Van: Some Trouble

  Van, Turkey
Thursday, May 15, 2008

Last night an apparent power surge in the hotel killed my computer. I don't know how bad it is--ie., if the memory is gone, or what. The screen just went black, like the soul of a crushed bug. Earlier in the evening the area in which I was having my evening meal lost power for about 15 minutes. Back at the hotel room there didn't seem to be power from the wall sockets, though the overhead lights worked. But, when my battery was down to about 17% I plugged it in. It was not charging, but I was continuing to read an email and listen to some jazz via iTunes and KPLU, when there was a little tick, and the screen went black.

Southern Approach to Van

I also left my dark glasses on the bus on the way to Van. Changing seats and whatnot to view the spectacular scenery--at least along the south shore.    

Mountains from the Van Castle

What the Muezzin Saw

Anyway, all I did in Van was to walk down to and climb around the Castle. In the tea garden below I managed to see one of the reputed Van Cats. They are remarkable for being white, and having eyes of different colors, one blue and one green. I can attest. However, this one was not the nice white posing kind of the postcards. It was a scruffy one, and I had to induce it to bite and scratch at my left hand while trying to take its picture with the right. For the pain it was somewhat successful.

Tea Garden Below Van Castle

A Van Cat

Unexplained in the Van Archaeological Museum

I stopped into the courtyard of the Archaeological Museum to see this stone sculpture from a  primitive time. Or maybe more recently noting a visit by space aliens.

And the Children Shall Lead Them

I had a little trouble finding my way to the proper otogar to continue on from Van. Sometimes the directions in the Lonely Planet guide books are less than adequate. And, being a former technical illustrator and writer, this irks me. However, somewhere along the way a little gent by the name of Adnan fell into pace with me, and guided me to the otogar. (Fortunately, it seemed to be across the street from where he was going anyway).



  As my plan is to next travel through some little-frequented country I decided to not spend any more time in the Van area, though there is much to see. I'll have to return another time.