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Jordan, Israel and Turkey
  • Brad and Mandy Pearce

Jordan, Israel and Turkey

Picking up from where we left off after being rudely interrupted by Covid over 2 years ago. This time, the tours organised by Intrepid, will cover Jordan, Israel and Turkey. Read more
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  • Trip start
    May 5, 2022
    Brad and Mandy PearceJordan, Israel and TurkeyBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Deserted food court area
    Nothing openMasks are mandatory14 + hours wearing a mask. YUK!

    Travel in the Covid era

    May 5, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    After 2 and a bit years we find ourselves back at Brisbane airport ready to embark on another adventure. Actually we are picking up where we left off, heading to Jordan where we were supposed to go before being sent home from Egypt in March 2020.

    Our flight is not until after 10pm and at 6pm, the normally bustling airport is relatively deserted. It would be great if this meant the flights are only half full, but I suspect that less planes are flying and those that are, are fully booked. In fact, looking at the board, there are only 5 flights between 6pm and midnight and only 17 flights for all the next day.

    Anyway, I've missed adding to my travel journeys and was keen to get back onto Find Penguins, so here is my first footprint.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceJordan, Israel and TurkeyBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Doha airport view
    Queuing planesView over Doha - the city is out there somewhereCrop circles in the desertNight view from our hotel room

    Jordan via Doha

    May 6, 2022 in Jordan ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    As suspected, the 14+ hour flight from Brisbane to Doha (Qatar) was fully booked. First time we have flown Qatar and they were not greatly different from Emirates òr Etihad although I think the dinner meal was probably one of the tastiest airline meals I've ever had.

    Arrived in Doha at around 7am where the temperature was already nudging 30°C and the entire area was engulfed in dust. The airport is modern and a lot of work is going on there because Qatar hosts the Fifa World Cup later this year. They even use this fact to promote their airline safety video.

    In complete contrast, the flight from Doha to Amman was probably only a third capacity and a 3 hour flight (why couldn't it have been the other way around). They had a rack and stack way of take off with at least a dozen planes (all Qatar) queuing for take off. Much cooler in Amman - only about 15°C. Not a bad view from our 5th floor hotel room - not beautiful but interesting. We are however, totally exhausted and glad we have a full day to rest up before our tour begins tomorrow evening.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceJordan, Israel and TurkeyBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Overview of Jerash
    Columns of the oval plazaOval plaza and cardoLooking down the Cardo to Hadrians archSouth amphitheatreHadrian's archOval plaza columnsMosaicsHadrian's archOval plazaIntricate detailCooking classCopping onion for the saladMain meal a drive, chicken and vegetable dish cooked in one potSome of our group enjoying our home cooked Jordanian mealSeriously! Who buys a carpet off the street?Has he made a sale?Boys doing the bin run

    Jerash and Beit Sitti

    May 8, 2022 in Jordan ⋅ 🌙 16 °C

    Yesterday was a fairly quiet day with a wander around the local area around the hotel and then watching people from our room going about their daily activities. Particularly amusing was the street carpet seller trying to sell his carpets to anyone who dared make eye contact with him. Then there were the guys from a local food restaurant who did a bin run.

    We met up with our tour group in the evening - 11 of us consisting of 4 Australians, 3 Brits, 2 Canadians and 2 Americans - and we are starting to get to know each other over a meal of traditional Jordanian food

    We started our tour with a trip to Jerash, about 50km north of Amman. The ancient ruins were only discovered in the 1800's and is still being excavated today. It reminded me a lot of Ephesus in Turkey with similar features as columns, temples and mosaics arches and amphitheatres. In one theatre there was a bagpiper and drummer. Rather than being Scottish, bagpipes were really Roman in origin. Who knew!

    Later in the afternoon we went to a Beit Sitti which means Grandmothers House and is a cooking class of traditional Jordanian food in a locals own home, which we help prepare and then eat. We've never done a cooking class before and it was a lot of fun.

