Catstantinople
One thing I have noticed about Istanbul, compared to other metropolis, is the lack of rats and cockroaches.
Sydney is awash with an army of 'roches ready to blitzkrieg your kitchen as soon as the lights go out. I have seen rats in London that could make off with a small child.
Why the lack of pests here?
There is one answer I can think of:
Cats
A phalanx of cats.
Fluffy, mangy, skinny, scruffy, scraggy, sickly, scrawny, decrepit, ragtag, indigent, gaunt, lanky, weedy, pussies, moggies, kitties, tabbies and tomcats.
As Bangkok streets are ruled by dogs, it is the cats who control Istanbul.
They are everywhere, slinking across roofs, sunning themselves on sidewalks, furtively eyeing fish stands, rummaging in rubbish, lounging in book store windows, wandering past waiters and waiting expectantly outside people's front doors.
In the spring the streets were awash with kittens. They were everywhere, very cute until you see a few by the side of the road that didn't make it.
One student explained the reason. The Quran says that it is fine to feed animals outside your home but not inside.
Some houses have a little feeder and a bowl of water by their door's for their feline friends.
Some people are not as friendly, especially restauranteurs, who fear this business's reputation. They are the first to shoo the intruders.
I have even seen people in the streets or in cafes trying to scare them off. A begging cat can really disturb you meal.
As a result, they tend to be wild and not all that trusting of their human patrons.
When I leave our building of a morning, it is common to see at least half a dozen hanging around. The smell of amonia (or cats piss) is pervasive.
Thanks to the chosen method of rubbish collection in this city ie. dumping it in the street, means that there is a smorgasboard of dining options for them.
One overly friendly old girl wandered into our flat one evening and make herself at home on my clothes in my wardrobe, only leaving to loudly demand food when ever someone went into the kitchen.
We eventually tricked her outside. We don't have any cat food anyway.
If I have a choice I would definitely prefer cats over other vermin, even if they do get to plague numbers at some times.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Middle-East
A cease fire.
This is good news.
From last week:
It has been three weeks since the beginning of hostilities between Turkey's neighbor's to the east.
I cannot really tell you much, except to tell you what has been going on here.
The Turkish government supports the idea of peace, but appears to be doing very little to achieve this aim, as far as I can tell from reading the papers.
There has been many anti-Israel/US protests. The government is a conservative, Islamic party, which is a reformed version of an even more conservative Islamic party after the last coup.
Turkish Politics
All the parties have only been around since the last coup in 1980.
I taught Cengiz, a columnist for Hurriyet, the "best" newspaper in the country (it still features nearly naked women on the back page... both the media magnates here seem to follow Murdoch's line of "you can't sell a paper without tits."). He gave me an insight into Turkish politics.
There are about five or six major parties all holding a relatively significant share of the parliament. Comparing his country to the west he noted that in an established market there were two major players: Coke and Pepsi, McDonald's and Burger King, Phillip Morris (aka Kraft Foods) and British-American Tobaccos etc etc.
Turkey is not an established market.
However, Erdogan has done a pretty good job of bringing the country up to date.
This is an aside.
Peaceful Protest or Riot
It was good to see some good, old fashioned protesting in Perth when I logged onto the ABC website recently.
Shortly after that some of my colleagues told me about a protest that they happened to witness on Istaklal Street, not far from my flat.
The peaceful protest moved from Taksim to Tunel, drawing attention to their opinion of the behaviour of Israel and the apparent American complicity.
The large group of people were met by a body of police in full riot gear. Without warning the police fired a hail of tear and got busy with the large sticks, to disperse the crowd.
This was outside the school's branch in Taksim. A student opened a window on the fifth floor and was apparently floored by the fumes.
I saw pictures on the local news. The coppers did not seem to be holding back.
However, search as I may the next day, I could not find a single reference to the incident in any English language newspaper or website.
If you find anything about this, please let me know.
Something to think about for the next protest you complain that they are suppressing your "right to protest" (incidentally, if you can find any reference to "rights" in the Australian constitution, I would like to hear about that too).
There are more protests scheduled. There seem to be movements here that are very pro-militant -Islam.
Incidentally, insulting "Turkishness" is against the law in this country.
I will let you know I offend anybody and I am kicked out.
Opinions:
Shortly after I returned from holiday, and heard the news I got in touch with an Israeli friend who I met while traveling around Australia.
He said that this is the first time, in a long time, that the Israeli people (himself included) felt absolutely "just" in their actions.
