Down the Aegean coastline.....

So, what does one do on a Saturday in this region? 

Well, we could drive to location with great ocean views and look out at Greece, head down to Alacati for a bit of wind surfing, go down to the Çeşme Marina or walk around the Çeşme town and Castle for a bit or swim at the IIica beach. Or, we could just do all of it.

Just so we’re clear, this wasn’t a what are we doing after breakfast today type of decision.. we had a very important team meeting on Wednesday to figure out weekend plans. And with our planning and the excellent guidance from our translator Çağrı Duygu, we did have quite a day soaking in the sun.

First Stop: Alaçatı, the coastal towns famous for its historic stone houses and in the more recent years has been developed into a large beach resort town; where every house almost is a bed and breakfast and the cove offers water sports primarily wind surfing. We off course arrived off season so didn’t get down to any water sports but we did get some excellent panoramic views of the town and we did get to see their weekend street market which was just opening up. Vendors drove up in their cars and vans and set up their shops selling everything from clothes and jewelry to shoes and mosaic. Most of the houses had stone walls with pretty flowers falling over; but if ever you were to think about a fancy garden wall, try picturing one with an aquarium! Yes, a real aquarium with fish and octopus instead of a stone wall or garden hedge.

 

Next Stop: Over looking Greece.

Standing at the edge of Turkey, looking over the clear blue sea and there in the horizon is the Greek Island of Chios. If ever I list down all those moments in my life that take my breadth away, this would be one of them.

And then onto Çeşme: We start by walking down to the Çeşme Marina exploring the lifestyles of the rich and famous as we pass expensive sail boats and fancy restaurants. 

Then across the street to walk around the Castle and the town; where you still get a feel for what it was like years ago with this huge castle towering over the village houses. The steep roads with houses on either side overlooking sea are all set up with air conditioning and cable TV, yet the windows and doors, the sit outs all look like they’d stopped in time. And onto the town square where would you believe it, there’s an auction of sheep! We walk past down the main street lined with many many interesting stores but stop only at the end where we final get to taste Turkish fast food, “Kumru”.

Finally the beach: 

Ilica, a stretch of pure white sand with sea green and turquoise shades of shallow calm ocean water. 

Swimming in the Aegean sea, what a perfect ending to a perfect day.