    Great first day of the tour - tomorrow we leave Amman and head to the Dead Sea.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceJordan, Israel and TurkeyBrad and Mandy Pearce
    The amphitheatre at the citadel
    Views from Mt Nebo - quite hazy in photosView from Mt Nebo showing the Dead SeaMoses memorial - bronze serpent on a stickIntricate Church floor mosiacDead sea beach in front of our hotelDead sea floatBrad coating himself in black mud1View from our hotel balcony

    To the Dead Sea

    May 9, 2022 in Jordan ⋅ 🌙 27 °C

    Left Amman en route to the Dead Sea visiting first the citadel (well Brad did) which turned out to be another lot of ruins and not as interesting as ones already seen.

    On the way we called into Mount Nebo which is recognised as the site where Moses viewed the promised land but died in this area without ever reaching it. Our guide was excited because it was a clear day although to our mind it was quite hazy. Still, the view was spectacular. There was also a church on the site that had elaborate mosiac floors.

    This area is renowned for mosaics as we visited yet another church with an ancient mosiac floor as well as a workshop showing mosaics being made and of course available for purchase (could have done without this).

    The highlight however, was floating in the Dead Sea. It is the most bizarre experience as you bobbed around - felt a bit like trying to sit on a small boogie board but was hard to keep your balance. Brad slapped the black mud on himself which is supposed to have health giving properties. He really enjoyed the experience. I found it energy draining - bit like sitting in a spa for too long and I managed to get some water splashed in my eyes and the extreme saltiness made them sting. I think I much prefer a normal pool.

    Only here for one night, tomorrow we had to Petra - probably the number one tourist destination in Jordan.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceJordan, Israel and TurkeyBrad and Mandy Pearce
    A few photos from around the Dead Sea Hotel
    Note the crusted white saltThis rock formation is known as Lots wifeOur lunch stop with a viewThe view - a bit hazyShobak castleSunset at our Petra hotel

    Dead Sea to Petra

    May 10, 2022 in Jordan ⋅ 🌙 16 °C

    It was very peaceful around the Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea and not much was planned, activity wise, except drive through to Petra, so we didn't leave until 11am. Nice and relaxing.

    Driving down along the Dead Sea is certainly dramatic. We stopped at one point where the guide pointed out a spire of rock which is supposedly Lot's wife (from the Bible), who disobeyed God and looked back and was subsequently turned into a pillar of salt. They were running away from the sinful towns of Sodom and Gomorrah that God was going to destroy.

    Leaving the Dead Sea we drove up into the mountains rising around 2000m from below sea level to about 1600m. Incredible scenery! Stopped for our own picnic lunch taking in the view.

    The only organised activity we had was a visit to Shobak Castle, built around 12th century and something to do with Saladin and crusades but I couldn't quite grasp what the history or significance of this place was. Guess I'll have to google it (or not - ha!)

    We arrived at the township of Petra and tomorrow we visit the number 1 landmark of Jordan. Think Indiana Jones! Should be great!    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceJordan, Israel and TurkeyBrad and Mandy Pearce
    The Siq
    Walking through the SiqFirst glimpse of the TreasuryA bit more...The TreasuryBrad from a higher viewpointPlenty of activity - mules........ and camel trainsOther areas of Petra - royal tombs, palaces etc.Colourful rock patternsOne with the camelsPetra by nightView of PetraLittle PetraOverlooking Petra- the Siq can be seen on leftEntrance to the Siq

    Petra by day and by night

    May 11, 2022 in Jordan ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    A big day of walking to visit this iconic site. Our hotel is close to the entrance of Petra and from there it is a 2km walk to the Treasury. I loved walking through the Siq which is a narrow chasm, about 1.2km long that opens onto the Treasury. The towering walls and fantastic natural colours in the rocks was quite special.