This conflict, he told me, had been on the cards for quite some time and the kiddnapping of the soldiers was just an excuse to get to work.
Only only hope he is not called to the front, to test his beliefs.
He and a friend also set up a "peace stall" in a local shopping mall near his home in the south.
He said that someone hit him in the head and that this was not surprising: "we are at war".
Six Degrees
I have a cousin who married a Lebanese guy.
Hi, to Kate and Paul.
I now have two little Irish-Lebanese-Australian second cousins.
Shout outs to Liam and Abigail too.
Paul's family is safely in the mountains, but his uncle works at the only harbour still running in Lebanon. I hope for his safety.
Personally, I am tending to agree with a wise man, who said: I think the Americans should stop giving weapons to the Israelis and the Iranians should stop giving weapons to Hezbollah.
It is also interesting that America delivers aid to Lebanon and bombs to Israel at the same time. I am not sure how that is justified.
Final Word
I do not see any winners here.
The real losers are, and will be for years to come, the Lebanese people, who have not asked for this.
If I was voting, I am not sure I would give Hezbollah any power.
How did they run for parliament anyway - not sure how I feel about letting internationally recognised terrorist organisations run for seats in parliament.
One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter.
A soldier is a terrorist in a uniform.
A cease fire.
This is good news.
From last week:
It has been three weeks since the beginning of hostilities between Turkey's neighbor's to the east.
I cannot really tell you much, except to tell you what has been going on here.
The Turkish government supports the idea of peace, but appears to be doing very little to achieve this aim, as far as I can tell from reading the papers.
There has been many anti-Israel/US protests. The government is a conservative, Islamic party, which is a reformed version of an even more conservative Islamic party after the last coup.
Turkish Politics
All the parties have only been around since the last coup in 1980.
I taught Cengiz, a columnist for Hurriyet, the "best" newspaper in the country (it still features nearly naked women on the back page... both the media magnates here seem to follow Murdoch's line of "you can't sell a paper without tits."). He gave me an insight into Turkish politics.
There are about five or six major parties all holding a relatively significant share of the parliament. Comparing his country to the west he noted that in an established market there were two major players: Coke and Pepsi, McDonald's and Burger King, Phillip Morris (aka Kraft Foods) and British-American Tobaccos etc etc.
Turkey is not an established market.
However, Erdogan has done a pretty good job of bringing the country up to date.
This is an aside.
Peaceful Protest or Riot
It was good to see some good, old fashioned protesting in Perth when I logged onto the ABC website recently.
Shortly after that some of my colleagues told me about a protest that they happened to witness on Istaklal Street, not far from my flat.
The peaceful protest moved from Taksim to Tunel, drawing attention to their opinion of the behaviour of Israel and the apparent American complicity.
The large group of people were met by a body of police in full riot gear. Without warning the police fired a hail of tear and got busy with the large sticks, to disperse the crowd.
This was outside the school's branch in Taksim. A student opened a window on the fifth floor and was apparently floored by the fumes.
I saw pictures on the local news. The coppers did not seem to be holding back.
However, search as I may the next day, I could not find a single reference to the incident in any English language newspaper or website.
If you find anything about this, please let me know.
Something to think about for the next protest you complain that they are suppressing your "right to protest" (incidentally, if you can find any reference to "rights" in the Australian constitution, I would like to hear about that too).
There are more protests scheduled. There seem to be movements here that are very pro-militant -Islam.
Incidentally, insulting "Turkishness" is against the law in this country.
I will let you know I offend anybody and I am kicked out.
Opinions:
Shortly after I returned from holiday, and heard the news I got in touch with an Israeli friend who I met while traveling around Australia.
He said that this is the first time, in a long time, that the Israeli people (himself included) felt absolutely "just" in their actions.
This conflict, he told me, had been on the cards for quite some time and the kiddnapping of the soldiers was just an excuse to get to work.
Only only hope he is not called to the front, to test his beliefs.
He and a friend also set up a "peace stall" in a local shopping mall near his home in the south.
He said that someone hit him in the head and that this was not surprising: "we are at war".
Six Degrees
I have a cousin who married a Lebanese guy.
Hi, to Kate and Paul.
I now have two little Irish-Lebanese-Australian second cousins.
Shout outs to Liam and Abigail too.
Paul's family is safely in the mountains, but his uncle works at the only harbour still running in Lebanon. I hope for his safety.
