What a Way to Experience the Mediterranean

We are back from our 4 day 'Blue Cruise' along the Turquoise Coast of Turkey.  There is a reason it is called turquoise - the water is crystal clear to all depths and brilliant colors of turquoise. While there are some beaches, most of the coastlines from the mainland to the islands are rocky lands jutting up from the ocean depths. In fact, this is caused by centuries of earthquakes, which also devastated many of the ancient cities.

Tombs conveniently located in the mountainside

We started from Fetiye which is known for its port, amphitheater, and also the Lycean tombs carved as caves in the mountain side and as free standing tombs. In fact, we saw these along the whole cruise as it follows the Lycean coast. It is known that a whole city sits under the modern town, but it is impractical to excavate any more than has been done.

Yep - a Lycean tomb in the middle of the road

As proof of the volume of ancient things, they actually built the road around one of the tombs which sits feet fro a larger grouping of tombs.

We boarded our Turkish gulet the day after arriving in Fetiye and were ready for an adventure...we actually werent sure what we were ready for - but we were ready.  Our Turkish crew of 3 were young - maybe its just my perspective due to advancing age! They were within their first quarter century of age, and full of energy.  The passengers were from New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, Korea, US, France, Canada - though living in the Congo. Mark was the only Turk passenger, and we later learned that Turks are not preferred passengers as the European passengers don't want them. At least this is what we were told. Our group loved that Mark was aboard. And Mark loved being interpreter with the crew and village residents, as well as spokesperson for Turkey - he's a natural tour guide!

Spacious cabin and smiling cabin boy

Brushing salt water rinsed hair while others still sleep

Our deck beds

Perfect!

  Our typical day began soon after sun up since we slept on deck. Its wonderful to be rocked to sleep by the calm movement of the water, to look into the night sky and see billions of stars, to hear the turtles splash the water when they come up for air, and maybe not so wonderful to hear the soft snores of those around you!   The crew would start to get busy making our Turkish breakfast of tea, coffee, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, bread, nutella, eggs and sometimes watermelon. After breakfast we'd jump into the water for a swim, before setting off to our next destination.

Our favorite dance - Turkish men dancing together

Upon arrival, we'd swim again or if we were at a dock, we'd explore the town for a while. Lunch was usually pasta and beans and yogurt. Then off we'd go again until it was time to anchor for the night and tea time (influenced by the increasing volume of 'English' as they call them). More swimming, and then dinner - fish, chicken or kofte (lamb burgers).  The night was full of Turkish music, dancing, drinking Efes beer or Raki (Turkish ouzo) til the wee hours. 

It was great to spend time with travelers from various locations in the world as each had a refreshing perspective on life and world affairs. They all thought the US was petty in their politics and they liked and respected Obama as president representing the US. Something they'd not thought for the past number of years. All respected other cultures - obvious since they were travelers - and enjoyed Turkish ways, even the frustrating ones. 

The captain Umut (means Hope in Turkish)

First mate/cook at the helm. He and Umut have been working together 8 years. He wants to do something else, but says he can't because Umut loves him.  Note that this means friend love. Turkish men are very demonstrative in their affection. Umut fell in love with one of the Australian travelers and was in the depth of love lost sadness when she left with us at the end of the trip.

typical view while traveling between islands and coves

end of another perfect day!