And so our sojourn drew to an end. A short morning for some final exploration or shopping in the precincts of our hotel, very near to an imposing section of aqueduct under which endless traffic streamed and an equally imposing great mosque, before setting off via a scenic back route full of very old buildings to Ataturk Airport for our 2pm flight back home. We were sorry to say farewell to Canadian Rob who would be spending the rest of his birthday on his own. He along with Ghanian Rob proved to be such gentlemen throughout the tour, gallant to the ladies and always ready with a steady hand when needed! Erdal too was there to say goodbye and I look forward to many happy years of working with him.
Ataturk Airport was crowded with passengers but without too much ado we found our way to the lounge and after spending the last of our Turkish lira we took leave of this wonderful welcoming land.
Our flight took us over the snow capped mountains of Easern Anatolia and across the Middle East. The sun had set by the time we landed in Abu Dhabi where we had a 2 and 3/4 hour wait for our flight home. The cross-section of nationalities passing through this busy airport provided enough entertainment as did a long conversation with two families from India! A great tubular centre funnel curves up to form the roof of the terminal, all in blue, green and white tiles. I felt as if I was a denizen of the deep in a very large aquarium!
Turkey beckons again. As much as we saw, so much have we more to see. Second time round I have made more sense of its multi-layered history. Its people are warm and hospitable, infinitely proud of their country. Its cuisine is lip-smackingly delectable – and a vegetarian would never go hungry. Its landscapes are diverse and all very beautiful in their own way. Its culture and history fascinating.
Tesekkur ederim, my Turkish friends! I will be back!
(Tesekkur ederim - thank you!)
Resources:
Eyewitness Travel Guide Turkey, Struik New Holland Publishing (PTY) LTD, Cape Town
Lonely Planet Guide: Turkey
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