Note to self… if you wear shorts to the mosque and you expose your knees, you will be told to wear this attractive skirt, that others have worn before you, and you will be a laughing stock. Just saying…. You’ll note this chap is trying the “looking cool wearing a skirt”. In my opinion the only man to look cool in a skirt is a Scotsman wearing a kilt.
We went into this amazing Mosque (name escapes me, sorry). It is much smaller than the Blue Mosque but is decorated with 6 times the number of blue tiles. It was quite stunning but I really wish the tour guide would have shut up, giving us the opportunity to soak in the atmosphere.
One thing I could have done without is the young American, wearing very low slung pants, crouching down on the carpet so he could take a photo of the ceiling. Those behind him were awarded an expansive view of his butt crack. Some people have no shame. I managed to take the following picture of the ceiling without exposing my butt crack. If I could do it, so could he.
Ceiling
Following the visit to the Mosque, we went to the Spice Market where I had hoped to purchase some saffron. No luck. Lots of Turkish delight but no saffron, despite what they said… Like most things in Istanbul the crowds were insane and the atmosphere super humid.
For our last night in Cappadocia we were entertained by a local dance group. I say entertained as a loose term. A troupe of male dancers came on and did their best to entertain a group of seriously exhausted travellers. We had been warned by the tour guide that the night was for the dancing, not the food. She was right.
One of the male dancers was a star, or at least he thought he was a star. He was ok really, as were they all, I’m just being critical. I shouldn’t criticise because I can’t dance to save my life. Anyway, he was a standout and not for his dance skill. He was very tall, blonde and he had a man-bun (a pet peeve of mine). He was very fond of doing a shimmy even when no-one else was doing one so obviously the shimmy was not actually part of the dance routine. The men went through 2 costume changes until finally Man-Bun was able to show his true skill. He came on with a red shirt, black pants, long black boots and he was wearing a white pork pie hat. As it wouldn’t fit over his man-bun he had it perched forward over his eyes. I’m telling you, he looked just like the Construction man from the Village People. Same dance moves and everything.
He just loved the crowd and did a LOT of shimmying to raucous applause.
Next to come on was a female whirling dervish (and here was I thinking whirling dervishes were only men). She had created her own choreography and, I have to say, there was a lot of whirling but not much dervish.
The last act was a belly dancer. As my old dad used to say, it must be jelly ‘cause jam don’t shake like that.
He was right.
I had to take a photo although it didn’t turn out too well. I wanted to get the belly dancer looking her best and she was very keen to show off her performance assets.
Another day at the Fairy Towers only this time we were visiting some cave churches and monasteries and some more, you know, pointy tower things…
Swarms of tourists started plodding up the shale and gravel path to the cave churches and this very enterprising middle aged (looked 90) chap, spruiking business, said he would take anyone up to the caves on his camel, or, as he claimed, the only Turkish Ferrari in the area.
I was tempted to help him with his advertising blurb – Turkish Ferrari, one owner, advanced emissions control system (see blue plastic bag strategically placed), will go for miles, green power, only needs water.
Police station with the Turkish flagA tree, because I had reached cave overload
The Cave hotel was authentic, rustic and dusty however, quite charming, in its own way. It was converted into an hotel from a small village, many years ago, so it stretched on forever with windy, uneven paths and LOTS of steps. No mishaps but there was a wedding in the restaurant, conveniently situated 3 metres away from our room, so we had “un-cha” music for a few hours. They also had a light show using an industrial strength flame thrower that was operated in time to the music. I think it was a second gig for the Hot Air Balloon operator as he really seemed to know what he was doing.
Left the swanky hotel in Istanbul bound for Cappadocia early Sunday morning. I’m not sure I’m really cut out for a cruise way of life but the bonus is someone tells me where to stand. We arrived at the smaller airport (forgot the name, sorry) and had to lug our baggage to the far end where our gate was. 2 sets of security, self serve boarding pass (everyone in the airport needed assistance for the self serve which makes you wonder why they call it self serve) and then board.
Tour of Cappadocia started as soon as we landed and, after the flight and anxiety of being unable to communicate, I was zonked before we reached the first stop.
It appears the Turks like to name things with appropriate titles that have significance to the land site or history of the area such as Pigeon Valley named thus as there are lots of pigeons in the area.
The first place we visited is referred to as Fairy Towers owing to the odd rock structures.
I think a more appropriate name would be the Phallic Fields. I didn’t share this gem with anyone.
Bit of scrambling up shale and gravel and then we descended into the Underground City, appropriately named as it was a city and, well, underground. apparently the underground dwellings were still inhabited until the 1950s. Many dwellers rejected the offer of free housing as they preferred the underground caves.
I went all Indiana Jones (see pic below) and started humming dum-de-dum-dum, dum-de-dah… which no one appreciated (they’re a dull lot) but everyone laughed when I walked through a tunnel without ducking my head. Yeah, super funny, extremely tall American dude. Sorry you had to bend double to get through.
We were told that the local police still use one of the caves as their police station.
Next was the journey to our hotel. We drove past some truly spectacular scenery, extremely dry but with fields of luscious weeds (no idea) which was heavily irrigated so really green.
I’ve been away from an internet connection for a few days so have forgotten exactly what we did. Best stop here and post again with further updates.
