Franciscan on Sister Water

I’ve been reading the story, “The Odysey” by Homer and it reminds me a little of our travels.   Of course, we haven’t run across any Cyclops, sex crazed Goddesses or man eating people, etc.  However, while traveling through the Aegean you never know what you may come across.  There are always new adventures, people to meet, puzzles to solve and situations to ponder.  Now I know why it took Odysseus so many years to get back home.  There are such delightful experiences to be had on the water and when visiting other places.

Food is always an amazing issue.  Even in parts of Turkey, food is served differently and sometimes can be amusing to us.

Garnishes for starts

One of my favorite enjoyments of travel is to view beautiful scenes as we visit a new place.  Sometimes there are hidden surprises.

Lovely Beach

Hidden Ruins

Lovely views from Arykanda

While visiting the ruins of Arykanda, we had an escort through the ruins that was quite unexpected.  He just picked us up on our way.

Our escort in Arykanda

I think Odysseus would have been quite comfortable here in Arykanda’s heyday and would have stayed a while before lingering on.  We also enjoyed the views and it probably was a lovely place to live.

Amphitheater of Arykanda

Also, while wondering to different places one sees some unusual things.

Walking on water?

Strange Creature

By now you know that we love to hike and sometimes we have to share the hills with others, but this becomes a joyful part of the hike.  Sometimes a meetings reaction is uncertain on both sides.

Sharing Hiking Trails

In Odysseus time there must have been a lot of boat building.  This trade is still practiced the old way here in the Aegean.

Boat Building, Turkey

An of course, the fishermen still see or honor the mermaid.

Mermaid of Aydincik

Sometimes there are unsuspected surprises on the horizon.

Pirate Ships, Alanya

But why would there be ships if there wasn’t a castle and city to defend?

Castle over Alanya

We did investigate the castles on the hills with much pleasure and exercise.

Red Tower in Alanya

There may not be as many Gods out on the waters to dash a boat about, but there still is weather to pay attention to and sometimes unusual traffic on the water to stay clear of.

Water Pipes bound for Cyprus

Still after all this adventure and fun, it is such a joy to find a safe harbor and place to relax at the end of the day.

Dockside Restaurant

Safe Harbor Aydincik

Though we miss our family and I miss my homeland,  I can see how it took Odysseus so long to get back.  There are so many interesting sights and pulls of travel that still peak my interest.  So, I will continue making my way back home like Odysseus and enjoy the experiences and lessons they teach me on the way.