TravelStream™ news feed for member sallycousens on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/sallycousens en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Sat, 12 Sep 2009 12:49:09 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1245062847/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1245062847/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1245062847/tpod.html Sat, 12 Sep 2009 12:49:09 -0400 Sally Cousens Great Adventure

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DogubeyazIt, Agri, Turkey

We are 500 metres from Iran at one point, the landscape is volcanic like the moon, the Armenian border 50 metres away!

So we've been on the Iran, Iraq, Syrian and Armenian borders this holiday.

I'm attaching photos of our climb for you to enjoy. I can highly recommend this as part of your holiday but please make sure you have kept your fitness levels up prior to the climb.

I think the photos are self explanatory but you are very welcome to visit my Mt Ararat June 2009 climb in aid of Bowel Cancer for more info.

Change of mind - I would like to say a little bit about our climb - AWESOME!!!!! We have never climbed at high altitude before, certainly never climbed such a high mountain, never climbed in snow, never climbed over glaciers, never slept in a tent in a snow blizzard, never had a cup of tea in such a stunning place. That's a lot of firsts I can tell you. We were very lucky again with our choice of tour company - Alkans, who arranged everything for us, and rang the guides' mobile every day to make sure we were safe! The climb is hard don't get me wrong, we prepared for a year beforehand, but nothing can prepare you for high altitude and not being able to breath or walk more than 6/7 steps before you have to stop. Would I do it again - YES. Would I be better prepared - yes in the sense that I would have clean clothes etc ready at the hotel when I get off the mountain, and I will learn some Turkish to be able to converse. If you are a little adventurous and would like to reach to the sky then this is the climb for you. Not only was this a personal achievement of which I am very proud, I am also immensely proud of my partner Nick who plodded and plodded, just like me, and reached the top. The views are stunning, the guide Zeki brilliant (and he is a good cook), the horse (Julie) very strong and her owner very welcoming and helpful. We were even luckier to be on the mountain with the most delightful young man called Marcel (from Germany) who kept us company, motivated us when things got tough, and made us smile. If you are lucky enough to get permission to climb this mountain then you will feel the best kind of reward - achievement. Go on you know you want to! We raised £1261.67 of which £300 will go to a family in Eastern Turkey where the husband has cancer and is unable to work, the rest will go to Bowel Cancer UK for bowel cancer awareness.


]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1244889872/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1244889872/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1244889872/tpod.html Sat, 12 Sep 2009 12:42:20 -0400 Sally Cousens Great Adventure

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Sanliurfa, Sanliurfa, Turkey

Today is another exciting and action packed day full of sights, smells, tastes and really chatting with locals. Sabahattin knows so many people there are lots of opportunities to take tea with them, look at their shop, animals, houses, if you wish - really there has been no pressure to buy or see anything on this trip. Importantly Sabahattin has been very flexible regarding our requests for added extras and today is no exception - read on ............

The Ataturk Dam - HUGE, so many people died in it's creation but it's a good place to stop for tea, the loo (very clean), and to take in the sight.

Gobekli Tepe - if you haven't read about this on the Internet then log on now to discover about this fascinating and most important site. It predates writing ......... They believe the site is 12,5000 years old. Not a fertility site but one where hunter gathers came to pray. This cathedral (as they call it) was built before the first writings. Stones show wild animals and lady giving birth between 2 lions. They are still excavating the site and Dr Schmidt is dedicating his life to this project. WOW - I am so impressed and blown away by this.

An update we raised £1261.76 for bowel cancer, £300 wil be given to a family in Eastern Turkey where the husband has cancer and is unable to work and the rest will go to Bowel Cancer UK for bowel cancer awareness.

Next the Beehive houses - well they were a surprise. We were met by an Arab in full garb, who we had tea with under his Arabian tent, then we looked around the houses, which are surprisingly cool in this very hot weather.

