One small, sour note in 2 memorable weeks
 

We were captivated and fascinated by the Turkish history, culture, people and landscape (did I mention the food ?) that we had the pleasure to experience this month.

I want to note the one small, but unpleasant, episode, as a warning to others. We had a slightly late air arrival in Denizli, en route to Pamukkale, where we had reservations at the Melrose Hotel. The transport from the airport was a well marked bus and the driver assured us, as had the Hotel, that he would drop us at the Melrose. It was dark and raining and chilly. After a drive of maybe less than one hour, the bus stopped by the side of the road. Our luggage, and that of two Asian women with no common language with us or the driver, was summarily dropped by the wet road, and we're told that we needed to take the Dolmush size vehicle, pay more, and he would take us to the Melrose. We had no choice...the larger bus had taken off. OK.

When we arrived at the Melrose, the cheerful terrace made us cheerful, too - for about 5 minutes ! Then the proprietress, who had our names and our reservation in hand, told us that we would be staying at their other, newly opened hotel, up the road. Grrrr !

This new hotel ( still chilly, still raining...foot hurting ) was a bit like a fancy Motel 6 - run by the woman's husband. We were not happy. But, it was just for one night - Pamukkale and the Tavertines on the morrow, so adapt in good travel mode. And, the place was clean !

So, be alert for the switches....in transport and in hotel. Perhaps some knowledgable posters can suggest ways to avoid this transportation scam ?

Marnie, I am not sure it was a transportation scam.

You just had the wrong information about your transfer. Had they told you beforehand or were you able to understand Turkish you probably would have opted for a taxi or such although more expensive.

I am sorry about your miserable evening and hope that the trip improved after that.

Protests are expected to continue on Istiklal and side streets, although Taksim Square is strongly protected by large police force and water cannons.

No problem at Sultanahmet or Nisantasi or anywhere on the Bosphorus. Evenings at Kadikoy may not be recommended.

Teshekurederem, OC. Yes, everything following that unpleasant, mini episode went wonderfully well.

Meeting you and your DW remain a highlight of our visit.

I am eager to return to Turkey and visit some of the less 'touristy' areas of this remarkable country.

OC
Wonder about your comment about not visiting Kadikoy in the evenings? I had never seen that advice before, relating to previous riots or demonstrations. We arrive in IST in a couple of weeks and the situation will be different, but still curious about your mention specifically of Kadikoy where we do hope to spend an evening. And of course all of us mourn this tragedy.
Thx.

Marnie, you're welcome. It was fun meeting you and your friend. Do let us know when you're coming again and plan for a day or two at Iznik, where we are now, also.


Alison,

There is a Bull statue, about 300-400 yards from the ferry landing at a large intersection. protesters aginst the governments high-handed treatment of miners are currently meeting there sometime after 6PM and being chased by the police to other streets with pepper gas and water cannon. I cannot tell which streets are affected but it is possible that some of the pedestrianized shopping streets between the Bull (Altiyol) and the beginning of the shops near the shore may also be influenced.

It is interesting how disasters bring us together. I have been tweeting about the 2010 West Virginia mining accident, and sharing tributes to the miners there as well as American coal mining songs and DW is posting those and others on facebook.

And if you are on twitther and need a bit of cheering up, here's a tweet (and photo)of a guest to our front terrace, a hedgehog or porcupine, who is apparently moving towars us again as DW said as she rushed in to get the camera at this moment :

https://twitter.com/ahmetcelebiler/s...136896/photo/1

OC, thx so much for the explanation. We will check things out before venturing places when we are there. Your updates are so appreciated. Have fun with the pointy visitors!!

Marnie

I would have been seriously steamed with both the transport switch & the hotel substitution, so I sympathize. Travel is always an adventure.

Ahmet

Great picture! I am following the events in Turkey closely . . .

Alison

Have a great trip!

When we were surprised by protesters & riot police several years ago on Istiklal, we just flattened ourselves into a doorway until they swept past.

Ian