Personally, I am tending to agree with a wise man, who said: I think the Americans should stop giving weapons to the Israelis and the Iranians should stop giving weapons to Hezbollah.
It is also interesting that America delivers aid to Lebanon and bombs to Israel at the same time. I am not sure how that is justified.
Final Word
I do not see any winners here.
The real losers are, and will be for years to come, the Lebanese people, who have not asked for this.
If I was voting, I am not sure I would give Hezbollah any power.
How did they run for parliament anyway - not sure how I feel about letting internationally recognised terrorist organisations run for seats in parliament.
One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter.
A soldier is a terrorist in a uniform.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Viddyblog
It is a bit dodgy, but give it a bash.
http://www.yourfilehost.com/media.php?cat=video&file=MOV01720.MPG
Hopefully, more to come.
Enjoy.
It is a bit dodgy, but give it a bash.
http://www.yourfilehost.com/media.php?cat=video&file=MOV01720.MPG
Hopefully, more to come.
Enjoy.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
DEAR READER
What follows is an account of our holiday
from Antalya to Izmir
Along the Mediterranean Coast
over a week at the beginning of July, 2006.
It will probably bore you to death
but it is better than those giant, soul-less mass emails
that no one ever reads.
My advice:
Is to start at the end and read up
as it is at reverse order
one at the bottom and eight at the top
Cheers
Al
What follows is an account of our holiday
from Antalya to Izmir
Along the Mediterranean Coast
over a week at the beginning of July, 2006.
It will probably bore you to death
but it is better than those giant, soul-less mass emails
that no one ever reads.
My advice:
Is to start at the end and read up
as it is at reverse order
one at the bottom and eight at the top
Cheers
Al
EPILOGUE
We arrived home.
Slept for hours.
The next day we woke to washing, domestics, banality,
And a new housemate, Quintin having left for a months holiday in Spain.
James took over his room.
It seems to be working out just fine.
I check the internet.
"MID-EAST EXPLODES"
Reads the headlines.
Ahh that was the tanks we saw.
I check the news everyday,
the moments my back turns,
the fighting starts.
More on that later.
Hope you enjoyed the story.
If you want more information,
feel free to get in touch.
Thanks
Al
We arrived home.
Slept for hours.
The next day we woke to washing, domestics, banality,
And a new housemate, Quintin having left for a months holiday in Spain.
James took over his room.
It seems to be working out just fine.
I check the internet.
"MID-EAST EXPLODES"
Reads the headlines.
Ahh that was the tanks we saw.
I check the news everyday,
the moments my back turns,
the fighting starts.
More on that later.
Hope you enjoyed the story.
If you want more information,
feel free to get in touch.
Thanks
Al
DAY EIGHT
Efes
The bus dropped us off at the front entrance.
We bought tickets and bustled through the tourists to get in.
This place is seriously amazing.
One of the wonders of the ancient world
It is really beyond words
believe it or not
So I will let the photos do the talking.
Serince
(pron: sher-in-jay)
In the afternoon we took a local bus up to this litte Greek villiage
Famed for it's fruit wine.
In the 1920's when Turkey was created,
all the Turks were kicked out of Greece,
and all the Greeks were kicked out of Turkey.
No one remembered to tell these guys.
Now their decendants are still there in this little white washed village.
We wandered around, bought some wine, had some lunch
and spent the afternoon drinking an interesting bottle of melon wine in a cafe overlooking the valley, nice.
In one on the shops an old TV showed images of tanks and desert.
I wander where that is?
but we paid little attention.
And that was pretty much it.
We got a bus down the hill,
picked up our bags... again,
Took a bus to Izmir,
They dropped us at the airport,
we boarded a plane,
landed at Ataturk,
hopped on a bus,
and we were back
into the traffic,
the smog,
the beggars,
the sellers,
and the vibe,
of Taksim.
THE END
Efes
The bus dropped us off at the front entrance.
We bought tickets and bustled through the tourists to get in.
This place is seriously amazing.
One of the wonders of the ancient world
It is really beyond words
believe it or not
So I will let the photos do the talking.
Serince
(pron: sher-in-jay)
In the afternoon we took a local bus up to this litte Greek villiage
Famed for it's fruit wine.
In the 1920's when Turkey was created,
all the Turks were kicked out of Greece,
and all the Greeks were kicked out of Turkey.
No one remembered to tell these guys.
Now their decendants are still there in this little white washed village.
