Just arrived in Mersin which is on the Mediterranean. So we have travelled south east from Istanbul to the Cappadocia region. Today we headed due south from the town of Goreme. South of Goreme there is similar topography with similar craved rock dwellings. The further south we went there was a notable change to the type of dwellings dug into hillsides.
Most of these seemed to be abandoned and falling into disrepair.
You would be mistaken if you thought that the inhabited homes are hovels - most are not. Think Coober Pedy in Australia where the underground homes can be very comfortable and swish.
Today's journey took us from the Anatolian Plateau into the Taurus Mountain range. Most of the peaks are still covered in snow. The mountain pass road is first class, as good as anything I experienced in Europe, and once again much of the mountain terrain reminded me of Austria.
Most of these seemed to be abandoned and falling into disrepair.
You would be mistaken if you thought that the inhabited homes are hovels - most are not. Think Coober Pedy in Australia where the underground homes can be very comfortable and swish.
Today's journey took us from the Anatolian Plateau into the Taurus Mountain range. Most of the peaks are still covered in snow. The mountain pass road is first class, as good as anything I experienced in Europe, and once again much of the mountain terrain reminded me of Austria.
We rode through a couple of small towns where the buildings are painted in brighter than usual colours. One mosque minaret is painted in a green and yellow stripe which reminded me of a barley sugar twist. I thought that was unusual being the first one decorated in that manner.
This Taurus mountain range is extensive and ends near the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers in the east - that's where we are headed. The highest peak is 3,756 metres high - not as high as the Andes Peaks I rode across at 7,000 metres but spectacular nevertheless.
Once over the mountain range we where into prime agricultural land with thousands of acres covered in orchards and vines.
The city of Mersin is a port city. Not the most attractive Turkish city we have visited and the waterfront was a disappointment.
The city of Mersin is a port city. Not the most attractive Turkish city we have visited and the waterfront was a disappointment.
Walking around the city there were plenty of markets stalls and places to eat. The food smells great cooked with plenty of flavour. Jim decided to have a snack before his evening meal. Seven plates all for the princely sum of twenty four Turkish Lira which is about twelve Australian dollars. The price of accommodation and food drops dramatically away from tourist 'hotspots'.
Oh no it doesn't stop there he had Turkish Delight for desert - a half kilo box which cost just short of three dollars.
OK it is time to confess - I helped him - well I wouldn't be much of a friend if I didn't.
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