Turkey - August 5th - 14th

Turkey - With Fez Tours 'On the Go'

Turkey was a great place to travel and the hotels where we stayed were excellent, many with pools and hot mud spas!!! Found out there were bombings a week after we left - so pretty lucky!!!! Don't let the bad press deter you... It is truly a remarkable place. With so much history, amazing scenary, roman ruins, and the people are so friendly.

Our tour was with Fez Tours 'On the Go' and it was definately on the go. Not much free time and many long bus trips but we saw amazing things. Went on the tour with Amber, Damo, Ellie (room mate), Rachel & Sharon.

Istanbul
The tour began in Istanbul, spent the night in a hotel located in the heart of the old city, Sultanahmet. Toured the exotic city that spans both Europe and Asia (2 continents) visiting the Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya, Topkapi Palace, the Cistern and the Hippodrome. During the tour of the Blue Mosque, we found out interesting facts about the Muslim religion. Had to cover up in the mosque and we were all sweating profusely as it was extremely hot and the tour guy went on and on. Everyone also have to take there shoes off - get the drift!!!!!! Good sight but unpleasant conditions......

Met the local party organiser of istanbul!!!! Had a few drinks at one of his family restaurants and learnt all about the Turkish culture - marriage, virgins, men & sex, women, etc....!!!! Some things unpleasant on the ears but true none the less. Will fill you in over a beer some time, but some of the stories are not for the blog!!!



Gallipoli
An absolute highlight and something that will stay with me forever was the Gallipoli battlefields. This was one of the most emotionally touching places in Turkey, and now ANZAC day will mean so much more to me.






We visited the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli with the Lone Pine, ANZAC Cove, and the Kaba Tepe Gallipoli Museum a highlight.






Troy, Acropolis of Pergamum
Stepped back in time for the most part of the trip. We visited Troy, home of the famed Trojan Horse. Then we toured the magnificent acropolis of Pergamum. Its impressive temples, library and medical facilities made Pergamum a renowned cultural and political centre in its time. After this we watched a leather fashion show, which starred Damo in a wig, and Ellie in a hot leather jacket. We then had to see the leather goods display that followed (not very exciting and over priced)!!

Ephesus
Arrived in Kusadasi to discover more history with a guided tour of Ephesus. The atmosphere of the city was great. We could visualise the historical events and viewed the stadium where chariot and horse races were once held.




Turkish Carpets
Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey. At the carpet village we learnt how the carpets are made by hand and what determines their value.
This was facinating to see!!! We viewed the makings of the carpets, starting with the Silk worm (for silk rugs of course)!!! The women work hard and their skill is apparently genetically determined!!! 1 large rug can take up to a year to finish. We also now know how to tell a handmade rug from machine made!!!

Stayed overnight in Pamukkale, which has magnificent white calcium formations. I was about to venture to the Cappadocia region when that night I heard the most tragic news of my life. My sister's husband and my dear friend Ricky Thompson was killed tragically in a car accident. I stayed one more night in Pamukkale at 'Mustafa's Pension' - Mustafa and his family looked after me so well and he drove me to the airport, where I flew to Istanbul and then back to Melbourne to spend time with my family, and support my sister and my neice and nephew!!! They have all been so brave and strong!! Rest in Peace Rick - You will never be forgotten!

A Memorial website for Ricky Thompson was created by Melanie Thompson.
You can visit the site by going to http://Ricky-Thompson.virtual-memorials.com
At this site, you can read about Ricky Thompson, post a greeting, share in the guestbook, view a photo album and more.

Picture of the cave houses found in the Cappadocia region