Sky Cave & Arykanda

 Scrambling up the hillside outside Finike looking for the Sky Cave. We found this walk on a website - it all sounded so easy to find!

 Er.... still looking for the Sky Cave! Good view across the bay though and it was a nice day for a walk.

 Found it!!! It was big enough to find - why did it take us so long? Well we found the non existent metal pole on the road side opposite the sandy cove that wasn't sandy. We then followed the black arrows and red crosses that weren't really there and, somehow, came across this huge cave. There is a pool in that black space and apparently divers have been down to 120 metres but haven't found the bottom.

Arykanda

(Sorry more ancient ruins!)

 This site is up in the mountains about 30 minute drive out of Finike. We have been twice now - once with Alison who lives in Finike and then we took Frank and Lin.

It is Lycian and Roman in origin and it is interesting to see the two styles side by side. The Lycian walls are made of irregular shaped blocks but fit together perfectly like a jigsaw. The Roman walls are built of very regular rectangular blocks.

 Both times we were the only people there so it was great to be able to just wander around as we wanted. However, maybe I shouldn't have ended up balancing along a narrow wall looking for a way down!

 The view through the arched window out of the gymnasium.

 An enormous site with a lot to see. This is above the gymnasium.

 The view out from the theatre.

 A local resident found wandering around. There is a sheer drop onto rocks in front of him so I picked him up and set him off in the other direction. He was not happy! (How do you know if a tortoise is not happy I hear you ask - well he hissed at me and then stormed off at quite a pace)

 Beautiful mosaics being uncovered.

Back in the Snug in the marina for a French potluck supper and "the band" entertained us. Paul and Dave on guitar, Dave (there are lots of Daves in the marina) on bass, Mike (who you can't actually see) on harmonica and Mary singing.

Trip to Elmali

 The view from the top of town looking over the rooves of the old houses to the snow covered mountains.

 Drinking water fountain in an old tree - lovely fresh spring water from the mountains.

 The old style of house which was covered with wattle and daub using mud / manure and straw

 As we were walking around the old part of town we came across a group of about 20 men having lunch in the street. As they were praying when we got there, we walked quickly and quietly so as not to disturb them. One man then followed us and in Turkish and sign language was very insistent that we go back and join them. Being a bit unsure at first the seven of us, including 3 women, kept walking but then thought "why not?" As soon as we sat down this huge array of food appeared on our table with chicken soup, lamb/goat casserole, rice, bread and a delicious semolina pudding. They would not accept any payment, just wanted to ensure we had had enough food. How wonderful!

 A basket of wooden sandals by the fountain outside the mosque

The main purpose of the trip, organised by the marina, was to visit the Lykia winery.

Pamukkale

 Trip to Pamukkale

A very strange place - difficult to descibe but a bit like being on another planet!

Tectonic movements caused the emergence of a number of hot springs and it is this water with its high mineral content, chalk in particular, that has created this natural wonder.

Pamukkale means "Cotton castle" - an apt name for this place.

 You get some idea of scale of the place by the black specks in the centre that are people. Note the clouds of steam from the warm water on a cold day.

 The water flows through pools creating terraces and stalactites.

 You are not allowed to wear shoes on the terraces but the water is warm and the surface is not slippery.

 Stopping off on our way down to warm up our feet!

View back up the "travertines" from the town

Two examples of the beautiful Turkish tile plaques seen all around the hotel.

 The theatre at Hierapolis - a large ancient site above Pamukkale

Playing backgammon in the reception area of Hotel Venus - a very traditional Turkish hotel with wonderful fabrics, carpets, tiles and coloured glass lights.

Finike

Back in Finike - orange season in the town. Apparently Finike oranges are the best in the world! They are certainly very sweet and very juicy.

 Coffee stop at Zirve cafe above Finike on our way to the market. A long climb up the steps out of town but worth it for the view from the top. Note - still snow on the mountains in the background.

 Chinese New Year in the "Snug" at the marina. Everyone took along an Asian dish to share - great evening - lots of food!

Trip to Demre and Myra

We hired a car and drove out to Demre - about 30 minutes drive from the marina.

 Statue of St Nicholas (Santa Claus) outside his church in Demre

 Lycian rock tombs at Myra

 In the amphitheatre next to the rock tombs

Dinner in Antalya prior to going to the concert. Note the boards of bread that go the length of the table. Lots of mezzes with the bread and a main course and, of course, a cup of chai all for £4.80!

Istanbul (3)

 Mosaic Museum

They are excavating mosaics from the 4th and 6th centuries. Incredible detail and colour. Very clever use of shading considering it is all done in mosaic.

 Many scenes of mythology, wild animals and everyday life.

 A huge expanse of mosaic is being relaid as it was originally.

Galata Bridge

 

 The bridge crossing the Golden Horn. Note all the fishing rods above!

 The view from the Galata tower

 On the bridge walking back to the hotel. The fish sandwich barge is in the background.

 The Galata tower can be seen in the distance between Dave and David.

 The fountain in the Hippodrome near the Blue Mosque

 Fabulous detail in the painted ceiling of the fountain

 A work of art of a different sort! Dave's dessert at a small local restaurant. The green flower is drawn in chocolate and green sauce. The waiter was very proud of his work!

 Breakfast time at the hotel. Typical Turkish breakfast - cereal, bread, cheese spread, cucumber, tomato and boiled egg.

I love this story - this is one of the entrances to the Blue Mosque and apparently the chain was hung so that when the Sultan arrived on horseback he had to dismount and walk in like everyone else!

Istanbul (2)

 View of the Blue Mosque from our hotel breakfast room up on the roof

 View of the Hagia Sophia also from the roof looking the other way. Very central location to stay which meant we could walk to all the sights.

Topkapi Palace

 Views around the interior of the harem in the palace

View from the palace looking across the Bosphorus

The Blue Mosque

Probably the most magnificent building in Istanbul.

Views of the interior of the Blue Mosque