Waterfalls, Antalya, TR

Duden Waterfalls

(Duden Selalesi)

Antalya Province, Turkey

 

Kursunlu Waterfall Natural Park

(Kursunlu Selalesi)

Antalya Province, Turkey

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Kaleici, Turkey, TR

Kaleici, Antalya

Kaleici  is called the Old Antalya, the historic city center of Antalya, Turkey. 

The name Kaleiçi means "Inside the Kale" (Kale is castle or fortress). 

After having visited and explored the part of Cappadocia,  here comes our next destination, Antalya.

Antalya is the city on Medditeranean coast of southwestern Turkey.  The prominent historical name of the military leader Alexander the Great invaded the cities of Aspendos, Perge and Side to which I had the chance to visit. 

From Nevsehir, Cappadocia we took the night bus to Antalya which ran 9~10 hours.  Then transfered to a shuttle bus that was parked by the Antalya bus terminal to take us to our destination. 

Our destination Hotel Blue Sea Garden showing the map to the driver.  Confident that we were understood though  having communication barrier, no English.  

Daaaaah! Blue Garden Hotel...this ain't the hotel where we booked.  The driver dropped us along the street, was told the end road is where we are going and bus doesn't go straight there.  I am not happy about this and losing my temper.  Had the travel agency to arranged the trips to make life easier for us and save more time.  I was so tired from not having a good rest on the bus, now dragging my luggage on how far more to walk...don't know.  Not many seen walking at that time since it is still early in the morning.  Tried to asked an old man, thanks but no help :-(.  No street name even :-(.   Continued walking.  Passed the military guys on post ... finally a sign of help!  They showed the direction.   There was a man who offered help, but the  overnight spirit smell on his breath, hardly trust.  He still lead our way but still doubted his intention.   We were by the Kaleichi old compound when the hotel car picked us.  Then just realized that the man is trully leading us on the right way.  Thank him anyway.  The alley is a mazed of an old city compound and thus locating the hotel is peek-a-boo for first timer.  Saved somehow by the car. 

The room was not ready yet when got to the hotel, had to wait couple of hours till guest check-out.  I needed some time to cool down my temper, and relax my feet.   While waiting, we were offered complimentary breakfast buffet and planned where to go for that day since it's a free day.

The hotel,  Hotel Blue Sea Garden
They have swimming pool, restaurant and bar, and tours.  Operated by Yilmaz, the manager, a funny and good guy  made our stay a comfortable one.  

Blue Sea Garden Photos



From the outside

Blue Sea Garden pool

Breakfast buffet



Hmmm was not lucky enough to come in Kaleici, still not orange :-)

Love to pick you fresh :-)

Around Kaleichi 

Hotels and Restaurants

Their masterpiece, carpets

Ancient stone clock tower, The Castle Gate (Kalekapisi)

Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Camii (mosque) and it's minaret

Statue of Attalus, founder of Antalya

 

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Cappadocia Turkey, TR

The land of beautiful horses.

Have you been there? 

Come.  I will take you there :-)

There was a bus pick-up at 1830 in Sultanahmet, then we were transfered to bigger bus "Nevsehir".  The bus will then stop at the Nevsehir bus station in Cappadocia.  And from  Nevsehir station, the driver transfered us yet again to smaller bus to Avanos, 11 km approx 15 mins.    The whole trip took about 12 hours, trully.

The bus stopped several times to give it's passengers and driver a break.  It is advisable to always keep coins in pocket.  The "banyo" (bathroom) is not free, have to pay TL1 for "bay" (men) and "bayan" (women) for toilet use. 

I was pretty amazed by the service on the bus.  There was bus attendant gave complimentary water to the passengers, followed by candies, then later on a selection of coffee or tea plus cup cakes.  Each seat has TV monitors with headset and on top of that wi-fi on the go.  Better than aircraft.

Coskun Cavdar, bus attendant

Flying air balloons are seen as we get closer to Cappadocia, a very pleasant view on the sunsire. Scene of a promise of wonderful stay in Cappadocia.

Our Kabul fligths gave us training on dragging our luggage as it has to pass series of counters and long walk. Am I well trained?  Oh no, not for this long walk with 2 weeks clothes luggage.  No, I'm not complaining, just saying lol.

We finally reached the place where we are going to stay, the antique Kirkit Pansion. 

Kirkit Pansion

We had then our breakfast along with the other guests.  Plates are made from the red clay pottery.  On the table are coffee, tea, different choices of jams,bread,cheeze, fries, tomatoes and olives. 

Annie (front) and beside of me where from Canada,

they were on the same bus from Istanbul

We have three days and two nights in Cappadocia.  That's only three days, so have to maximize our stay there.  Am I tired from the trip?  Oh yes!...but no!  Can't wait to start the day. 

First day, our arrival day.  There was no tour scheduled for that day.  In the morning we explore Avanos Town.  Walked around the park and in the market till we starved.  Tried Kebab for lunch in a local restaurant and went back to the pansion house.  Before going to the pansion we dropped by to travel office and asked for the next day tour.  What's for the afternoon?  What about the idea of horse back riding?  I like that.  Booked for two hours horse back riding later in the afternoon before sunset.  

Went up to the room to recharge body and batteries.  Excited for this afternoon :-).

       

My First Equestrian Encounter >>>more

Second day: 

Want to extend hours to stay in bed, it was peaceful and cold night.  Need no AC or fan.  Have to maintain closed windows otherwise it's going to be more cold, as we are facing the river. 

Get up!  Took shower and had breakfast, by 9am we have to be down. 

Had a fast walk to reach the bus station, my fellow understood that we have to be there at the bus station by 9am.  Thought we were late because we haven't seen others who might be going for the tour and where is the tour bus? Does it left?  The man at a bus station's office called our travel agency, later on a van came to get us and dropped back where we came from.  Ngeeeee!  Nice start there.  Imagine raising your adrenaline level by walking fast not to be late at the call time hahahahaha! 

These are the places we visited:

Uchisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia  >>> more

Cavusin Village,  >>> more

Rose Valley - which has amazing beautiful red rock formations >>> more

Urgup, see theTrinity, Three Beauties >>> more

Turusan Wine Distillery  - The  first and biggest wine company in Cappadocia.

Devrent Valley  The animal shaped chimneys, also called "Pink Valley".>>> more 

Lunch and visit Avanos - which is famous for its potteries  >>> more

Pasabagi - The Monks Valley  >>> more

Goreme Open Air Museum - The cave churches, UNESCO World Heritage   >>> more

Rose Valley >>>more









Third day: 
Had breakfast after taking shower and this time no raising of adrenaline.  Relax.  It's going to be a long day.

Places visited:

Ihlara Canyon >>> more, 

Underground City of Derinkuyu>>> more

Selime Cathedral >>> more.

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Selime Cappadocia, TR

Selime town was established at the end of Ihlara in Cappadocia, Turkey.  There are cut rocks of churches here which this place is known for. 
Let's invade Selima Cathedral!

View from Selime



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