    At the Treasury, Brad (and several other group members) climbed to a viewpoint with the aid of one of the local Bedouin guides. I declined because I'm carrying a foot injury after a fall a couple of days ago (typical of me to fall over - if there is uneven path, I'll find it) - besides, that's what I bring Brad along for - he is the photographer!

    There is a lot more to Petra than just the Treasury. Walking around the Treasury there is the remains of an entire city complete with shops, tombs, residential area, palaces and amphitheatre. There was also the option to walk to viewpoints of the Monastery and Sacrificial place and those that did them found it quite exhausting. Even the walk back to the hotel was a steady incline all the way - funny, didn't seem to notice we were going downhill all the way in - and we were glad to get back to our hotel.

    That evening we had the option of going to Petra by night which meant walking back down to the Treasury along a candlelit pathway. The activity was ok but could have been improved greatly - probably not really worth the 17 dinars (about $34AUD) pp, but as we will never be in Jordan again it is just another experience to add to the list.

    Before leaving Petra the next morning we visited the Petra Museum and also Little Petra before one last photo stop overlooking the whole of the Petra site. On our way to Wadi Rum for a night in a Bedouin desert camp which should be interesting.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceJordan, Israel and TurkeyBrad and Mandy Pearce
    First major rock formation near the entrance
    Off we goSome of the localsThose are camels in the foreground- shows how big those rocks areArch formationPictographsOur luxury tent accommodationBubble type tentsLarge sand dune beside one of the many camps in Wadi RumThe Red Sea at AqabaLooking over to Israel

    Wadi Rum

    May 12, 2022 in Jordan ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Wadi Rum is such an interesting place. Before this trip I had never heard of it but I have seen it in movies as it was the filming location for Lawrence of Arabia and more recently, The Martian with Matt Damon. I can see why, because it is such an alien looking landscape with red sand and towering rocks.

    We enjoyed drive around the area in the back of a Jeep (or Toyota or DMax) looking at the various rock formations and massive sand dunes etc. Finally we arrived at our camp for the night in Bedouin style tents. Kind of like glamping as these tents had power, air con and ensuite bathrooms - no internet access though.

    That night we had a traditional Bedouin meal with food cooked in a pit - rather like a NZ hangi. It was delicious.

    Next day we returned to Amman via Aqaba - a cosmopolitan city on the Red Sea. It lies on the border of Israel and even further around you can see Egypt (at least that is what our tour guide told us). So ends our trip to Jordan. Tomorrow (Saturday), we head to Israel.

    So long Jordan, it's been great!    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceJordan, Israel and TurkeyBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Jaffa gate - entry to the Old City
    Overlooking Wailing Wall and Temple MountWailing WallPrayer requests lodged in the crevicesTemple MountOur groupLocal boy carrying bread on his headNotice how crammed in the buildings arePathway Jesus took while carrying the cross on the way to his crucifixionOne of the many stations of the crossAt this station, Jesus stumbled and his hand touched this section of wallChurch of the Holy Sepulchre (Golgotha) where Jesus was crucifiedPriests blessing the front of the crucifixThe crucifixion (remember, the Church was built here later)Where His body was laid after being taken down from the crossThe burial chamber

    Jerusalem

    May 15, 2022 in Israel ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    We left Amman for the border crossing into Israel. This whole procedure was a bit of a dog's breakfast. It started with us requiring a PCR test to enter the border of Israel on Thursday night (-ve). We had A VIP transfer which kind of walked us through the Jordanian side. On the Israel side our bags were put through security screening (nothing unusual here), but it was a mass of confusion about where we were supposed to go. We discovered there was a form we were supposed to have completed prior to entry which none of our group were aware of. Fortunately someone helped us complete the forms and walked us through passport control, otherwise I think we would still be there. Then we had to have another PCR test as the one done in Jordan only 18 hours before was not accepted. Besides this, after 20th May these tests are no longer required. Could have saved us about $130 on tests.

    Our original group of 11 has dropped to 6 and we picked up 2 newbies - one from Australia and one from USA. We also discovered that Israel is really expensive after lunch (a BLT with fries and a drink) set us back around 200 sheckles or about $90.