We wandered around, bought some wine, had some lunch
and spent the afternoon drinking an interesting bottle of melon wine in a cafe overlooking the valley, nice.
In one on the shops an old TV showed images of tanks and desert.
I wander where that is?
but we paid little attention.
And that was pretty much it.
We got a bus down the hill,
picked up our bags... again,
Took a bus to Izmir,
They dropped us at the airport,
we boarded a plane,
landed at Ataturk,
hopped on a bus,
and we were back
into the traffic,
the smog,
the beggars,
the sellers,
and the vibe,
of Taksim.
THE END
DAY SEVEN
Izmir
We arrived, shocked
into the pre dawn light at Izmir bus station.
After a couple of cups of tea
we found the bus to Selchuk near the ancient city of Ephesus (Efes)
We spent an hour on another bus
at Selchuk we had the standard harassment
However, we already had an arrangement.
They came and picked us up.
Atilla's Getaway
as recommended to us
It was nice
Too many damn Australians though.
It had a good view out over the valley.
It is run by an Australian Turkish family
Atilla is there with his Thai wife.
Sawadee Krap!
Sabai dee mai?
Baan ti ni?
She was from Pattiya.
I see, awfully broad shoulders on that girl.
Who knows?
She always wanted to get out of Thailand
now she cannot wait to get back.
"It is not the same."
We slept for hours
got up, swam, relaxed and even had a yellow curry for dinner.
It was not the same.
We got an early night for a big one the next day.
Photo: thanks to Atilla
DAY SIX
Kekova Tour
Instead of diving
we decided to take tour of the area
We went around and looked at the deals
in the end, we just chose one.
Depart at ten
On the boat at 10.30
First stop
Aquarium Bay for some swimming
With a pair of goggles, I was able to see everything that we saw diving
The next island stop was Shipyard Bay
thus called as it was a shipyard for:
The Lycians, the Byzantines, the Romans etc etc.
Once again, lots of ruins.
On the way out we went past the Sunken City
The ruins of a Lycian city that had fallen into the ocean.
Unfortunately you cannot swim or dive on it
but it was good to cruise past and see the remains.
In the pictures you can see old vases and jugs
Pretty amazing.
I wonder whether future civilizations
will look in wonder at our kola cans and ciggie packets
Is that how we shall be remembered?
I hope not.
We stopped at another quiet bay for lunch.
Five veggie dishes and kofte
cooked by the captains mother
Next was Pirates Cave
not sure what the pirates were doing there
but it was a nice place to do it anyway.
The water colour was brilliant.
Next it was over to Kekova proper
It is an old town that is heritage listed
No one can build there
so people still live in the ancient houses
mainly selling carpets, herbs and trinkets to the tourists
No one can build there
expect a Mr Koch
The richest man in Turkey
He has a nice villa over looking the islands
On top of the hill is a castle
it has a superlative veiw of the area
On the ramparts you can see the alterations
made by the different empires that controlled it
On the land side you can see the Lycian tombs
They all have what looks like upside down boats on top.
The coean was important to them
Death was on par with the sinking of a ship.
They all have holes in the sides
where they have been pilliaged.
We didn't get back until seven
pretty good day out for the price
Night Bus
Just enough time to pick up the bags
and head off for the night bus
Now, I have had my fill of over night buses
but with the lack of time, it had to be.
This time I was prepared
We feed, comfortable clothes, water, snacks
and the essential bottle of red wine.
First from Kas to Fethiye - 2100-2300
Then to Izmir - 0000-0700
Managed to get some zees
but it made for a very sore neck the next day
Kekova Tour
Instead of diving
we decided to take tour of the area
We went around and looked at the deals
in the end, we just chose one.
Depart at ten
On the boat at 10.30
First stop
Aquarium Bay for some swimming
With a pair of goggles, I was able to see everything that we saw diving
The next island stop was Shipyard Baythus called as it was a shipyard for:
The Lycians, the Byzantines, the Romans etc etc.
Once again, lots of ruins.
On the way out we went past the Sunken City
The ruins of a Lycian city that had fallen into the ocean.
Unfortunately you cannot swim or dive on it
but it was good to cruise past and see the remains.
In the pictures you can see old vases and jugs
Pretty amazing.
I wonder whether future civilizations
will look in wonder at our kola cans and ciggie packets
Is that how we shall be remembered?
I hope not.
We stopped at another quiet bay for lunch.
