Turkey 2023

Our third trip to Turkey, the first without the kids. This time we chose to go to Side where we spent 11 glorious days in this wonderful country. We stayed at the cheap and cheerful Gazipasa Star hotel just outside the old town. It was very hot, making our 10 mile walk to Manavgat waterfall hard work—but nonetheless a great experience wandering though the real Turkey. The old town itself is very beautiful, especially Apollo’s temple at sunset. Food was a big part of this trip, discovering lots of new exciting Turkish dishes that we had never tried before (especially gozleme—how had that escaped us on our two previous trips?). We got out into the Taurus mountains, visiting place such as Selge with its impressive amphitheatre built into the mountain with fantastic views, Tazi Canyon with the vertical drop into this impressive countryside and the very impressive Aspendos with its well preserved amphitheatre and aqueduct. Topped off with wonderful rivers, mountain scenes and roman architecture everywhere. This country just keeps on giving.

We will be back, again somewhere different, but I’m sure just as wonderful. Good food, great beer, lovely people, lots to see and some good laughs (will never forget the Remi Martin story…)