IZMIR, TURKEY

Known in Turkey as “beautiful  Izmir” the city lies at the head of a long and narrow gulf furrowed by ships and yachts.  That aside we’re not sure where they get the idea that the city is “beautiful.”  The city of 4.2 million people  is a sprawling mess of urban growth and industry with little of its ‘ancient’ buildings intact.  We went on a city tour and our guide explained that Izmir has been built and rebuilt since the 11^th century and each succeeding conqueror  destroyed the buildings of the one before it, and rebuilt a new city using the stones they torn down.,

After tromping around the archeological site (and it continues to amaze us that they allow us to roam freely and touch anything we want to) we visited the Archeological Museum. 

Next we visited a carpet factory and viewed about 100 fabulous rugs – each a true piece of art.  Nancy fell in love with one particular red one, but after learning the price was over $4,000 Euros, decided she didn’t love it that much J.  The owner was very pleasant and served us refreshments before we could go:  Raki for Norm (strong - pure alcohol) and Chai Tea for Nancy since 10AM is just too too early for alcohol in her book.

We ended our day in Izmir at the Konak Square with its famous clock tower and in the Konak shopping area where is not a ‘tourist shopping area’ full of souvenirs etc, but rather a marketplace where the everyday Turk does their shopping.  At first the crowded, narrow streets were a bit intimidating, (paranoia about getting pick-pocketed and so forth), but, once we got accustomed to it we both agreed it was much better than the usual ‘tourist tromp’ threw a maze of junk.  It was easy to imagine what it would be like to be living in the city and doing our everyday shopping on Konak Street. In fact, both Norm and I agree that we’d like to return to Turkey and spend more time exploring this country – may be rent an apartment and stay a while!

Norm did not buy a fez while in Izmir…..but he did try one on and I snapped his picture.

Headed back to Greece tomorrow and the adventure goes on!

Hugs,

Norm & Nancy