the selcuk area

there is something about selcuk i cannot seem to detach myself from. okay so my family is out there but even if they weren't i would go. the quaintness, the locals all talking about the same thing (namely storks flying south, the highway authorities doing a crappy job, the call to prayer being just way too loud), the saturday bazaar and being so close to sirince and kusadasi. and finally being just a hop skip and a jump from ephesus.

sirince has changed over the years. even though their wines have improved i don't think they are "ready". but good job to them for the marketing that brings hundreds to that tiny mountain village. eren and i met a jeweller there who made all the jewellery in the movie "troy". he had several pictures of brad pitt on his walls. we wore a few and loved the pieces. as you can see i have said nothing about having bought them...then there is uzum cafe when climbing towards the baptist church.



uzum was restored by my uncle and has the most charming garden and terrace out back. sitki is its sweet owner. while we were sitting having our coffee 2 huge men came to ask him for directions and permission to use his grounds to explore the streets out back and spat out a gruffy "iyi akshamlarrr". we blurted out a "bonsoir" as they stared at us. and then the church. it has been recently opened after its restoration. i found it corny to bave a wishing fountain there as did a 5 year old who came with her parents. i think it's becoming a little old with the wishing trees and fountains and wells...

ephesus was as always spectacular. the best time to go is in the fall but if one has no choice but to go any other time of the year it is in your best interest to go in the early morning time. the marble reflects on your skin and causes a slight hyperventilation situation even after a ton of hydrating drinks. for some reason i have not taken heed of my own advice and end up there in the maximum heat of the day EACH TIME. and each time i say no more. the terrace houses are a treat but an extra entrance fee which makes my blood boil (due to the heat of course :P)


kusadasi itself is a place i stray away from. there is a chaos that is neither charming or helpful (as it would be in india for example). it makes me impatient. the only place in kusadasi that i enjoy going to and have an unforgettable time at is the Delta Menderes Milli Park an hour drive away past Davutlar. the beaches there are pebbly and the water is clear...and freezing. its worth going to definitely for a beach experience where there are no banana boats, para sailing, screaming children or the smell of barbecuing. it has the woods behind you and trails you can walk on either before or after your swim. my cousin had long time ago found a gold ring at the bottom of the water. it's that clear. reminds me of the water in olympos...yes there is cafe. 4 beaches in that park, the last one is the best.

selcuk is a place i bring all my friends. it's one of the few places in turkey where there are innumerable things to see and do and not feel like one is spending a fortune.