Around the world in 40 days but no Gallipoli

[Flying mermaid]

Then it was off to the restaurant for lunch.

 

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We ended up talking about the Silk route and our guide suggested going to a Caravanserai instead of another monastery. It has been partly rebuilt, but mainly authentic. It was very interesting.

We really loved our guide and had many interesting talks with him about politics. He is Muslim but very apprehensive about where the country is heading. If the President's people win a large no of seats in June, he will be able to run rough shod over the constitution. He also seems seriously corrupt and is trying to get his son and daughter elected - partly as protection over corruption charges. Such a shame as we loved the people in all parts we visited.

 

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We had booked at Elai for our final dinner - more fine dining than what we had had previously. We didn't make it to Argos as our hotel put us off, but I suspect a bit of professional rivalry might have been at play there.

 

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When we had arrived our hotel Manager had assured me that one match would light the fire. 3 Days later and 2 boxes of matches and no fire - fortunately we had a radiator in each room.. However I was determined to do it and so took the fire to pieces rebuilt it and finally success. It was really nice to go to sleep with glowing red embers.

Photos

I know I wasn't going to feed animals anymore, but who could resist this cat.

Our last night with fire

Fairy Chimney next to our apartment.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Next morning was the long drive to Kayseri and our last flight with Turkish Air - usual good service and food. The plane was very late (mainly due to traffic at Istanbul - we circled for ages.) Some passengers were really upset and left their seats and pretty much told the FA they had to land - I gather they were scared of missing connections. We had had the same fear, which is why I had decided to stay overnight and fly out the next morning. This vindicated that decision.

We were staying at the Tav airport hotel. Bit of a challenge to find and there is a shuttle bus, but it is only 5 minutes walk from the International terminal and only a bit longer from the Domestic. Easiest way to find it is to go down into the subway where the metro is - walk to the International terminal from the Domestic and there is also a sign to the Tav Hotel - it leads you to an exit where there are two moving walkways, as well as a ramp. Walk up and exit the subway. There is a carpark and steps up as well as a zig zag ramp. From the top of the stairs there is another TAV sign. Do not walk down the first road - it is a service road, leading to rubbish bins. Cross to the real road, turn right and walk down the road to the Hotel.

 

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We were flying to London with British Air - bad weather in London caused our flight to be late leaving and we were in fact an hour late getting in. (who said only Qantas had delayed flights!) .We landed at 12 instead of 11 and made our train at Euston by the skin of our teeth. Unfortunately it then ended up 1/2 hour late, so we missed the train from Oxenholme to Windermere. We phoned the car hire in Windermere and they were happy to wait for us and even picked us up from the station - we didn't get in until nearly 6pm. It was a short drive to Holbeck Ghyll hotel where we were staying and by this stage were so weary we just had a lovely room service meal and went to sleep.

Last photo is from the Virgin Trains Loo

 

[ellen10]

Wow your great journey continues!
Great effort in posting all the fabulous photos and comments.
Thank you for sharing.

 

[amaroo]

We really loved our guide and had many interesting talks with him about politics. He is Muslim but very apprehensive about where the country is heading. If the President's people win a large no of seats in June, he will be able to run rough shod over the constitution. He also seems seriously corrupt and is trying to get his son and daughter elected - partly as protection over corruption charges. Such a shame as we loved the people in all parts we visited.

Same theme with everyone we spoke with, although they were overwhelming younger turks. Turkey is almost the last good one standing (depending on your POV) in that region - it's surrounded by conflict and misery.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Same theme with everyone we spoke with, although they were overwhelming younger turks. Turkey is almost the last good one standing (depending on your POV) in that region - it's surrounded by conflict and misery.

Too true - such a shame that Erdogan is intent on changing the country.

 

[BD1959]

I've just stumbled across this TR.

Many thanks FM (and Mr FM!) for taking us along on your incredible trip and sharing such beautiful sights. I'm *so* looking forward to the next saga - I grew-up spending so much time in the Lakes (especially around the Duddon Valley) and I'm now really interested in how you find it ... especially after coming in from somewhere so culturally, environmentally and gastronomically different.

Again ... thank you so much for sharing.

Regards,

BD

 

[Flying mermaid]

I've just stumbled across this TR.

Many thanks FM (and Mr FM!) for taking us along on your incredible trip and sharing such beautiful sights. I'm *so* looking forward to the next saga - I grew-up spending so much time in the Lakes (especially around the Duddon Valley) and I'm now really interested in how you find it ... especially after coming in from somewhere so culturally, environmentally and gastronomically different.

Again ... thank you so much for sharing.

Regards,

BD

The short answer is we fell in love. I had heard how beautiful it was but thought it might be hype, but the reality exceeded the PR. Was a huge contrast in every direction though!

 

[BD1959]

The short answer is we fell in love. I had heard how beautiful it was but thought it might be hype, but the reality exceeded the PR. Was a huge contrast in every direction though!

Phew!! Now looking forward so much more to the Report ....

Regards,

BD

 

[Flying mermaid]

Our first day was quite wet. We walked around Ambleside, Rydal and Grasmere with a brief walk into White Moss wood. Very different countryside to Cappadocia but the mountains had a grandeur of their own, the lakes were stunning and of course the lush countryside with bluebells, snowdrops, buttercup and daffodils.

 

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Some of the beautiful flowers and scenery

 

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Holbeck Ghyll is an ex Hunting Lodge turned into a country Hotel. I suspect all the rooms are slightly different and it had a wonderful atmosphere with very friendly staff. The suites are a bit away from the main building and all slightly different as well. The first two nights we were in the Miss Potter suite (and apparently occupied by Renee Zellweger when she filmed the movie). View from windows shown.

 

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Our last night we had to move to the Mrs Tiggle Winkle suite - had an upstairs sitting room and while not quite as modern in bathroom etc as Miss Potter still had a chrm of its own and a great view as well.

 

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For our second night we ate at the hotel. Its restaurant had been a 1 Michelin star - they recently lost that, but the food was still good.

 

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the rest of the meal

 

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Next day was much brighter so back to White Moss wood - first up into the hills and then back down to walk to Grasmere.

 

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The sheep were great as well - so many colours - white with black faces, black lambs and brown and gray ones.