Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Karaburun New Years-WOW!


We have always enjoyed getting out of the city for New Years and 2010 boast our furthest destination. 6220 miles from Seattle -as the crow flies. There were four of us in tow- Gary, Rena, Sarah M. (you've may remember from such trips as Cappidocia) and a new friend Laurie (whom we met on the bus one day). A fine traveling tribe.



We took a dolmuş, or minibus or literal translated-stuffed. Stuffed is probably the most correct. Don't get me wrong it's a comfortable ride and, to some places in Turkey, it's the only option.  We rode until the end of the line- Karaburun which translates as' black nose". It is a beautiful seaside village located on a peninsula about a 2 hour west of Izmir. 


We stayed on a hillside house with a lookout view of the Aegean Sea. The weather was sunny and warm, 15-20˚C but Eurus was blowing his fierce east winds.  Each evening was lit by the light of the moon including a slight eclipse on New Years eve. As the evening cooled we gathered around the hearth.                                                  

We realized we could not bbq on the grill with such evil winds, so here you can see our solution. A couple roof tiles to prop up the grill and problem yok, lamb chop grilled slow to perfection!

We spent new years eve, like most folks, eating, drinking, and playing games. When the clock stuck 12 we were on the balcony ringing in the new year with pots and pans!! Somethings never change.






On New Years day we had to do some relaxing. We strolled around the village's marina and sat on the dock. We meandered along the shore to picked up some rocks, some for keepsake and others to just to enjoy before making a splash. By afternoon it was again happy hour again. We were invited  to another friends home for cocktails in the village of Saip.  Now, if we had known we could have taken an ancient Roman road straight to their backyard! (R photo) They have built a beautiful home and this is there backyard. Can you see the ruins? (L photo)









Saturday the 2nd we headed back to that jaw-dropping mountain. We had a few of Laurie's Turkish colleges visiting for the day hike. This could be the best hike we have ever been on. Words can not describe.....so here are some shots of day hike -çok güzel!  Enjoy!









"When you find the sycamore tree near the artesian spring follow the goat trail up."
                           - words of advice from the shepherd.


 

What more can be said in 2010 but.....

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
OR
MUTLU YILLAR!







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