Ack-cha-ko-ja

30 April 2009

Akcakoca, Turkey

Left Istanbul this morning to drive across the Bosphorus into Asia (see image). Eating again, but as little as possible. Clothes too big! Result.  The concept of Asia makes this feel like we've really got going now—have left the familiar behind, and are off on an adventure. And exploration. And whatever else Odyssey promised in their literature. White slavery could have been in there. I didn't read the small print.

Camped right now on the Black Sea, in the above rather unpronounceable little town. Campsite yet again exceeds expectations. Imagine a series of terraces, steeply pitched down to the blue sea amidst a grove of trees just beginning to bloom. We're there, but nicer. And we made some Germans move their camper before we parked ourselves, so double score. Nice. Our men have launched the inflatable kayak and taken on the might of the (really rather calm to be honest) Black Sea. And survived. Though they all came back with wet shorts, which they have ascribed to the ravages of the sea and certainly not to any sort of cowardice.

Here two nights, and get to do absolutely nothing tomorrow, which sounds like absolute bliss. David's birthday is Saturday, looks like belly dancers for the boy. Driving down to Goreme that day, in Cappadocia, and having a slightly-touristy night out in his honour. The drive will take us through Ankara, and the middle of Anatolia.

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As noted, have spent today doing not much at all. I had imagined quite a bit more of this sort of thing, actually, but we've been awfull y busy for people with no gainful employment to speak of.  Wandered down to the town, had lunch in a garden cafe on the water, and mixed with Turks out for the sunshine on a Friday (holy day in Islam--they have a 1970s mosque here, imagine if Roger Wilco and Muhammed had met up and formed an architectural practice). 

Had lovely kofte, which makes me happy, as first proper Turkish food in Turkey! David's had me on gruel and water until now. Grilling local fish for supper, with green salad and some fresh veg.