    Anyway, we arrived in Jerusalem and I must say we were impressed. The city is clean with lovely narrow alleyways. On our walking tour today we visited the Old Town which included Temple Mount, the Wailing Wall, the street where Jesus carried the cross on the way to the crucifixion, Golgotha where he was crucified (there is a church on that spot now) and burial place. We also spoke to a Jewish Rabbi for an hour and also another person who gave us a history of Jerusalem and its politics. It was all very interesting but very tiring.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceJordan, Israel and TurkeyBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Our group at Masada
    Qumran- where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discoveredOne of the caves that had scrolls in itGraves at QumranMasada is a fortress that covers the entire top of this mountainCable car to MasadaThe square formation is where the Romans were campedYou can walk up to the fortress if so inclinedA few pictures of the fortress remainsThe dovecote - they kept birds for a source of foodThe ramp the Romans built to capture the cityBrad having a floatJericho - Monastery in place where Jesus was temptedTemptation MountainJericho - remnants of the walls that collapsed??

    Out and about around the Dead Sea

    May 16, 2022 in Israel ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    A very full day doing activities around the Dead Sea (this time Israel side). First stop was Qumran which is where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947 by a young Bedouin sheepherder after his sheep ventured into a cave and wouldn't come out. There he found 7 jars containing the scrolls recounting Biblical stories. After this discovery, many other scrolls were found hidden in caves throughout the area.

    We continued into Masada which is a fortress set high in the mountains overlooking the Dead Sea. Apparently there was an epic movie (Cecil B de Mil style) about Masada but I had never heard of it. Originally built as a Palace for King Herod it became the last bastion for Jewish freedom fighters against the Romans. It's fall signalled the end of the Kingdom of Judea. Masada is A UNESCO World Heritage site as it is the most complete surviving Roman seige system in the world.

    Next stop was another float in the Dead Sea and even though we had already done it on the Jordan side, this was so much better. The access was easier and the water was warmer - I really enjoyed it this time.

    Finally we returned to Jerusalem, calling into the obligatory factory stop where they make the Dead Sea minerals skin care products. No doubt they are good, but outrageously expensive. Then onto Jericho which is the oldest city in the world and also the place where they believe Jesus was tempted by Satan when he wandered in the wilderness for 40 days fasting. It is also known for the place where Joshua's army marched around the city walls 7 times and the walls came tumbling down. However there was nothing really to see regarding the walls and Jericho as a city was quite grubby, particularly compared to Jerusalem.

    Last day in Jerusalem, off to Bethlehem tomorrow.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceJordan, Israel and TurkeyBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Our bro at Mt of Olives
    Good view of Jerusalem. Temple Mount is the golden domeYou can see the walls of the Old City clearly hereGarden of GethsemaneThe Garden is located outside the city wallsIt is suggested that this rock is where Jesus prayedThe Church of All Nations built next to the Garden of GethsemaneBethlehem graffitiChurch in Shepherds FieldInteriorChurch of the Nativity - note small entry doorThe birthplace of JesusLooking down to the courtyard from our room at Bethlehem

    Jerusalem to Bethlehem

    May 17, 2022 in Palestine ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    We left our hotel for the Mt of Olives which had commanding views over Jerusalem. From there we went to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus went to pray after the last supper and from where he was arrested. There is also a church with 12 domes that was funded by 12 different nations (hence the 12 domes)

    Just out of Jerusalem we visited Yad Vashem which is the Jewish Holocaust Memorial. We spent 3 hours here in what was a very interesting, moving and often confronting account of what happened to the Jews leading up to and during WW2. Our guide was an Australian girl whose parents were Holocaust survivors who were rehomed in Melbourne after the war. Brad could have spent many more hours reading all the plaques and looking at all the photographs. (No photographs permitted in the memorial)

    From this sombre activity we moved onto Bethlehem visiting the Shepherds Field where the angels appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus. There is a church there that has amazing acoustics and our guide was trying to encourage us to sing a Christmas carol, however we were a little shy. Fortunately a group from Africa (or maybe Fiji or New Guinea) arrived to show us how is done. Yes, the acoustics are amazing!

