Swimming Pool Ulus
Trip Start
Apr 29, 2006
1
89
143
Trip End
Nov 15, 2007
Ulus Ankara,
Turkey
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
We found out we needed a letter from the Australia Embassy before we could apply for a visa into Pakistan, this cost another 33.50YTL. Security was much higher in the Australia Embassy than the Iranian and Pakistani Embassies put together. The building and furnishings were excellent and of a high standard in the Australia Embassy.
We delivered the letters to the Pakistani Embassy and were told to deposit 63YTL into another specific bank. A walk uphill saw Lynn and I at the teller's counter 4 minutes before siesta and the staff were waiting to lock up at 12:30 the minute we stepped out. We picked up the boys in a taxi where we'd left them, and headed on down to the local swimming pool
2 huge full pools
. In Ulus, Ankara, near where we are camped.Swimming Pool.
Ulus
Three little boys who could speak some English, showed us where to buy the 5YTL tickets into the pool and hung about us for an hour or so. They were smart little boys, lots of fun and played with our cameras. There are two or three sessions in the pool morning til 1:30, 2 til 5 and then an evening shift. To enter the pool everyone must walk through bleached water. I thought there must be a different exit, but no, back out through the bleach too. Even little old Muslim ladies with shoes and stockings on walked straight through the bleach. There are no showers.
Everyone must wear a latex swimming cap. We jumped into the pool without one. The life guard whistled and pointed at his head to indicate a hat. Wet grabbed our caps and wore them, nothing more was indicated. After signing and quizzing many people I finally determined that the latex cap was for sanitary reasons.
One thing I miss very much this journey is being able to understand the kiddies speaking
After many tries, Teddy
. In Nikiti, Greece, there were lots of little children who played with their dollies and bikes right next to our campers, but I could not understand what they said to each other. Their company was nice. We gave them some toys but I was sorry when they looked confused about my language.We fueled up in Turkey in an out of the way spot and the attendant commented to Lou that he had no Turkey sticker on his vehicle. Lou said that he had tried 10 shops in Istanbul without success, so the attendant gave Lou a new magnetic one which he super glued onto the back of the car. The attendant received an Ozzie key ring for his generosity. Everyone was happy.
Lynn and I suggested we motor over to "that tree over there for a coffee break", since we were stopped for fuel anyway, but we were a bit slow because a Turkish family of seven, just beat us to the shade. So we parked next to them by a smaller tree. They must have noticed our disappointment because the young daughter came over and offered us their spiced rice wrapped in vine leaves. I thanked the young girl and asked if she'd made them herself, as they were delicious and fresh. She had. Before we left we gave her a key ring with Koalas on it. People have been kind and generous to us in these ways in all countries, that's what's making this trip so memorable and enjoyable
Lynn and I
. (If anyone is planning a trip, it is a good idea to bring plenty of Australian gratuities, they are so appreciated).Many of the people of Turkey are not well versed in English but many have learnt German. The younger ones though are more inclined to give English a go.
The toilets here are, almost without exception, all squat toilets. I guess we will see this through most of Asia. It's a little difficult to get used to, and there is no dilly dallying in the toilet, as it's all a question of balance. They have no toilet paper but do have a tap in the cubicle and a jug for washing. Takes practice to perfect the technique. They do not all have hand basins. There is usually an attendant and a small charge.
We looked for Jitka and Robert's otopark, found it and were immediately grateful for ours, which is shady and in the centre of town. We met up with them again and their friend Axel at the Iranian Embassy and told them where our otopark was. These are just 24 hour car parks with no amenities and cost about 5-12 YTL for 24 hours.
On the evening of the 15th August, Jitka, Robert, Axel and Teddy (who brought some grapes) came to visit our campsite
Lynn and Lou
. It was full on talking the whole evening. Each person relating travel experiences and offering information and advice. We had a great time with these young kids and hope to cross the Pakistani border with them and maybe drive in convoy awhile. Jitke and Robert have a Merc ex-army truck with a range of 4000km. Axel has a Honda African Twin Motorbike 750cc. Teddy has a Honda scooter 125cc. They are all traveling through Asia. Axel is going on to Australia as he's been there before and "left his heart in Australia". He was a logistics officer for a large shipping company. Robert and Jitke would like to go through to Australia but are unsure of funds at this stage. Teddy has little money left and is just going to try to get home to Korea. He's offering up a photo of himself and his bike on his website with a sign stating that he is "a poor traveler trying to get home if anyone could help, please deposit a little money into this bank account, details as follows....." He's a clever lad and very brave. Most of his trip from London has been on a bicycle. 
