Turkey Pics - finally...

Well soon is a relative term. I had planned to post pictures before mid July, but I just did not get to it. Kwaj time was short and I was getting packed up and saying goodbye to friends. It is a great place to live, but Kwajalein has its challenges.
I am now in the states getting some quality time with family and it is amazing to me how quickly time flies. And how fast nieces and nephews grow!
My goal for the next year or so it to spend most of my time traveling, preferably on a boat. The Vasco da Gama Rally was a great experience and I would love to see more of the world that way.

So, back to Turkey.
We sailed to Alanya Marina and spent time there getting reacclimated to having access to anything we would want. Alanya is a pretty, though very touristy, town. We spent a day wandering around.
On the weekend I spent a day with a wonderful couple from Haifa, Israel touring the towns of Perge anad Side. The amazing thing about Turkey is that everywhere you go there are ancient ruins. You feel as though you are in the cradle of civilization.

I spent a few days in Istanbul with a couple of friends. Ute from another boat on the rally and Joi who flew in from the states. It was great to enjoy the sights with friends.
If you ever get the chance to get to visit Turkey - go! The people are friendly, the food is great and the history is incredible.

Alanya  fortifications

Alanya

You can just make out Alanya Marina in the distance

The ruins in Perge, some from the 5th century BC



Perge

Perge

Side, Temple to Apollo

Side resident

Side, ancient stadium

Dolmabahce Palace with live guards (in boxes)

Topkapi Palace

Tile work at Topkapi Palace





Blue Mosque



Blue Mosque interior



Hagia Sophia



Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia

Basilica Cistern

The head of Medusa - Basilica Cistern

Friends from the Rally

It's great to see the sights with friends