Bobrum Bayram

   
We celebrated the Bayram in the seaside town of Bodrum, 250 km south of Izmir with a group of nine teachers. The Sugar (Seker) Bayram marks the end of Ramadan. Time to celebrate the end of the month long fast.

     We took off early Saturday morning boarding a luxurious bus. The Turks know how to travel via bus, first class. Three hour ride with service. Tea is poured, water is served, snacks included with comfortable seating. Our Otel in Bodrum was just a minute walk from the Autogar.  Small rooms but private, with Turkish TV ( Steve Martin is still funny, even in Turkish). A garden patio cafe/bar and poolside lounge chairs. It was close to everything and off the main streets.  Quite nice!

     We strolled to the marketplace and found a recommended lokanta ( a family restaurant that serve a few daily specials) Delightful! Topped off with tea and off to tour the Castle.

     The Castle was built starting in 1402  by Knights Hospitaller as the Castle of St. Peter. The castle also host the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.( No the museum is not underwater.) The collection comes from sunken ships from the Aegean Sea. Underwater excavations of shipwreck dating back to 16 Century BC.  The oldest Nefertiti gold seal and clay scroll stamps from Mesopotamia found on a wreck from 15th century is on display. Along with a vast collection of amphoras, ancient glass, bronze, clay, iron items. It is the biggest collection of underwater archaeology. We stormed the castle. Took in the spectacular views from castles walls all afternoon.  Our eyeballs full,  in awe, we are ready for an Efes and a swim. We lounged by the Aegean sea with the call of prayer, and cannon blasts echoing the bay.
     Sunday was a day of fun in the sun. Cruising the Aegean on a yacht. Stopping in a variety of coves. Swimming in crystal cool seas. Swim..cruise..swim.. lunch..swim..etc....what more can I say! Oh! As we swam in one cove and ice cream boat came cruising by! Ice cream boat!?! Of course we did... Ice cream boat...come on! Brilliant. What a day!
     Sunday night the girs hit Halikarnas disco, which can host 5000 guests. It was ladies night free at "the best night club in the world". After dinner we met the group. Of course guys cover was astronomical, so the ladies hit the dance floor as the two men drank in the cafe planning for Monday's scooter memoirs.
      As the ladies slept in, Brant and I rented scooter and were free. We headed out of town and rode across the peninsula. If one turned, we both turned without second thoughts. Its amazing how little two guys talk, and still have so much communications. We hit dirt roads, over desolate trails and into "untouched" coves. Finding postcard beaches without footprints. Discovered tombs, and trailed into ancient ruins of Mindos. Wind in our face, free man, free!  The best day!

      Met back with ladies around 4pm and traded stories. The girls had a great day shopping in the marketplace, lunch and topped it off with a cleanse at the Hamam.  A few ventured to Mausoleum of Maussollos at Halicarnassus. One of the seven ancient wonders of the world. Our hearts full and exhausted from our adventures we boarded the bus for the luxurious sunset ride home...tea, and this evenings travel treat- ice cream.

A bit sad that the holiday times were past and knowing the routine of life will begin. Back to school.