Wine barrel in an underground caveRound stone used to block the passageway. Looks like the moon, no?Glenys, open mouthed at the wonder of the cave ceiling
Our itinerary was the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Mosque and the Hagia Sophie Interactive Museum so we set off, took a wrong turn (yes, I was in charge of directions) but found our way to the main area. I left Glenys catching her breath and I walked up the hill to check out the ticket situation. A lovely chap (I can say that now I’m over 60) called out a “hello can I help you” and I said “all good, just looking for my friend”. When we recommenced our journey up the hill there he was again. “Found her!” I said, with a little cheery wave. There’s my first mistake. Anyway Sono (“I have a Turkish carpet business”) escorted us to the entrance but then insisted he take us to the Blue Mosque gates, chatting about wanting to be a tour guide as we walked. Eventually Glenys and I both said we didn’t need a tour guide and can’t afford you anyway. “I do for free!” He exclaimed. How do you politely say “nothing is free”?
Anyway he seemed happy enough telling us some history and we eventually managed to get away from him without offending him.
The crowds were insane. I have never seen so many tourists in one place. Most people, old and young, ignored Glenys’s walking stick. Naturally I adopted the “if you want me to move you’ll have to make me” stance perfected over many years of karate training. This is where the title of this post comes in – a tactic I learned from my instructor many years ago and one I have used quite often.
We started in the Hagia Sophia Mosque interactive museum which was very interesting. It wasn’t really “Interactive” but the graphics of the building, destruction and rebuild were very good. The best part was at the end of the visit when we walked through corridors of artifacts and a collection of amazing calligraphy.
Blue MosqueBlue Mosque
Next was to see the Blue Mosque which was lovely, grand and imposing. Unfortunately there is a lot of renovation going on so the front area wasn’t shown to its best. Lots of rubble, no garden and no water feature. However, it was an experience being there and I’m glad we got to see it.
Once through the arch that leads to the Blue Mosque entrance we were stopped by a very well dressed man who wanted to make sure I had a scarf (I did). “This is my part time job”, he said. “My other job is a Turkish carpet business”. “We’ve just met your brother”, I said.
Glenys capturing a pic of the Blue MosqueEveryone else was taking photos so I risked it with this one. We were asked to leave but I think that was because we’d gone into the women’s prayer section. I blame Sono.Another seemingly illegal photo
After the Blue Mosque visit we decided to go to the Hagia Sophia Mosque and who should come up the hill towards us but Sono. At this point I felt he may have accessed my phone and was tracking me, so uncanny was his knack in turning up exactly where we were. He insisted on us visiting his shop so we could witness the glory of his carpets. We met 2 of his cousins and had to sit through a long winded explanation of carpet design and construction. Sono worked very hard to sell us a Turkish carpet but I wouldn’t budge. As we were leaving his shop he tried to sell us a Turkish carpet mouse pad. 🙄
Returned to the hotel and managed to get a photo of the Blue Mosque….again
Although we arrived yesterday I decided to start this from today as yesterday was….challenging. From 20 hours actual flight time to walking kilometres in the various airports to our pre booked taxi taking another customer to refusing to pay the airport employee his “fee” for helping us with our bags to finally getting transport with a lovely chap who insisted on taking us the tourist route to the hotel (photo of the ceiling of his car attached).
This morning we woke to bright sunshine and a gentle breeze. Our hotel is not in the best spot but pleasant enough with comfy beds and a big breakfast. We tried everything (naturally), including melted chocolate and Turkish delight. Why not, I say!
The hotel information claimed it was 100m (5 mins) to the main area but I think they should have said “as the crow flies”. Road works here are beyond imagination and it seemed every road was one way, all going the wrong way, according to me. We have decided to get a taxi to the main area. On google maps it seemed easy enough but that didn’t factor in taking your life in your hands crossing roads and the rail.
I am attaching a couple of quick pics of the Blue Mosque that we can see from the terrace at the hotel.
So, off on a day of adventure.
When I have recovered from yesterday’s trauma (I exaggerate) I will write all about it. Doesn’t need embellishing.
See ya,
C
Blue Mosque from the hotel terrace Another mosque. Possibly Hagia Sophia but no signs so I’ll let you knowCeiling of the taxi van. Yeah, I know…..
We’re on the downhill slide to departure date so I’m doing the check, double check and triple check to make sure all is done and I don’t leave anything behind. Some of the places we want to visit insist on photo ID, preferring passport, which is unfortunate as my passport photo makes me look like I am a long lost member of some mafia family.
The holiday starts in Istanbul where we’ll spend a couple of days and then we join the cruise. Today I had to create our boarding passes which included more photo ID. No problem. I took a nice little snap (I thought) making sure hair was lightly tousled to give me that “don’t care” look. Affixed a Mona Lisa smile (took ages to master that one) and then posted it to the boarding pass. It was rejected. Note to self: read photo instructions first. Apparently they rejected it because I was smiling and they didn’t like the shoji blind background. Re-did the photo but I won’t be posting that one. I look quite grim.
The image below is the one they rejected. I like my shoji blind!
Tomorrow I’ll be culling my travel clothes collection. Riveting stuff, really.
My first post documenting my Grand Tour 2025 and the lead up to it.
Today’s picture is an artist’s impression of me on my journey.
It is completely false.
To start with I’m not hiking anywhere and secondly I have LOADS more stuff to take so considering employing a porter to help with my bags.
They say using electronic devices is much better and more convenient but I’m a notepad and pencil sort of person so making the transition to a digital blog has been a challenge. Plus, paper and pencil means just that – paper and pencil – whereas digital means I have to pack iPad, stand, cables, keyboard and charger.
You know that picture of the dog sitting at a computer with the legend “I have no idea what I’m doing”. Well, that’s me.
The main image is a watercolour I did of my birthplace, Rhu in Scotland. I cleverly incorporated the town name, Rhu, into my blog name. Smart, huh? My dog and I are still chuckling about that.
I’m about to go on a holiday so this blog will have regular photos and some stories – mostly real.
Rhudimentary 