Being a Backpacker

We have a Budget of 28 Euro per day in Turkey. I spent 37 Euro a day for Sleeping,  Eating,  Admissions and Travelling through Turkey. So I am currently over Budget. We decided today that we can do it better ;)...

We slept in very basic rooms. Currently we have a room of maybe 12 m2 not really clean,  but at least we have hot water. I am really thankful for my sleeping bag and cushion - so you feel at least a bit clean and at home.

We feel always secure in Turkey and are enjoying it pretty much. Traveled in one week through Turkey and saw a lot of interesting and beautiful things.

We stay until Sunday in Antalya and are doing some relaxing on the beach and enjoy city life.

my home is where my backpack is =).

Pamukkale

Arrived yesterday night by train and bus in Pamukkale.  Pamukkale meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish - in southwestern Turkey.

The city contains hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. People have bathed in its pools for thousands of years and now also we three. Beautiful nature experience - water is our favourite element =)

The ancient Greco-Roman and Byzantine city of Hierapolis was built on top.

Izmir to Ephesus

Izmir - big city on the coast line of Turkey,  nothing really to say about. Unfortunately no beach, but nice promenade. We couldn't hear the heart beat of this city... Surrounded with so many dogs -  it will remain us for ever as "the dog" city.

Today we went by train to Ephesus. Ephesus is an antique village,  nowadays called Efes. Just amazing to stand in such an historical place - magical moment. 

Ephesus was an ancient Greek city on the coast of Ionia, three kilometers southwest of present-day Selçuk in İzmir Province, Turkey. It was built in the 10th century by Greek colonists. The city flourished after it came under the control of the Roman Republic in 129 BC.

The city was famed for the Temple of Artemis (completed around 550 BC), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In 268 AD, the Temple was destroyed or damaged in a raid by the Goths. 

Ephesus is also mentioned in the Bibel. Apostle Paulus did here some of his missionary work. Ephesus was one of the seven churches of Asia that are cited in the Book of Revelation. The Gospel of John may have been written here.

Stefanie got beaten from a wasp in Ephesus. God bless she's not allergic to it. She "only" has headache and will recover soon.

Currently on the train to Pamukkale.  Let's see what happens next =)

Istanbul to Izmir

We are currently on the way to Izmir, unfortunately with a 2 hour delay. We wanted to be real backpackers and not book the ferry in advance and be spontaneous. We learnt, next time we will book it in advance and will reserve a ticket. We learnt second thing also, sometimes a little bit of chocolate helps =).

At the terminal for the ferry to Bandirma a big fight erupted next to us between an old and a young man. The young man tried to struggle with the older one. Unfortunately we could not understand what the fight was about. We were a little bit shocked....

The journey to Bandirma will be 2 hours. Stefanie hates boats and is always getting sea sick, so at the moment she sleeps after taking a pill. We will catch a bus in Bandirma to Izmir. That should take 4 hours.

Turkey is a very nice and special place until now. A lot of colours and smells. Interesting people - interesting culture.  We would really like to talk to a turkish woman about their culture and thoughts. The religion of the Turks is Muslim - they believe in Alla. Alla - he is present in their life everyday. For example, every morning at 6 a.m. you hear the prayers all over Istanbul. Every Mosque has one prayer and it seems like a battle between them. Also women are everyday aware of their religion. Most of the Turkish woman wear a headscarf to cover the hair - the symbol of beauty. Only her husband is allowed to see the hair. Some woman even cover their face. It would  be interesting to hear from the woman directly what they think about it.  Maybe we will have the chance to catch up with them.... when we visited the Mosque Steffi and I had also had to cover our hair to show respect.

I enjoyed Istanbul a lot, in the night it gets magical because of the lights and the ambience.  Unfortunately we could not get out yesterday,  because of sickness after dinner. We will try the Turkish night in another city.

"Just be" is our goal this year - being, loving life.

Istanbul Impressions in 22000 steps or 17.8 km

Istanbul

Biggest city I saw until now. At night shining like a diamond - beautiful lights around.

We came by bus from the airport to the city centre, it took us nearly 2 hours. While looking out of the window, I saw crazy car drivers ; so much traffic. There was also a man on the road, over him a big pink blanket and around him some turkish men.  You could only see legs and feet.  Killed? Maybe...

We went over the bridge between Asia and Europe (amazing light games) and
arrived in the night in the city centre Sultanahmet.

After sleeping in a nice and cosy hostel, and nice breakfast in there, we had an amazing day in Istanbul. With beautiful colours, different smells and grandiose buildings and culture.  Hagia Sophia, Sultan Ahmet Camii and the big bazaar we have seen and very enjoyed it.

The Day to fly away...

Big fett backpack packed, check-list ticked off, said goodbye to family and friends. Emotional thrilled - heart beat is going faster.