We left Cappadocia early and were well on our way into the five hour drive to Konya when we stopped at a Caravanserai. These were spaced across the country every 40K (the distance that one camel can make without stopping). Inside was rooms for travelers and their camels. Caravaners could stay for 3 days for free and they could sell their wears to the town folk before they moved on to the next Caravanserai. The photo is of the mosque that was suspended above the ground level for cleanliness.
From there we all piled back in the van and were off to Konya. When we got there we stopped at the Mevlana Museum. We first learned about him when we went to the Whirling Dirvish show. The museum is part mosque and mausoleum as well as explanation on the process of becoming Dirvishs. His seven principles are really inspiring although right now we seem to be over using #1 "In generosity and helping others, be like a river." particularly when the bill for lunch arrives.
Speaking of lunch, we then had lunch just outside the museum. More turkish pizza but at least this time I split with a fellow tour traveller. Much less waste!
We then headed to Çatalhöyük, an archeological site that had over 8,800 year old civilization. They build on top of previous civilization and one of the most interesting aspects is that they buried their dead under the floors of their homes. There were also no doors so it appears that people came into their homes from the roof.
From there we headed to a tiny village in Konya. We were staying with a local family and it was AWESOME! The food was the best we have had so far and the bed was spectacular after the lumpiness of my previous beds.
The father of the family (and as it turns out the sheriff of the town) took us around the town showing us interesting things, including his local mosque. When it started to pour rain, we ducked into a local shop and they brought us chairs and poured us Coke to wait out the rain. I guess it helps to be in with the cops!
We headed out early for Antalya through the mountain range (read car sickness), the views were absolutely amazing with the mountains and trees. A beautiful (if not also nauseating) ride though the countryside of Turkey. Before we arrived in Antalya we stopped for lunch at this roadside place and I had bean salad. It was so good, it had sesame paste, olive oil, eggs, and beans... sounds rich, and it was, but it was also delicious!
We then arrived in Antalya and we had free time!! Some of us stuck together and we did a circuit of the main sights with some beautiful ocean views and headed down to the coast and we all shared some Turkish white wine and the beautiful sunset view. It is so beautiful here it's painful... the photos do not do the view justice.
We decided to head back and go our for dinner at 8pm. We wanted around and decided on a place. I have to admit that I needed a break from Turkish food. So I had an salad and pasta. It was a nice break (but not a great attempt at Italian food!)
We then went out with Mete, our tour leader to cheer on Galatasarai, his football team is playing a Belgium team tonight. I left at half-time and it was still 0-0 but from the cheers outside I think it is going well.
Speaking of well, I've officially well. Still a cough here and there but all in all I'm feeling fantastic!
**Note there will be no blog post tomorrow as I'll be spending the night on a boat! My flippy-floppies are ready!**
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