Turkey
Cycling through remote Eastern Anatolia (25)Hiking through a fairy chimney landscape (24)
The long way to the center of Cappadocia (23)
Remote Route over the Taurus Mountains (22)
Back on the road: A lot of climbs and a permanent grin (21)
Spectacular Views and Exciting Encounters (20)
Winter break with sand dunes (19)
Spectacular Scenery and Nature on our way to the Lycian Coast (18)
Of ancient Pile of Stones and Wonders of the Ancient World (17)
Turkish Hospitality and Ancient Sites (16)
Cycling through remote Eastern Anatolia (25)
Turkey Part 10: From Cappadocia to the Georgian border
Eastern Anatolia – that’s the barren mountain landscape and windswept plateau that inspired writers such as Yasan Kemal and Orhan Pamuk, and several films are set in this less-traveled region of Turkey. Eastern Anatolia is often closer to Iran or the Caucasus than to Istanbul, and it’s not only miles away from the touristy Mediterranean
... Read on!
Hiking through a fairy chimney landscape (24)
Turkey Part 9: Cappadocia’s highlights
After our “long detour” through the less visited sights of Cappadocia, we finally reach Göreme, the touristic center of the region. In a normal year we would have probably chosen a quieter village and not exactly, the most touristy place, but in a pandemic year and after several days in the pampas, everything is a little different and we enjoy the comfort of restaurants with menus and the opportunity to have a glass of wine with dinner
... Read on!
The long way to the center of Cappadocia (23)
Turkey Part 8: Big detour from Konya to Göreme
Look, there is a meerkat over there! And there is another one! At the second look it turned out to be a Centralasian ground squirrel next to the road that guaranteed for a little distraction from cycling through the dull plains that followed Konya. They are cheekily looking out and warn their friends with a high whistle from the approaching cyclists
... Read on!
Remote Route over the Taurus Mountains (22)
Turkey Part 7: From Antalya over the Taurus Mountains to Konya
Departure in the wrong direction
After one week in Antalya we left our accommodation with a fond farewell by the lovely staff and it was time for us to continue our trip towards the east and over the Taurus Mountains, but instead we drove westwards. Wait a minute, what? We didn’t get lost, but decided spontaneously on that very morning to make an excursion to the small village of Geyikbayırı
... Read on!
Back on the road: A lot of climbs and a permanent grin (21)
Turkey Part 6: Along the Lycian Coast to Antalya
We are writing this story looking at the river in the Ihlara Valley, listening to the sound of the water, the singing birds and the exciting croaking of the frogs, our senses are alert, we pay attention to all the details around as we’re back on the road. Just as the river is floating by here in this valley, it was a fluent transition from our temporary home in Patara back to our nomadic lifestyle
... Read on!
Spectacular Views and Exciting Encounters (20)
Turkey Part 5: Hiking on the Lycian Trail
After many days in our apartment in Patara, it was time to get back to nature as the weather forecast predicted dry and warm spring days. Lisa wanted to hike the Lycian Trail since her first journey to Turkey 14 years ago and fortunately, Dario didn’t need a lot of convincing
... Read on!
Winter break with sand dunes (19)
Turkey part 4: Our temporary break in Patara on the Lycian coast
Some of you may have seen our social media post with our Turkish Short-Term Residence Permit (IKAMET)? It’s true, we are now officially allowed to stay in Turkey until December 21 and have an address in Patara in South Turkey. Therefore, it’s about time to tell you more about our last three months on the Lycian coast and why we’re here in the first place
... Read on!
Spectacular Scenery and Nature on our way to the Lycian Coast (18)
Turkey Part 3: From Lake Bafa to Patara
After immersing ourselves in the ancient times and learning a lot about columns we were ready for a change and some nature. From Didim we followed the coast of Lake Bafa (Bafa Gölü), a landlocked lake with 50% saltwater, that constitutes the last trace of the Aegean’s former inland reach. This peaceful lake is surrounded by traditional villages and has got a spectacular setting with the craggy Latmos Mountains in the background
... Read on!
Of ancient Pile of Stones and Wonders of the Ancient World (17)
Turkey Part 2: From Izmir along the Aegean coast to Didyma
After three days in Izmir we said goodbye to Dogucan, our kind warmshowers-host in Izmir. He told us, that the government imposed new restrictions due to the rise of Corona cases and that all restaurants and bars will close next Saturday and only be available for Take-out. He wasn’t sure though if this would only be the case in the big cities or nationwide
... Read on!
Turkish Hospitality and Ancient Sites (16)
Turkey Part 1: From the Turkish Border to Izmir
Türkiye’ye hoşgeldiniz – welcome to Turkey. We reached the country of hospitality and countless çays on November 4th 2020, but before we got to see this wonderful side of Turkey, we’d have to cross the Ipsala border. It was the first day of the Greek Lockdown, the sky was cloudy and the landscape monotonous and we had a queasy feeling when we approached the border
... Read on!