    We completed the day by looking at some Bethlehem graffiti walls including some works by Banksy, and of course the Nativity Church where Jesus was born. Of course it is no longer a stable. We also had dinner with a local Christian family which seemed a little awkward at first (a group of strangers rocking up to someone's home), but it turned out to be a very pleasant evening. What is really strange is there is the Nativity church ringing its bells 33 times early in the morning while at a similar time there will be the Muslim call to prayer. An unusual mix.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceJordan, Israel and TurkeyBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Beside the sea of Galilee
    Capernaum- home of St PeterOn our boat rideNot our boat, ours was bigger (more touristy)Church of the AnnunciationBaha'i Gardens HaifaHaifa Port (and our hotel view was similarGardens and port

    Sea of Galilee to Haifa

    May 18, 2022 in Israel ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Heading north from Bethlehem we headed around the Sea of Galilee, we stopped at Capernaum, another historical Biblical site said to be the home of Saint Peter.

    We joined a boat cruise across the Sea of Galilee but we didn't catch any fish and for lunch we visited Tabgha which is said to be the place Jesus feed the 5000 with the 5 loaves and 2 fish. Our lunch of course was pita bread and whole fish (and salad). Wasn't too bad.

    Then onto Nazareth to visit the Church of the Annunciation where Mary was visited by an angel and told she was going to give birth to the Son of God.

    Arriving in Haifa it is quite a contrast to other places we have been in Israel. Haifa is quite cosmopolitan with modern buildings and a large sea port. There are beautiful landscaped Baha'i gardens but we were only able to get a photo from the top as they were closed. Our hotel had fantastic views over the Mediterranean Sea.

    Last day in Israel tomorrow as we head to Tel Aviv    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceJordan, Israel and TurkeyBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Spices for sale
    Ancient tunnels in AcreRemains of the ancient city at CaesareaHippodromeAlleyways in JaffaView over Tel AvivMuslim women enjoying a swim

    Last day in Tel Aviv

    May 19, 2022 in Israel ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Leaving Haifa we headed north to the Crusader town of Acre, known for its well preserved city walls and underground tunnels. Think Knights of the Templer and the guys in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

    Following the coast south we came to Caesarea, an ancient port with amphitheatre, mosaics and sculptures as well as the remains of a palace built by King Herod (he had a few around the country)

    Finally we arrived at Israel’s capital, Tel Aviv, where we spent a couple of hours exploring the Old Town area known as Jaffa. This ends our tour of Israel as we head to Turkey tomorrow (Friday) and have a couple of days to recharge our batteries before our next tour starts.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceJordan, Israel and TurkeyBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Scenes from the Bosphorus cruise
    Galata towerOne of many mosquesBosphorus cruise - palaceFortress at the narrow part of the BosphorusBirthday girlOur groupAyaSophiaInteriorLargest Arabic writing in the world...apparently!The Greek Restaurant in Turkey- bit of glass reflections

    Istanbul

    May 22, 2022 in Turkey ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    We had a 7.30am transfer from our hotel in Tel Aviv to the airport, which unfortunately didn't turn up so had to hurriedly organise a taxi. This was rather stressful as we had been told security at Tel Aviv can be very time consuming and we needed to be there 3 hours before our flight. Cost us 200 sheckles (almost $100) too which we will take up with the company. On arrival in Istanbul the transfer to pick us up was late/ didn't have an identifying sign and is an area that Intrepid need to improve on. The tours themselves are of a good quality.