Five veggie dishes and kofte
cooked by the captains mother
Next was Pirates Cave
not sure what the pirates were doing there
but it was a nice place to do it anyway.
The water colour was brilliant.
Next it was over to Kekova proper
It is an old town that is heritage listed
No one can build there
so people still live in the ancient houses
mainly selling carpets, herbs and trinkets to the tourists
No one can build there
expect a Mr Koch
The richest man in Turkey
He has a nice villa over looking the islands
On top of the hill is a castle
it has a superlative veiw of the area
On the ramparts you can see the alterationsmade by the different empires that controlled it
On the land side you can see the Lycian tombs
They all have what looks like upside down boats on top.
The coean was important to them
Death was on par with the sinking of a ship.
They all have holes in the sides
where they have been pilliaged.
We didn't get back until seven
pretty good day out for the price
Night Bus
Just enough time to pick up the bags
and head off for the night bus
Now, I have had my fill of over night buses
but with the lack of time, it had to be.
This time I was prepared
We feed, comfortable clothes, water, snacks
and the essential bottle of red wine.
First from Kas to Fethiye - 2100-2300
Then to Izmir - 0000-0700
Managed to get some zees
but it made for a very sore neck the next day
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
DAY FIVE
"Underwater Live"
Up early
down to the harbour
onto the boat
Nice boat
Good gear
Hang on...
everything is in German
everyone is German
Oh, well
Our divemaster Tomas
had a pretty good command
and they were pretty small groups
Off for the first dive
Just off an island reef
There were lots of fish
not nearly as colourful
or prolific as Australia or Thailand
And the coral left allot to be desired
but it was good to be underwater again
That weird feeling of breathing underwater
along with being weightless
A thrill
There were lots of little things to see:
Star fish, sea catapillars, sea slugs
a few colourful ones
There were some nice spiral corrals too
that would shoot back into their tube
when you went by, that is pretty cool.
After an hour in the water
always not enough
we headed up
Back on land we had time for a big lunch
and a good solid nap before...
Dive Two
The Mavi wreck
Its was a really nice old wooden wreck
until some bugger pulled an anchor through it
and it was a complete wreck
There were allot of shit in it though
and a perfect porcelain toilet
Nice
The local companies got together
and decided to wreck another boat
to give them something to look at
This they did the week before
we had a look
not many fish
eerie though
to see a gutted boat down there
In the end
We decided not to have another
expensive days diving
but to hang around Kas
as there were other interesting things to see...
Photos courtesy of Kas Diving and the BBC
"Underwater Live"
Up early
down to the harbour
onto the boat
Nice boat
Good gear
Hang on...
everything is in German
everyone is German
Oh, well
Our divemaster Tomas
had a pretty good command
and they were pretty small groups
Off for the first dive
Just off an island reef
There were lots of fish
not nearly as colourful
or prolific as Australia or Thailand
And the coral left allot to be desired
but it was good to be underwater again
That weird feeling of breathing underwater
along with being weightless
A thrill
There were lots of little things to see:
Star fish, sea catapillars, sea slugs
a few colourful ones
There were some nice spiral corrals too
that would shoot back into their tube
when you went by, that is pretty cool.
After an hour in the water
always not enough
we headed up
Back on land we had time for a big lunch
and a good solid nap before...
Dive Two
The Mavi wreck
Its was a really nice old wooden wreck
until some bugger pulled an anchor through it
and it was a complete wreck
There were allot of shit in it though
and a perfect porcelain toilet
Nice
The local companies got together
and decided to wreck another boat
to give them something to look at
This they did the week before
we had a look
not many fish
eerie though
to see a gutted boat down there
In the end
We decided not to have another
expensive days diving
but to hang around Kas
as there were other interesting things to see...
Photos courtesy of Kas Diving and the BBC
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
DAY FOUR
On the Road Again
Get up
Eat
Check out
Bus out of the valley
Farewell sweet Olympos
Till next we meet.
The Road to Kas
(pron: Karsh)
Twists and turns
hugging the coast
Red-organge rock
Endless shades of green
harsh, rugged short vegitation
Endless ocean, shades of blue
A beach at every bend
Filled with locals, cooling.
Reminded me allot of a cross between:
The Great Ocean Road, Vic. and
The Nullabour Plane, SA.
Similar climate and plants
At this speed however,
with these drivers
it is best not to look out the window
Santosa PaniyonThis one was recomended at Orange
Most likely a relative of the bloke we asked.