All in all another excellent day out.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1246701025/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1246701025/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1246701025/tpod.html Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:44:00 -0400 Sally Cousens Great Adventure

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Van, Van, Turkey

very clean and large rooms, extremely helpful and friendly staff. Eat at the Yakamoz Restaurant just down from the mosque - fresh fish, very clean airy restaurant, excellent service.

City centre - loads of opportunities for people watching, sipping Turkish tea and shopping in the many quality shops. Explored down the back streets as usual to get a taste of life, ventured through the bazaars. Had dinner with an Armenian man and his wife - very nice people.

Two days in Van with Nick - so time to chill and catch up with sleep after our climb.

Try the Simit Sarayi (I had filo pastry filled with potatoes and herbs - hot). The museum is great and cheap. Many artefact's to wonder over and interesting jewelry.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1244976324/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1244976324/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1244976324/tpod.html Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:38:43 -0400 Sally Cousens Great Adventure

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Gaziantep, Gaziantep, Turkey

Get a phone call to say our climb is now tomorrow, so need to drive for 11 hours to get back to Van, sleep 3 hours then long drive to Mount Ararat - this holiday is nothing short of exciting!!!!!!

Still in Urfa, and we visit once again the Holy Pond, allegedly where Abraham was born, This is a very special and serene place, with beautiful gardens and lots of local colour. You will learn the story of the fish when you are here and a lovely story it is. Visited the cave where Abraham was born, strolled through the gardens, visited the mosque - all interesting and beautifully decorated.

On our travels again to Gaziantep an industrial city renowned for making carpets, car parts, clothes, shoes. Famous for their pistachio nuts and baclava. We visit a large mosaic museum - I am flabbergasted - the mosaics are perfect, coloured, intact and very large. What more can this country throw at me? I've never seen so many mosaics and definitely not ones that are complete. This is excellent, beautiful artwork and precious. A calming, cool place where one can comtemplate the past and the skill of these people.

Baclava and Turkish coffee at Kor Kenan - yum (have bought some for the journey).

this is such an adventure - I really feel I have been to many countries, seeing different dress styles, head dress styles, food, drinks, hotels, weather. the best holiday I have ever had.

now the long drive to Van - 11 hours, Still enjoying the scenery and a good meal on the way.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1244284498/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1244284498/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1244284498/tpod.html Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:33:46 -0400 Sally Cousens Great Adventure

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Istanbul, Turkey



Great flight to Istanbul. We are staying on the Asian side, to be recommended. Why? You are able to see the European side, and approach it by the local ferry - only 60p each way! The Asian side is cheaper to stay in and has a fabulous selection of cafes, bars, shops and sights. Great breakfast at the Pansyon. Fly to Eastern Turkey early morning.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1246715726/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1246715726/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1246715726/tpod.html Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:30:04 -0400 Sally Cousens Great Adventure

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Istanbul, Turkey

Don't be tempted to go with the organised trips - expensive and they only go half way up the Bospherous. Instead get on the local ferry that takes you all the way to the end where you can enjoy a fabulous fish lunch (we chose the Yosum Restaurant) with beer and nosey around the little shops (visit Osmanli Taki jewelry and ladies clothes) or walk up to the castle. The boat trip is excellent, zig zagging up the Bospherous for only £8 return per person. Each stop is interesting, where you will see castles, palaces, museums, beautiful houses, and much more. Kick back, enjoy and take lots of photos. Sit at the back of the ferry for the best photo opportunities.

A perfect day with a perfect man - Nick.

Awesome holiday and experience. We were lucky enough to find a family run tour company, who were able and willing to make alterations to our trip and timings to enable us to visit additional or different places from those listed on their web site. This really has been an experience of a lifetime. How will I top this? I will be going back to Eastern Turkey, with the same company - Alkans Tours and having another fantastic experience.

If you are looking for an interactive, interesting, mind blowing holiday take a look at their web site, I don't think you will be disappointed.


