Traveller's Tales

Turkey is a country which boasts much ancient history and is a land of strange rock formations which must be seen to be fully appreciated.  I spent 2 weeks in Turkey in July 1997, staying at the resort of Side in a small but comfortable hotel. 

Side is a good base from which to get to Pamukkale and Cappadoccia - tours run from Side.  Side itself should not be overlooked though since it is an interesting place to visit if you're into ancient ruins (the famous geographer Strabon claims that the foundation of the city goes back to 7th century B.C.)

As far as music goes, the young lad who ran the bar at the hotel constantly played on an old radio cassette player what must have been his favourite artist - to the uninitiated person such as myself the music sounded, well, very Greek-like, as did the music which was played in all the restaurants which I tried out.  The only other music I encountered whilst staying in a hotel en route to Pamukkale/Cappadoccia came in the form of a traditional Turkish instrument.  The way in which the instrument was played made it lack melody, although this may have been intended as it was used to accompany an old man who sang a traditional song which apparently represented a lament for a lost love.

High up on the mountain tops in Pamukkale there are rock basins filled with naturally warm spring water which tourists can bathe in.  Unfortunately on the day I visited the bathing areas were closed, but I was able to swim in the nearby swimming pool which was filled with the same spring water (allegedly).                 

Cappadoccia has got to be one of the most amazing places I have ever seen, with its 'pepperpot' and other rock formations which will have you believing that you have entered some fictional fantasy world.

One thing which you are bound to be offered whilst in Turkey is apple tea - it will probably be used to tempt you into shops or restaurants.  It is a bit of an acquired taste and is very sweet but my motto is it is worth trying everything at least once!

Author: Dorraine Bennett       ©2001 Dors Productions