Onward we go to the land of cold and snow

Well, here we are in Budapest having deliberated (for approximately 2.3 seconds) whether to fly from Istanbul (1.5hrs.) or take a train (36 hrs.). We did, however, leave our ˝mark˝ on Istanbul before leaving Turkey. In exploring the more interesting parts of Istabul nightlife with old friends Serkan and Hakan and some newfound partners in crime, we discovered great nightclubs, how defensive Turkish men are of their women, and how absolutely gorgeous Turkish transvestites are. Now we are with new friends, Eszter and Viktor (freeloaders hosts) in Budapest and are in the preliminary period of celebrating my birthday which is tomorrow. If anyone wishes to celebrate with me in spirit, in the form of buying me a drink or two, I can give you my mothers phone number who will deposit the money you give her into my account. For all of you who are not on PEI, have a drink for me please.
Budapest is a really cool small-ish city which would be any architecture buff´s dream. There is snow on the ground which makes me homesick, especially knowing that Christmas is around the corner and that Charlottetown´s streets are decorated accordingly, something I can vividly picture in my mind. Today we went to one of Budapest´s many thermal baths to warm up. Soon we will head to Eger, a few hundred KM northeast of here, which is the wine-growing region of Hungary. Then we are off to Krakow, Poland via Slovakia. Brrr....I am thinking I might have to buy a top to go with those thermal underwear!!!

Not-so-Warm Regards from Budapest,

Nick

From Another Planet...

The bus ride to Cappadocia was actually very agreable. We went through very high snow-covered mountains that just took your breath away. Amazing!!!! Cappadocia is definitely a place to spend more than 2 days. It is like if you just set foot on a different world with it's canyons, valleys, weird cone-heads houses, caves and what not. Our hostel was build in the rock (yes we slept in a cave!). People from the Ottoman era used to live in these caves, hidden away for protection against the enemy. With time, part of the soft rock eroded and that is why these houses are visible today. There are some bizarre rock formations (see picture #4) which gave the name to the valley where they are situated as "Love Valley"...can't seem to figure why though... ;) ;) ;)
We then moved to Safranbolu, a beautiful town which really seems to have been stuck in time. The people in the "old town" live in old wooden houses again dating from the Ottoman time. The pension we stayed in was a very beautiful 300 year old house runned by a great family. The food there was delicious (cooked by the mother). We befriended the neighbor's cat who was only about 3 month old. We also went to a Hamam (turkish bath) were Nick received a massage from a 300 lbs Turkish man...with a moustache....let just say that I heard him scream like a little girl!! ;)
Now back to Istanbul for the week-end at Sarkan and Hakan. it seems like they are not tired of us yet, maybe we should stay longer...:) We had some crazy party Saturday night (still recovering) and went back smoking Turkish water pipe with banana flavored tobacco this time. Good times with good friends.
It is now Monday morning, we are in Budapest after another sleepless night (plane left at 5:25 am so we spent the night at the airport). I think it's time to hit the sac...

ZZzzzzz......
Isabelle

The Day We Hit The Coast

Greetings from Antalya! We have been slowly picking our way down the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts of Turkey, taking in Çannakale, Assos, Foça, Selçuk, Marmaris, and finally Antalya where we went swimming in the Mediterranean yesterday (its about 23 degrees now...the locals are wearing jackets and scarfs and İ am swimming in the sea!). The Turkish coast is beautiful but we were ignorant to believe it was all unspoilt undeveloped coastline as most cities and towns are totally geared for tourism and package holiday makers. But it is nonetheless stunning. From Marmaris we rented scooters for the day and explored the nearby mountains and coast and İ must say İ have never seen more dramatic breath-taking scenery. We have also taken in the ruins of Troy and Ephesus. Next we are taking an overnight bus to the Cappadocia region which is said to be a very unique place with underground cities and churches carved out of cliff faces.

We also want to add a tremendous thanks to Mark in London (whom we absentmindedly forgot to mention in previous posts) and Anca in Bucharest for putting up with us and our shenanigans! İt is generous people like you who make the world a better place!

Well, I really should go swimming or something...afterall it İS 23 degrees! Ha ha suckers!!

Over and out from Antalya!
Nick

Time to leave Istanbul

Istanbul has been one of our favourite city so far I believe (and I can speak for both of us): great people, delicious food, amazing view...etc... The grand bazaar lived to our expectations but you gotta bargain because prices are set for tourists. The spice bazaar is very exotic as well and if you like olives (which are excellent here BTW) you will be spoiled (see pic) there are a lot to choose from. Our hosts Serkan and Hakan probably think that we are refusing to leave since we had to extend our stay for an extra 2 days!! Thank you so much for both of you, it would not have been the same without you guys! We are on our way to Troy tomorrow and to Izmir for the week-end. Turkey is so bıg that we are havıng a huge problem when it comes to deciding where we want to go next. So far, I belıeve the goal is to make it as south as possible to enjoy some of the warmth that mıght be left on thıs planet :) I mean, 20 degrees would be awesome right now!!! Anyway, I intended to make this post a photo one so I wıll shut up for now and wrıte when I have more to say.
Pic ın order: Dome of Blue Mosque, Inside Aya Sofya mosque, muslim praying inside Blue Mosque, The Bosphorus Strait, Grand Bazaar, Olive stand inside Spice Bazaar, our hosts: Serkan and Hakan (and us!) in front of some good Turkish food and finally, our supper tonight! Enjoy!

Isabelle

P.S. Christina, you would have loved Turkey have you decided to come with us. Your path led you somewhere else and we hope you are enjoying your time in Boston. Miss you lots!