    The trip from the airport to our hotel took over 2 hours mainly due to the traffic being at a standstill around the main touristy areas of Istanbul which is where our hotel is located. The Saturday was a free day for us so we wandered down to the waterfront and caught a cruise on the Bosphorus which was pretty cheap at 60 lira each (about $6). Wandered back to our hotel via the lovely park near Topkapi Palace and AyaSophia. For what was supposed to be a relaxing day we did a heap of walking.

    Sunday is the day we meet up with the tour group - 8 of us, all Aussie - 2 from Lismore, 3 from Melbourne and 1 from Adelaide. The hotel / guide surprised me with a birthday cake so that was nice. We walked down to the hippodrome and went into the Blue Mosque. That was a bit of a disappointment though because it is under renovation so had scaffolding etc. covering the beautiful tiled walls. Consequently we didn't take any photos and will have to use our pictures from when we visited several years ago. We did go into AyaSofya (the other Mosque nearby) and have a few pictures from there.

    Finished the day with a welcome dinner in a Greek Restaurant in Turkey overlooking the water - go figure!    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceJordan, Israel and TurkeyBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Lone Pine cemetery
    Many headstones had the wording...believed to beView from Lone PineSome of the trenchesTurkish cemeteryStatus of a Turkish soldier carrying a wounded AnzacView from Chanuck BairANZAC CoveThe SphinxRed poppies everywhereLeaving EuropePhotobombed

    Gallipoli

    May 23, 2022 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    A very civilised start to the day leaving Istanbul at 9am (often our tour days start at around 8am) as we headed west towards Gallipoli. Perfect time of year to visit Turkey - warm but not too hot, and the countryside is green and lush - looks beautiful.

    We have long wanted to visit the Gallipoli site and it did not disappoint. The Lone Pine cemetery was probably the highlight with its well maintained graves and the views out towards The Dardanelles. At Anzac Cove (the landing place), you couldn't go down onto the beach but it certainly indicated just how difficult the terrain was that the Anzacs had to climb. The Anzac Cove commemoration area just a little further on, was a pleasant area overlooked by a rock formation known as the Sphinx. We looked at a Turkish cemetery and also some of the original trenches which are now quite shallow due to the passage of time. Also visited Chanuck Bair which is very important to the New Zealand Anzacs.

    We boarded a ferry and crossed from Europe into Asia, staying the night at Canakkale.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceJordan, Israel and TurkeyBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Wooden horse- the movie prop
    City of Troy archaeological sitePhotos around our hotelOur room top leftBrad being a bit artistic with his photography

    Troy to Selcuk

    May 24, 2022 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Canakkale is close to the ancient city of Troy, known for the story of the Trojan horse. The wooden horse prop from the movie Troy (with Brad Pitt) was gifted to Turkey and is at Canakkale so we have photos of that wooden horse but not the one on display at Troy itself. The movie prop was possibly more realistic because the one at Troy had windows in it. Troy itself is an archaeological site with the usual amount of ruins etc. Won't go into any details here.

    It was a big driving day as we headed south to Selcuk - town that is close to Ephesus which we will visit tomorrow. At one stop we had the best tasting yoghurt I have ever tried. Topped with a thick local honey, chopped walnuts and poppy seeds- divine! Had an orientation walk around the town and the rest of the group went to St John's Church but as we had already visited this several years ago, we sat back with a pomegranate juice (quite popular in Turkey)

    Lovely little boutique hotel we are staying in. Certainly cannot complain about the standard of accommodation we have been experiencing.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceJordan, Israel and TurkeyBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Census library Ephesus
    One of the main streets of EphesusLatrine - not very privateInside terrace housesAmphitheatreHarbour way ( but harbour is now 6km away)Group shot under pistachio tree EphesusTemple of ArtemisStorks nesting on top of column (Artemis)Modelling... hahaha!Work it girl!Cooking classGroup shot - Sirince after cooking classOne of the dishesEnjoyed eating or meal with this view

    Ephesus and Sirince

    May 25, 2022 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Based at Selcuk, we had a busy day starting with a trip to Ephesus. We had been to Ephesus about 8 years ago and nothing much had changed except it was probably hotter and possibly less crowded although there were still plenty of people there. Visited the terrace houses this time though which featured excellent examples of mosaics and frescos.

