Chai, Snow and Penguins

Eating out in Salda proves to be one of its highlights. Largely for the lovely interactions we have. Our first meal is piping hot and freshly cooked. The central wood stove heats us and the Chai (tea) and bakes onions and potatoes which are an unexpected addition to our meal. Once we and the other couple are served, the rest of the family sits down and eats alongside us.

Since we have a nice view and a wild day is forecast we take a rest day. The second night, we inadvertently end up barging into a family meal. They still seem delighted by our visit. The 15 year old daughter is in charge of translation, and our order, plus photos and instagram. Its charming. And of course we are served Chai.

The Turkish Chai pot is a double stacked teapot with the upper pot (which has the brew) serving as the lid for the lower pot (which has the hot water for dilution). Chai is served in tiny glasses plus or minus sugar.

Our ride today is seriously chilly. All those layers that we had forgotten about at the bottom of the pannier are now needed. We get lightly dusted with tiny snow flakes. Its too cold to hang around or take photos. Whilst we have been keeping an unsuccessful eye out for penguins on our trip, now Alice is so heavily wrapped up she feels like a penguin.

We head into a small village to look for milk. The shop is closed but we are enthusiastically invited in for Chai. This time a cosy room filled with men chatting, playing a rummy type game and drinking Chai. A local piano teacher has a little english and chats with us. Its lovely to feel so welcomed by the locals. And an added bonus: Alice is delighted to regain communication with her toes.Read more