficult to find and this blog entry will not have all the information I would like to share, but it does have pictures of our day here.

Below is a mosque that Deb and I went in.  Heads covered, shoes off, quietly, softly stepping into the beautiful glow of the mosque.  Pictures are allowed, but not during prayer.

As we were about to step into the famous Spice Market, my belly is full of butterflies.  

It is an entirely different world here and I am a nervous ninny.

Big girl panties on and off we got to wander the many alley ways with goodies to purchase.

The colours, the people, the clothing of all different religious citizens of Istanbul all stimulate the senses.

Overload, but exhilarating at the same time.

We actually ran into a couple we met on the ship, who I watched World War Z with last night in the ships theatre.  They are from Newcastle, England and what a great couple.

There we were laughing and relaxing in the middle of the chaos that is the market.

It took us about 30 minutes to walk from the Cruise ship terminal to the New Mosque across the Galata Bridge....I hope the spelling is correct....can't check it on the Internet.

The bridge is lined with 100's of fishermen.  In the pouring rain, it does not deter them.

We are heading back to the ship.  Proud of myself that I made it out and about even though I am nervous.  Debbie is my strength when I don't think I can do it.

A wee Moslem family strolling near the mosque.

Just an ordinary day in Istanbul.