Turkey anyone?

harland
New Member



Joined: 13 Feb 2004
Posts: 4

Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 6:52 pm

 

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Hi;
My name is Harland and I'm planning to go to Turkey this May. Are there any Canucks out there or planning to go about that time? Beyond that I'm going to make my way to Irkutsk, Russia (via Georgia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan) and then take the train to Vladivostok. I welcome advice and general interest questions. Ciao.
_________________
I am 36-year and live in Calgary. I am a hiking and camping fanatic and love ancient history. Favorite hike: Linehan Ridge, Waterton Park. Favorite team: The Canucks (who else?).

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expatmich
CanuckAbroad Regular



Joined: 18 Aug 2003
Posts: 33
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 6:15 am

 

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My husband and I lived in Ankara, Turkey for five years if there's anything you need to know Harland......

Expatmich
(now in Abu Dhabi)

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harland
New Member



Joined: 13 Feb 2004
Posts: 4

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 8:34 am

 

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Hello Expatmich;
Interesting name!? Thanks for the reply.
I am currently waiting (somewhat impatiently) to hear about a job that may derail my travel plans. The job would involve operating a thermal imaging system over wildfires and would last until September. If they make me a reasonable offer I will take it, otherwise I will start making serious plans in order to leave for Turkey in the first week in May.
I've almost been a history nut so Turkey has been calling me for a long time and as I love hiking it will be a great combination of learning and exercise. Anyway I do have some questions:
Do you know anyone who has done the Lycian Way?
Where is a good spot to stay in Cappadocia and would five days there be enough to see the main things? Are there campgrounds or areas where I can pitch my tent?
I plan to be in Istanbul for at least 3 days before I go south toward Bodrum. Do you know the best/cheapest way to get there? I'm thinking the bus..
After Cappadocia I will probably go in the direction of Erzurum and Van. I've read that Eastern Turkey has so much to offer in the way of scenery and history. If I only had time to go one area would you recommend that around Van or Erzurum?
After spending a bit of time in Trabzon I will make my way to Georgia. I've read that Bat'umi is a good spot to head for in Georgia. Thoughts?
Anyway I would appreciate any advice or thoughts you may have on these questions and anything you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Do you know any people in these areas that would welcome a Canadian guest?
Thanks again;
Harland "Ervinovich"
harland_doerksen@yahoo.ca
_________________
I am 36-year and live in Calgary. I am a hiking and camping fanatic and love ancient history. Favorite hike: Linehan Ridge, Waterton Park. Favorite team: The Canucks (who else?).

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expatmich
CanuckAbroad Regular



Joined: 18 Aug 2003
Posts: 33
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 4:58 am

 

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Do you know anyone who has done the Lycian Way?:
A few friends of mine had done the trek and of course, it's awesome as are all the historical treks in Turkey.

Where is a good spot to stay in Cappadocia and would five days there be enough to see the main things? There are so many places to stay depending on your price range. If you like to have a beer or two at night, the staying in Goreme is the best hang out town. 5 Days in Cappadocia is good, and you can rent a horse that way and go through the valleys. I have had friends camp there and spend a gorgeous five days doing so. I have only ever gone for three day stints, which is enough to see the sights well enough, but I went about 6 times to Cappy and each time was just as wonderful as the last.

Are there campgrounds or areas where I can pitch my tent? Yep, all over the place, but it'll be farmy kind of land, or if you camp in the valley's you have to make sure you're not in a historical site, but that's easy enough.

I plan to be in Istanbul for at least 3 days before I go south toward Bodrum. Do you know the best/cheapest way to get there? I'm thinking the bus..
The bus to Bodrum is very cheap. Everything costs aboaut 20 US dollars or less. There is no train to Bodrum, so unless you rent a car or hitchhike, the only way is bus.....or taxi...

After Cappadocia I will probably go in the direction of Erzurum and Van. I've read that Eastern Turkey has so much to offer in the way of scenery and history. If I only had time to go one area would you recommend that around Van or Erzurum? I would go to Van. The lake is neat and though I never went to Nemrut Dag, I am kicking myself that I would have. If you want to go to Trabzon though, then to Georgia, I would go to Erzurum instead because it's already up there.......and Van is fairly south and hard to get to (long bus ride).

After spending a bit of time in Trabzon I will make my way to Georgia. I've read that Bat'umi is a good spot to head for in Georgia. Thoughts? I didn't go to Georgia, so I wouldn't know.....

Hope that is helpful for you Harland. Have fun with the travel. Turkey is one of the most fascinating places I have ever been. I can't believe you didn't list Efes (Ephesus on your trip!) There's also the whole region of Ephesus which has phenomenal ruins in Miletus, Didyma, Priene, Aphrodisias....you should check this option out as well.........

Cheers,
Expatmich

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harland
New Member



Joined: 13 Feb 2004
Posts: 4

Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 8:37 am

 

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Thanks Expatmich!
I really appreciate your input and of course Ephesus will be one area I will spend time in. I may decide to go to Van (thus slighting Erzurum) because the hiking from there (Cilo-Sat) is supposed to be incredible. Anyway God Bless and take care. Kind Regards;
Harland
_________________
I am 36-year and live in Calgary. I am a hiking and camping fanatic and love ancient history. Favorite hike: Linehan Ridge, Waterton Park. Favorite team: The Canucks (who else?).

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CanuckAbroad
Site Admin


Back in Victoria after living in Budapest

Joined: 04 Mar 2003
Posts: 482
Location: Victoria

Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 9:17 am

 

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I actually recently heard that you CANNOT cross from Georgia into Russia because of it's proximity to Chechnya. I think you have to take a ferry across the Black Sea.

Also, I've also heard from many people that unless you speak Russian, don't even try to travel there (at least outside of Moscow or St Petersburg). It's still relatively dangerous, and as a foreigner who doesn't speak the language you'll stick out like a sore thumb.

That being said, I've never been there though I'd love to go

Check out the www.lonelyplanet.com Thorn Tree, I think they just had a big discussion about someone planning a similar trip.

Ciao,
Matt

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