Inland Travel - Turkey, Georgia, Armenia



Ann at Ani

Yes it’s us again.



Central Anatolia

 Well we are back in Samsun after nearly two weeks away visiting Anatolia – the ancient name for Asiatic Turkey, then into Georgia and Armenia.  This has been a rather epic trip as we covered so much ground in the space of a short period of time, but oh so interesting if not a little crazy at times. We have walked to the back door of Turkey and through the pages of history that go with it.  We were surprised by the startling variety of landscapes, from stark to forested mountains, deep gorges, steppes – wide grassy treeless plains - and highland pastures.  We have again seen Mount Ararat, this time closer and from the Armenian side.  The last time was from the Iranian side.  Our visit into Georgia and Armenia gave us a wealth of historical fortresses, monasteries, churches and ancient ruins.  We have visited museums, monuments and memorials.  As these countries sit between the East and the West it seems everyone has invaded, tried to settle, and traded with this part of the world, each leaving their legacy with some astonishing sites.

Istanbul, Bosphorus, Black Sea - Turkey

Hagai Sophia, Istanbul

Hello Again

 

After a couple of nights anchored in the same spot we used in 2011 - outside the Kalamis marina on the Asiatic side of Istanbul - and nice and close to the entrance to the Bosphorus, it was time to enter the straits again and head towards the Black Sea.  We were all stocked up and looking forward to a new cruising ground.  Alec had even visited the barber he and his brother Richard used in 2011.  They both say one of the best and cheapest haircuts they have ever had. 



Leanders Tower, Bosphorus

We decided to get an early start and were on our way before 6.00a.m.  We wanted to miss the ferries crossing just inside the entrance at the southern end – the Golden Horn end – carrying the morning commuters to work. It’s like "Piccadilly" at the best of times with everything from ferries to cruise ships to tankers and cargo ships of all shapes and sizes, and even fishermen in vessels not much bigger than a log!!!  Well we did NOT miss the ferries.  No they started early as well.  In fact we did not miss any of them, and they seem to be coming from all directions.  We needed eyes in the back of our heads for the first half hour once we entered the straits.