* Pictures noted are bottom to top - After a long 8+ hour bus ride from Coppadocia we finally arrived at the Antayla bus terminal at 6 pm. The scenery along the way started with high plateaus and wide open flat form lands filled with fields of grains and potatoes. We moved into rolling hills similar to the foothills of the Sierras in California and then for several hours pine forested mountains of grey rock. As we got closer to Antayla we descended into dramatic views of the approaching sea.
Once in town we hired a taxi to take us to our hotel since we didn't know where it was located. With our driver's help we soon found out it was down a number of very narrow winding streets in the heart of Kaleici (old town). After checking into our room we went to a light dinner, then came back to unwind and get some sleep.
The next day we enjoyed sunny skies and perfect temperatures (warm but not scorching hot) as we walked to the Yacht Harbor in old town (picture 1) and then on to the Antalya Archaeological Museum home to finds of all the major ancient regional sites including those from the city of Perge and Lycian sites along the Turquoise Coast. Needless to say the collections of statuary (picture 2), sarcophagi (picture 3) and artifacts was quite impressive.
After the Museum we took the trolley to Hadrian's Gate (picture 4), western point of entry to old town. We strolled along the streets back to our hotel where we worked on our upcoming trip to the Middle East, caught up on emails, and relaxed. We reserved a corner table on the water at a nearby restaurant for dinner. The sight of harbor at night made for a magical evening in spite of the lackluster food of lamb casserole and the usual selection of mesas.
Next day with our new rental car we fought through the traffic in the streets to find our way to Aspendos about 30 minutes out of town. Another amazing ancient city site that included a well preserved theater (20,000 capacity - still used for concerts) first built in 161-181 AD (picture 5). After exploring the whole site including the basilica (picture 6), aqueduct (picture 7), temple, etc. we stopped to have a bite to eat and fresh squeezed pomegranate juice at a road side restaurant in the next town before returning to the old town in Antalya. Since it was at the end of the day the traffic was crazier than usual which made our attempt to return to the hotel a little tricky. In spite of a few wrong turns we finally ended up back safe and sound if not a little weary from the effort.
For dinner we went to a lovely wine bar restaurant/hotel where we enjoyed a surprisingly delicious meal of pesto tagliatelle and curry chicken which was a welcome change to the usual Turkish fare we had been eating. The cool night air was wonderful as we took our time walking back to the hotel to relax and sleep.
In the morning after breakfast we took a walk around old town and ended up in the harbor. After being hounded by all the boat hawkers we found the best deal for a one hour cruise. The boat wasn't crowded and we had a great seat in the front where we could enjoy the sea air and harbor island sights (picture 8). The blue water, warm sun, and cool breezes were just intoxicating.
When we returned to the harbor we went back to the hotel to change into our bathing suits. We walked over to the private beach where we rented lounge chairs and an umbrella on the rocks near the crystal blue water (picture 9). What an idyllic setting. We stayed there all afternoon enjoying the cool water (picture 10), fresh sea air and toasty sun. Though we hated to leave we went back to the hotel to freshen up, do some travel work, and read. We returned to the wine bar/restaurant for another delicious meal then relaxed and called it a night.
Next morning we were packed and ready for a full day's drive to our next stop, Finike, Turkey on the Turquoise Coast.
No comments:
Post a Comment