]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1245927446/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1245927446/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1245927446/tpod.html Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:07:57 -0400 Sally Cousens Great Adventure

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Istanbul, Turkey

Arrive Istanbul 7.15am so plenty of time to check in to Hotel on Asian side (good move) and to explore the city once again. We are off to the ferry first to approach the European side - what a view and what a price -60p each way! Simit for breakfast. Loads of coloured headscarves, loads of noise, but as usual we get in the back streets where the locals are. Fascinating city, amongst the noise I feel very calm and safe. Mulled over a fabulous pottery piece in the Bazaar but out of my price range. Enjoyed looking at the Spice and Grand Bazaars again. Lovely day. Off to the Blue Mosque, en route sit in the park and watch the fountain and people. Great day out and back to hotel for dinner, shower and bed as early start tomorrow.

By the way the hotel was a very good price and a huge room - more like a suite!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1244370984/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1244370984/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1244370984/tpod.html Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:30:58 -0400 Sally Cousens Great Adventure

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Van, Van, Turkey

What a fabulous lunch (see above) and an even better greeting and hospitality from the camp site staff. After lunch we travel on the local ferry (opposite site) to Aktamar Island, where we visit and learn about the small but perfectly engraved church (see photo). Lake Van is beautiful, blue blue water, pretty flowers growing around it, calm and very large.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1244543813/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1244543813/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1244543813/tpod.html Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:30:05 -0400 Sally Cousens Great Adventure

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Tatvan, Bitlis, Turkey

Left the campsite and drove through weird weather - snow, hail, rain then sun! En route, stopped to talk with bee keepers, and to take tea with them. Beautiful day now and the flowers are stunning. Stopped again to chat with shepherds and take photos of their flock, which they are looking after for someone else, each animal has a different cut in it's ear to identify their owner. The women will be arriving in 2 weeks to milk the flock. Onto Tatvan, lamb pide, salad and water for lunch. Very interesting town, old and traditional. We buy Yaylu Muzu = "Banana of the Mountain" - tastes a bit like celery, and eat this on the way up Mount Nemrut (crater). The crater is HUGE, i swim in the hot lake and we spend a few hours enjoying the scenery, flowers, people and collecting pumice stones. Visited the blow hole - wow it's hot standing above it. Nomads tents like patchwork quilts, they are busy with their flocks. The hotel is very big and right on Lake Van - beautiful view.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1244630313/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1244630313/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sallycousens/1/1244630313/tpod.html Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:29:04 -0400 Sally Cousens Great Adventure

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Hasankeyf, Batman, Turkey

We visited the cemetery before leaving the town, this is fascinating and a must visit recommendation, as the tomb stones date back to 1171 when the Seljuk (nomads) came here and settled, taking Ahlat as their capital for 100 years. Photo opportunities (with a difference) are boundless and the cemetery is interesting and serene. A very important place in the history of Eastern turkey. We drive through Kurdish countryside, temp 33 degrees C, you could film a spaghetti western here! Nearly at Batman, there are loads of storks nesting on the top of each pylon! Batman a large town now of 400,000 people, 25 years ago there were only 3 houses, but then they found petrol and people moved here. This country is fantastic, every day I am soaking up history, stories of old, eating great food, speaking with or smiling at the most generous people I have ever met. We reach the Tigris River, and paddle (what a relief from the sun). At Hasankeyf the Zeynelbey Tomb is very interesting and local children gather to practice their English on us. The caves are a must see - the President visited in 1970 and told the people they had to move into proper homes, as Europe would think Turkish people liked in caves! The restaurant is so cool, where we enjoyed iced drinks whilst sitting on Sofra's (Cardak). It's easy to look inside the caves and the mosque at the top of the cliffs, so long as you are wearing comfortable thick soled sandals and a hat to keep the heat off (38oC). Hasankeyf will be flooded in 2 years, and the people will move to higher ground. Should be great for diving opportunities in about 5 years time?

Next stop Midyat and the silver bazaars - much cheaper than Istanbul and the silver is local.

Onto the Karavansaray in Mardin - WOW you have to stay here (SEE PHOTO) - sights of Syria, lovely at night - interesting mosque to visit in the morning.
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