    Made the obligatory stop at a handicraft shop (no, not a carpet place although I think this may present itself later in the week). It was a leather goods place and we launched into a fashion parade of leather jackets. All good until a couple of us (yes, me!) were pulled up on the catwalk to model a jacket. Hardly model material but there is a picture of me strutting my stuff. At 60% off they were still out of anyone's budget, but I still wouldn't want one anyway.

    Checked out the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, then headed up into the mountains to the village of Sirince for some fruit wine tasting (meh!), a bit of shopping, and then to a cooking class making a typical Turkish meal which we then enjoyed at a local restaurant. Even had a bit of excitement when the roof of the BBQ area caught fire, but we were too busy taking photos of our food.

    All in all, a really great day!    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceJordan, Israel and TurkeyBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Pamukkale from below
    You can see the people walking at the topHierapolis- which we didn't get to see due to the stormThe terraced pools before the storm hitAfter the storm - empty pools

    Pamukkale

    May 26, 2022 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    We headed inland (east) from Selcuk to the town of Pamukkale to visit the unusual rock formation known as travertine terraces or cotton castle. These are shallow pools of water said to have healing properties that cascade down the mountain. As they are heavy in calcium carbonate and leave white deposits that look like ice or snow from a distance.

    There is also another area of ruins known as Hierapolis which was a Roman bath that we started to tour but as a storm was threatening we went to look at the terraces/pools. We had only had walked into the pools about 20m when we felt the first raindrops so we quickly got out again. Within minutes the storm hit and the wind was ferocious. Everyone sought shelter against the buildings... so much for social distancing!

    Anyway, while we didn't get to walk in the pools, we were able to get some pictures with very few people in them. Pretty sure the photos in the travel brochures and on instagram have been enhanced to make the pools much bluer than they are. Tourism will probably end up ruining this sight.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceJordan, Israel and TurkeyBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Views over Kas
    Bit of a walk down to the beachThe ghost villageTypical street in KasView from our hotel balconyAbove KasNot our boat but very similarMy Titanic momentLook how clear the water is

    Kas

    May 28, 2022 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Left Pamukkale and headed towards the coast to a lovely town called Kas (say Cash) located on the Mediterranean Sea. On the way we stopped at a ghost town of Karokoy which was abandoned after the fall of the Ottoman Empire and WW1. Interesting village - I imagine it was abandoned because the streets were very steep and difficult to get up and down. This area is now part of one of the major walks in the world - The Lycian Way - about 500km from Fethiye to Antalya along the coastline. Not that I'd be doing it!

    First views of the Mediterranean are beautiful. We were looking at the Aegean Sea before. Lots of secluded beaches and coves.. and the colour of the water is fantastic. The town of Kas is a tourist/ fishing town and has a lovely feel to it.

    The next day was brilliant. We spent the day sailing around the coastline and swimming from the boat. Just check out the colour of the water, it's amazing, and so clear. Had a seafood lunch on the boat and of course we had to do the Titanic moment with photos posting at the bow of the boat. It was a relaxing day and everybody loved it.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceJordan, Israel and TurkeyBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Frescos in St Nicholas Church
    Lycian tombs carved into the rockLycian theatreAntalya museum - sarcophagusOne of many huge sculpturesHandsome peacock at museumAncient city of SagalassosLooking towards fountainCloser detail of fountainAmphitheatreLooking down at site. Fountain centre front below blue area

    Antalya

    May 30, 2022 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    We continued along the coastline towards Antalya, visiting St Nicholas Church (Yes, THAT St Nicholas! ) on the way. Did you know St Nicholas was Turkish? I think I may have read that somewhere. He was born in SW Turkey and died in Myra where his church is located. It has some well preserved frescos.