It was allot more of the traditional style
Someones house with many rooms
We called at the bus station
A friend came and picked us up
The husband was away
The wife was pregnant
Comfortable enough
hard beds
and harder pillows
The Search
We immediately set about trying to find a decent dive company
Everyone I had spoken to had recommended this as the best spot in Turkey for diving
We called around.
They all seemed pretty much the same
and settled on:
Kas Diving
We went down to check them out
They seemed like nice people
Germans... all Germans
But nice ones
They even invited us to watch the World Cup Final with them
The real one this time
We agreed and went for a nap
Watched the World Cup
Man that just kept on giving
France should have won
Then headed off for an early night
DAY THREE
Another late start.
Walked into town.
Looked for a phone card, it was my brother's birthday.... 36.
Couldn't find a phone that worked.
Had a nice trout. 7 YTL... Bargain!
Caught some more beach time.
Caught up with Keith, watched the World Cup.
Thought it was the final but was the third place runners up match.
Then continued drinking, played some poker and drank allot of fine.
Got ready for the change of scene on day four.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
DAY TWOGot up around noon
missed breakfast
moved straight onto lunch
rolled into a restaurant
reclined in an Ottoman style lounge
all carpets and cushion
had an old woman next to a wood fire
make us goozleme
pancakes filled with cheese, fetta, spinach or potatoes
and bring coffee and tea
mmm this is living
Eventually
we pushed off
for a roll around the ruins
By definition
they are not in very good condition
You can feel the history of the place though
why anyone would want to settle here
in the shade
cool river flowing past
lap of the ocean never far from your ear
And look
an old relic
the rear...
coke can
oh, and a marlboro packet
The Greek temple was coolmade less so by the giant group of tourist
there when we arrived
Just like any traffic
you just have wait for it to pass
One group of German posed for a photo
in the Speedos
one large gentleman in the front row
had his legs spread a little too far
The local photo lab will have a laugh
when they return this guys photos
with on great hairy white bollock hanging out of his cod piece
Would love to bring you the photo
I was too shocked to move however
The rest of the day was spent floating
After dinner we had a few drinks and hit "the" nightclup
It reminded me of Ra Lai Beach
Open ceiling
Rustic decor
We got there at ten
we were the only ones
We sat out the front for a beer and a chat
we went back in at about eleven
it was packed
Turkish Men
It should be noted here that Turkey is the home of the peacock male
more than any other place I have been
Turkish males seem to spend a lot of time on their appearance
This is merely an observation
not a criticism
careful attention is paid to hair and clothes
They also dance
sometimes enthusiasm is not matched by talent
but it is definitely amusing to watch
The Mediterranean Odyssey
Or "Scuba, Sunken Cities and Scenic Sights"
DAY ONE
Departure
0400
2hrs sleep
Alarm
Snooze
Alarm
Shower
Blurry eyed blunderings
past nightclups
still pounding
onto the bus
Airport
Security
8YTL coffee
Security
Check in chaos
Turkish style
multiple queues
confused looks
just push forward
Meanwhile,
Ataturk
huge, eerie and golden
looms high on the wall
looking down on us all
Across the tarmac
and onto the plane
0900
we emerge into the heat of Antalya
onto the bus to the otogar
otogar to mini bus
Antalya
We do not stop
It looks like a nice town
Mountains on one side
Sea on the other
Rows of concrete apartment blocks
spoil the view in between
The minibus drops us at the cross roads
and we take another minibus
down the twisting valley road
into...
Olympos
The Lycians used to hang out here
Romans thought it was cool too
They took it over
Several other Empires had the same idea
About five years ago the place was full of hippies
They have been moved on
bad for business
unfortunately
Today it is colonised by tourists
Mostly middle class Turks roughing it
They find it hard to travel internationally
for some reason...
