Turkey

This is a picture of the traditional Turkish breakfast we had at our charming and quirky (and most importantly, cheap) hotel in Gumbet, which is a mile or so from Bodrum. Also pictured is part of a mural hung over the bar at the hotel. Two honeymooners, perhaps?

We spent about a day and a half in Gumbet, eschewing cultural pursuits for a day relaxing on the beach, drinking beer, listening to the ubiquitous techno music, smoking hookah, and trying to pick up a few Turkish phrases (we’re still struggling with “thank you”).

There were loads of British tourists in Gumbet, but very few Americans. In fact, we were the first Americans the bartender/waiter at the hotel had met. Don’t worry, we’re doing our best to make a good impression, and yes, Carter is wearing his “Local Celebrity” tshirt everywhere.

As I write this we’re on a bus from the airport to Istanbul! It was quite an adventure getting to the airport in Bodrum this morning. We taxied to a bus depot, and wandered around fruitlessly looking for the official airport shuttle. When we realized the next shuttle was leaving too late to make our flight, we hopped on a local bus, which proceeded to randomly pick up and drop off old men along the way. We were then dropped off at the side of the road, and had to walk across a four line highway to a taxi stand seemingly situated in the middle of nowhere. After a cab ride of about a mile, we reached our destination, just in time to board out Turkish Airways flight to Istanbul. We can’t wait to explore this amazing city!