Saturday, July 2, 2011

30th June& 1st July, Konja and Goreme, Turkey

 Had quite a long drive to Konja, but as ever through exciting roads that tend to be in plains and surrounded by amazing mountains.


Stopped for a sort of lunch break at a lovely town called Egridir, which was by a lake of that name.


The only reason why I stopped at Konja, was because it was six inches away from Pamakkule on my map, 6 inches being about a days travel on the map I have. There was not much in the guide book other than it being a transport hub. In fact it is a main city in the carpet manufacturing industry.
Not having a hotel booked, I headed for the centre and asked Garmin for hotels and there were a few just nearby. I have a budget of about 30-40 Turkish Lira, which is about £11-15. I am not too fussy and as long as it looks clean,  I don't fanny about comparing for one night's stay. Otel Cinar  was on the corner and they had a lovely vivid pink single room, with a pink bed down. Perhaps they offer that room to all single chaps?
When I parked Batty in the adjacent carpark there was another bike, albeit with a cover on, but it was clearly an overlander's bike. The 4 or 5 local guys hanging around the attendant's kiosk came over, drawn by Batty's somewhat unique good looks no doubt, one of them spoke quite good English and when they hear it is diesel the questions started streaming; How fast? How far? Where are you from? How much? Etc. it goes in differing orders and all at once.  They told me that the other bike was  English too.
I came back downstairs after washing 8 hours worth of dust off, to try and find a local supper. Bending down next to Batty was John, as it turned out, taking down this website address from the stickers on the panniers. He and Jane were on the final leg of a RTW  trip, that started in the States. Over  supper and coffee the next morning, I enjoyed their very good company. They imparted so much valuable info, beit how to drive in India, where to stay in Nepal, what to look out for in Cambodia, get a bike cover for India, as well as many lovely stories of their year long travels.
They had met so many other overland bikers on the trip and so much info is willingly handed around like a giant 'pass the parcel' party. I am looking forward to more of these meetings as I go.


Off I went from this enjoyable meeting to the much vaunted Cappidosia (Land of the beautiful horse in Persian, and they are), 5 hours east.
This is a place resulting from a volcanic bang millennia ago, and in amongst the high rolling hills/mountains are some weird natural phenomena that man has put to use over the years. I was heading for Goreme, which is the main central town. As you head down the hill one sees what looks like blobs from a culinary creation, but these are big enough to have houses in them, which they do.


Staying in the comfortable Anatolya Cave Pension and will stay for 3 nights.

3 comments:

  1. Oliver and I love reading your posts and tracking your location on the map. We are both learning loads. Yesterday we found a balloon company (see link) that flies over the extraordinary Capadocia hills / homes. Looks as if its close to your current staging post.
    Keep well. Regards Martin

    http://www.goremeballoons.com/

    Posta Adresi : Sivritaş mah. Koyunyolu mevkii No:1 Ürgüp , Nevşehir 50400
    Telefon : +90 (384) 341 56 62, +90 (532) 416 64 61 Fax : +90 (384) 341 72 45
    E-mail : info[at]goremeballoons.com

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  2. Hi Harry! It's so wonderful to be able to share in your adventures through this blog. It sounds like the trip is all you hoped it would be so far. Very inspiring to see you living your dream :)

    Stay safe,
    Jen

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