Other ethnic groups include
in order of prevalence
Australians and Kiwis
Germans in Speedos
Oversunned English
We checked into Orange Pansiyon
It was pretty good
It had air con
Setup
Olympos is in a valley
there is one road
on one side are mountains
on the other there is a river
dry this time of year
and mountains
Along the road are pansiyon
or guest houses
many of them offer tree houses
most of these qualify as they are made of trees
At the end of the road there is a man in a box
beyond that are ancient ruins
beyond theses there is the beach
You must give the man in the box
two lyria or he will not let you through
Pay to go the beach
Well, as more of what is public
is sold
this is something that we should get used to
The Beach
There is no shade
It is covered in baking tourists
who later complain about sunburn
Don't get me started
It goes for miles
with rocks
This might be alright for the English
but I am used to pristine fine white sandy beaches
On the plus side
The is ocean
as far as the eye can see
And it is wet and cool and salty and floaty
and man, do I miss the ocean
And there are lots of fish
Chimera
The Chimera was this weird fire breathing horse goat lion thing
He used to pop up whenever there was a storm coming
or anything nasty generally
Luckily
This hero dude Ellerophone,
with the help of the winged horse Pegasus
managed to slay the bugger
Where he fell
There are flames shooting out of the ground
That is what the Greeks reckoned anyway
Homer talks about it in the Illiad, I think
Sailors used to naviagte by it
Those Greek have shot through
but the flames are still shooting from the ground
We took a bus up there in the middle of the night to check it out
It is pretty trippy
Modern science type persons
think that they are methane vents
they still can't explain why you can put them out
and they will just set right back on fire
It like the weird beast idea thing myself
It is also where they got the flame for the olympic torch
and still do
Worth a look if you are in the area
When we got back after one
we slept for about twelve hours
Or "Scuba, Sunken Cities and Scenic Sights"
DAY ONE
Departure
0400
2hrs sleep
Alarm
Snooze
Alarm
Shower
Blurry eyed blunderings
past nightclups
still pounding
onto the bus
Airport
Security
8YTL coffee
Security
Check in chaos
Turkish style
multiple queues
confused looks
just push forward
Meanwhile,
Ataturk
huge, eerie and golden
looms high on the wall
looking down on us all
Across the tarmac
and onto the plane
0900
we emerge into the heat of Antalya
onto the bus to the otogar
otogar to mini bus
Antalya
We do not stop
It looks like a nice town
Mountains on one side
Sea on the other
Rows of concrete apartment blocks
spoil the view in between
The minibus drops us at the cross roads
and we take another minibus
down the twisting valley road
into...
Olympos
The Lycians used to hang out here
Romans thought it was cool too
They took it over
Several other Empires had the same idea
About five years ago the place was full of hippies
They have been moved on
bad for business
unfortunately
Today it is colonised by tourists
Mostly middle class Turks roughing it
They find it hard to travel internationally
for some reason...
Other ethnic groups include
in order of prevalence
Australians and Kiwis
Germans in Speedos
Oversunned English
We checked into Orange Pansiyon
It was pretty good
It had air con
Setup
Olympos is in a valley
there is one road
on one side are mountains
on the other there is a river
dry this time of year
and mountains
Along the road are pansiyon
or guest houses
many of them offer tree houses
most of these qualify as they are made of trees
At the end of the road there is a man in a box
beyond that are ancient ruins
beyond theses there is the beach
You must give the man in the box
two lyria or he will not let you through
Pay to go the beach
Well, as more of what is public
is sold
this is something that we should get used to
The Beach
There is no shade
It is covered in baking tourists
who later complain about sunburn
Don't get me started
It goes for miles
with rocks
This might be alright for the English
but I am used to pristine fine white sandy beaches
On the plus side
The is ocean
as far as the eye can see
And it is wet and cool and salty and floaty
and man, do I miss the ocean
And there are lots of fish
ChimeraThe Chimera was this weird fire breathing horse goat lion thing
He used to pop up whenever there was a storm coming
or anything nasty generally
Luckily
This hero dude Ellerophone,
with the help of the winged horse Pegasus
managed to slay the bugger
Where he fell
There are flames shooting out of the ground
That is what the Greeks reckoned anyway
Homer talks about it in the Illiad, I think
Sailors used to naviagte by it
Those Greek have shot through
but the flames are still shooting from the ground
We took a bus up there in the middle of the night to check it out
It is pretty trippy
Modern science type persons
think that they are methane vents
they still can't explain why you can put them out
and they will just set right back on fire
It like the weird beast idea thing myself
It is also where they got the flame for the olympic torch
and still do
Worth a look if you are in the area
When we got back after one
we slept for about twelve hours
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Movie Review: The Da Vinci Code
The"Dream Factory" replicates itsÂ’ formula all over the world.
The differences are subtle, but noticeable in this cultural experience that has been enjoyed around the world for nearly a century.
Walking into the Multiplex on Istaklal, you could be anywhere in the world.
Dark tones juxtaposed by bright lights and brighter movie posters.
Extortionate prices for stale popcorn and sugar water.
