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Turkey May 2005 - Troy, Cannakale and
Gallipoli
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We left Assos at midday, then headed for Troy. It was very interesting, and we had a great guide who really knew his subject. Troy has many different levels, and appears to have been populated by many cities over time. We got back on the bus and headed for Cannakale (pronounced approximately as Chun-UKullay). We arrived in late afternoon, and wandered round the town. Quite a prosperous looking town, and our hotel was right in the dock by the ferry stop (I assume the hotel is picked for location, because it really had no other redeeming feature!).
Gallipoli
We drove back to Istanbul that afternoon, and I left the tour then to head off to the Hyatt for the night - great room, and on the Club floor so free cocktail evening as well! The next day I went out, determined to find the Grand Bazaar this time. Managed it quite by accident after getting lost in the rain, and literally on the verge of giving up I tried to find a tram back to the hotel, and there was the Bazaar, right in front of me! Didn't buy anything, but it was great to see. Headed out to the airport (warning - this took two hours and cost 70 Lira, despite our guide saying 30 minutes and 25 Lira maximum - so be prepared!), then back to the UK. Had an interesting time in Turkey - the harassment levels are interesting, particularly compared to Egypt. In Egypt you get constantly harassed, but it's very good natured and they're generally always laughing, so I found it more relaxing. I found shopping quite difficult in Turkey, and didn't end up buying anything except one pashmina, as the bargaining style is very different to Egypt - no laughing, and little movement on price either!! But, other people were buying up in bulk, so they obviously like the prices and process. My highlights were Cappadocia, Assos, Termessos and Gallipoli.
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Dardanelles
We got the car ferry across the Dardanelles in the morning, and drove to Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and the Ataturk monument. Now, I know that all Turks adore Ataturk, and it is even mandated in the law that no Turk can say a word against him, however...I do find it a little disproportionate that they build an enormous monument to him at a site like this, where so many young men on both sides died, just because a bit of shrapnel bounced off his chest. Just seems a bit odd. He did go on to make the wonderfully touching declaration though (see first picture opposite), and revolutionise the country, so I suppose it could be considered a statue to that instead...
View from room in the Hyatt
Turkish bath in the Hyatt
Grand Bazaar
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