Though Ankara is the capitol city of Turkey the financial epicenter is Istanbul, as demonstrated by the glass high rises woven in among the antiquities. Our guide describes it as " a separate country within the boundaries of Turkey". Our last "must see" was the Spice Market this morning before boarding our luxury coach, our "home away from home" for the next two weeks. Heading along farmland on the European coastline we headed to the Dardenelle Strait, where we visited the Gallipoli Cemetery, site of the bloody battle between the Allies (mostly Australian and NZ soldiers) and the Turks during W.W.I. A tragic waste of young men on both sides! Crossing the Dardenelles by ferry to the Asian side, we are now in the lovely university city of Canakkale, our modern hotel rooms facing the waterfront. Salih, our trip leader, is excellent - a fountain of knowledge, comedian, AND a seasoned organizer, thinking of every detail. It makes our group of 35 seem like a family.
Pix: Spice Market; Gallipoli Cemetery, Crossing the Dardenelles
Did the spice market make you want to cook again?
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