The only difference here is the metal detector and guard. They detect nothing.
Movies are available with the original soundtrack with Turkish subtitles or dubbed into Turkish.
Luckily, the show we want is in original soundtrack.
“Where would you like to sit?”
The obvious answer is: in a chair.
(The last time we went during the Istanbul Film Festival and the irate usher could not find our seatÂ… we sat in the aisle.)
Looking down at the computerised seating plan, we chose two seats in the middle.
“Up the stairs on your left.”
Up we go.
An adolescent usher ignores us.
We find the spaces reserved for us and sit.
Ads. The same everywhere.
They obviously have not sold enough sugar water.
Another young attendant pushes a trolley up the aisles looking for more sales, yelling at the top of his voice.
This seems a national pastime.
The curtains part further.
The performance begins.
We watch.
Damn subtitles.
The French and Italian are in Turkish.
I am sure IÂ’m not missing much.
Half way through, the screen goes blank.
Has the projectionist fallen asleep at the wheel (or reel).
The trolley boy returns, people stand.
Ahh, intermission.
More opportunities to buy drinks.
In the lobby people smoke.
You have to love that.
Tobacco addiction is so strong here, it seems people cannot go ninety minutes without a hit.
Two Winston Lights later, the movie resumes.
At the end people shuffle out, blurry eyed into the afternoon light, eager to discuss the cinematic experience and abate their nico-cravings, as do we.
THE END
Oh yesÂ… the film.
As much as I expected: beginning, middle and end.
Pretty much the same as the book, pulp fiction with a bit of historical guff and conspiracy theory, nothing that you will not have come across before, if you were interested in finding out.
Tom Hanks played Tom Hanks, he is good at that. Luckily the character was basically Tom Hanks.
Sophie could have been hotter.
Not as much sexual tension as in the book.
I am sure that no one will have their faith tested by seeing this film.
If so, they had a pretty weak grasp on their illusion to begin with.
If the rabid, bible bashing, Christian right and god botherers take offence and start burning books, it shows the nature of their sanctimonious and close minded.
The"Dream Factory" replicates itsÂ’ formula all over the world.
The differences are subtle, but noticeable in this cultural experience that has been enjoyed around the world for nearly a century.
Walking into the Multiplex on Istaklal, you could be anywhere in the world.
Dark tones juxtaposed by bright lights and brighter movie posters.
Extortionate prices for stale popcorn and sugar water.
The only difference here is the metal detector and guard. They detect nothing.
Movies are available with the original soundtrack with Turkish subtitles or dubbed into Turkish.
Luckily, the show we want is in original soundtrack.
“Where would you like to sit?”
The obvious answer is: in a chair.
(The last time we went during the Istanbul Film Festival and the irate usher could not find our seatÂ… we sat in the aisle.)
Looking down at the computerised seating plan, we chose two seats in the middle.
“Up the stairs on your left.”
Up we go.
An adolescent usher ignores us.
We find the spaces reserved for us and sit.
Ads. The same everywhere.
They obviously have not sold enough sugar water.
Another young attendant pushes a trolley up the aisles looking for more sales, yelling at the top of his voice.
This seems a national pastime.
The curtains part further.
The performance begins.
We watch.
Damn subtitles.
The French and Italian are in Turkish.
I am sure IÂ’m not missing much.
Half way through, the screen goes blank.
Has the projectionist fallen asleep at the wheel (or reel).
The trolley boy returns, people stand.
Ahh, intermission.
More opportunities to buy drinks.
In the lobby people smoke.
You have to love that.
Tobacco addiction is so strong here, it seems people cannot go ninety minutes without a hit.
Two Winston Lights later, the movie resumes.
At the end people shuffle out, blurry eyed into the afternoon light, eager to discuss the cinematic experience and abate their nico-cravings, as do we.
THE END
Oh yesÂ… the film.
As much as I expected: beginning, middle and end.
Pretty much the same as the book, pulp fiction with a bit of historical guff and conspiracy theory, nothing that you will not have come across before, if you were interested in finding out.
Tom Hanks played Tom Hanks, he is good at that. Luckily the character was basically Tom Hanks.
Sophie could have been hotter.
Not as much sexual tension as in the book.
I am sure that no one will have their faith tested by seeing this film.
If so, they had a pretty weak grasp on their illusion to begin with.
If the rabid, bible bashing, Christian right and god botherers take offence and start burning books, it shows the nature of their sanctimonious and close minded.
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