    A little further along we saw some Lycian tombs carved into the rock as well as another amphitheatre. When we reached Antalya we visited the museum but as we had already visited here several years ago we only took a few photos. Had an orientation walk around the Old City but no pictures (because Brad didn't take the camera).

    Next day was nice - a drive up into the mountains to visit another ruined city called Sagalassos - and another amphitheatre! Seems to be a theme running here. The place is at an elevation of 1700m and had great views but was also a bit tough walking as we kept going uphill all the way. The fountain was very nice and still running. The rest of the day we just chilled out.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceJordan, Israel and TurkeyBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Aspendos theatre
    Aspendos aqueductTomb of Sufi MysticInside Mevlâna MuseumCaravan servo where Whirling dervish show held

    Konya

    June 1, 2022 in Turkey ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Konya is really just a stop-over place as we make our way toward Cappadocia. We did stop at Aspendos which happens to be the home of (another) amphitheatre as well as a Roman aqueduct. The theatre is known to be one of the best preserved theatres for its age (around 2000 years) but was a little tacky with people dressed as Roman soldiers and you could get photos with soldier holding a blue and yellow macaw (a parrot in a Roman theatre...huh?) Anything to make some money I suppose. Turkey has suffered because of covid and lost a lot of tourism but they are on their way back.

    At Konya we visited The Mevlâna Museum which is the mausoleum of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, a Persian Sufi mystic. This is where the practice of whirling, or whirling dervishes started. We attended a whirling dervish show in a restored caravansy which is kind of like a fort that served as protection along the Silk Road for the travellers. Kinda like a Caravan Servo every 35km which I guess is how far they travelled in a day.

    The whirling dervish show was not quite what I expected. I have seen a whirling dervish in Egypt and he started spinning in quite a frenzy. This one was quite tame and more traditional. The other one probably was not authentic. There is a short video of them in action.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceJordan, Israel and TurkeyBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Balloons over Cappadocia
    Our group before lift offGood flight celebrationCave Hotel - our room entranceOur bedroomAround CappadociaOur group at Open Air MuseumLove ValleyFairy chimneysThe tacky photoGoodbye Turkiye!

    Cappadocia

    June 3, 2022 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Drove to Cappadocia and spent 3 nights in the Splendid Cave Hotel. Unusual accommodation with the rooms dug into the side of a cliff. They always felt cool and perhaps slightly damp, while the walls continuously shed bits so that the floor was gritty. It was novel but certainly wouldn't want to live in a cave.

    Next morning (early) was probably the highlight of the trip - Hot Air Balloon flight over Cappadocia. Up at 4am, out to the balloons at 5am and the flight at 5.30am for an hour. When I say balloons, I don't mean 4 or 5, there are about 120 hot air balloons - quite a spectacle. We had a lovely morning floating over the peculiar landscape and even landed the basket back on the trailer. Highly recommended. We were lucky too, because the next day flights were cancelled due to a dust storm.

    We explored the Open Air Museum where monks and nuns lived in their cave monasteries/nunneries as well as several churches with intriguing names like Apple, snake, sandal and buckle Church. All identified by particular frescos within each church (no photos allowed)

    Wandered through Love Valley with its...ahem... rock structures known as fairy chimneys (which is probably a nicer name to what we are all thinking). We enjoyed lunch prepared for us by a local lady in her cave house. The meal was great and she was a delight. We also visited an underground city where early Christians hid. Then there were the trips to local artisans (the rug shop and the pottery place). Both had fabulous items but as they are all handmade, they have serious prices.

    This is the final entry in this blog as from Cappadocia we flew back to Istanbul and then back to Brisbane (we have arrived home). Travel in the covid era was successful although it has added another layer to travel organisation. There seem to be more forms that need to be completed before they let you on the plane, but it is evident that restrictions are easing, especially across Europe. Here's to future travel - next stop, Japan in November.    Read more

    Trip end
    June 5, 2022
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