http://travel.nytimes.com/2011/07/10/travel/buyukada-near-istanbul-is-an-island-idyll.html?pagewanted=all
We started the day in horse-drawn carriages, two for the eight of us and toured one of the two distinct areas of the island, seeing housing on the way that is typical period island homes, reminding us of Key West.
We eventually came to a climb too steep for the horses. So, on foot and again under the noon sun, we climbed to Ayia Yorgi, a Greek Orthodox monastery with a gorgeous prayer chapel. No pics allowed inside. The climb was intense, a little over .6 miles on uneven cobblestones at a 13% grade for an elevation of about 1000 feet. It gave us a workout with some incredible views!
After the return trip, and a cold Turkish brew called Efes because it comes from Ephesus, we took another carriage back, stopping to glimpse the house where Oya's family would summer. From there, we said goodbye to her cousins who had to catch an earlier ferry back to Istanbul. After lunch we visited a beautiful Greek Orthodox church in the city, proving wrong the statement that all had been converted by the Ottomans to mosques.
While the island smells would take a little adjustment due to the reliance on horses for transport, the beauty and peacefulness of the place suited me just fine! Even water is delivered by horse-drawn carts. We also saw some interesting shoe vendors. Also, Kris has offered to take my pic on several occasions, but I'm just more comfortable behind the camera. However, I took a self portrait today to assure you of my presence!
A late-afternoon ferry back to Istanbul found us sleeping to the rocking of the boat. Oya's off to dinner with some high-school friends while we revisited a local cafe where we ate with Nancy two weeks ago.
Tomorrow is our last day in Turkey. We will revisit the Grand Bazaar, see the Spice Bazaar, and have dinner with Oya before packing for our journey home.
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Location:Buyukada
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