Erciyes

Kayseri

The last day in Cappadocia, I decided to drive to Kayseri, then to Erciyes 3917 m. above sea level. I wanted to see the snow , my tank is still full cause I didn't realised that the car did not consume that much fuel, and I have filled the tank full the day before. The weather vas good. The road was good , double lane on each side, not so winding, not much traffic and the gradient was not that steep. It is quite smooth driving. The sinery was excellent. My children wanted to see the snow so much, finally their dreams fullfilled.

Goreme, Cappodocia

Goreme is 6 kilometers from Avanos, we drove here by our rented car, Fiat,Mind you petrol is quite expensive compare to Malaysia.2.43 TL per liter. It is very nice place to visit, we bought sourveniors here. It is quite resonable cheap, you can bargain for the price. It is easier to bargain in the early morning when there is not much tourist. Euros is accepted in most places in Turkey. I believe that those early habitant here is from the "Samut Tribes" (Kaum Samut in Malay). I drove all over the places in 2 days. There is also several places the dug 8 level underground.

Inside the hotel

Hotel in Avanos

The hotel looks very old from outside , the inside is reasonably satisfactory, the towel is clean, and the room is not that bad for the price that we pay. Avanos is a small town of which not much hotel. Very quiet at night. The distance to the historical site is not that far. The nearest is Goreme ,7kilometers from where we stayed. From Goreme you can go in circle to Urkup , Mustafapasa ,Guzeloz and Derinkuyu. You see the Canyon. Very nice sinery, the road is narrow and winding in some places.

Tuzkoy airport Cappadocia

Cappadocia

I then flew to Nevsehir by Turkish airline. The airport is very small and only open in the afternoon. Very strick when you want to board in the aircraft. Must open even the belt.This is where I had a problem, my trouser went down , my trouser does not have a hook. I rented a car from the Tuzkoy airport I drove to Avanos . This is my first time here, so I don't know the short cut to Avanos. I drove a longer route to Nevsehir, Urkup then Anvanos. The road is consider good, straight with double lane on each side. The signage is quite clear and noticeable. I had a few problem encounter, first I don't know how to put in the reverse gear, I forgot to ask the guy who sent the car to me. then the left hand drive car, I used to drive a right hand drive car. I went on to the wrong lane several time. Luckily there is not much traffic. Having a car on your own is good cause you are free to go anywhere you want.

The cheapest to travel in Istanbul is by public transport. 1.43TL each time you hop in the tram or ferry.It is a nice experience sitting /standing in the tram especially during the peak hour joining the people going to work. The people in Istanbul is very friendly. Most of them can understand english.

A bigger ferry crossing the Bosphorus. Inside the ferry refreshment is sold quite cheap compare to the stalls by the road side. You can get can drink, tea and food.

Bosphorus cruise

You can go on Bosphorus cruise for 20 Euros, or take a cheaper cruise with 20TL, if you want to save money you get on the commuter boat of 1.43TL oneway. It does not go as far as the cruise for it is still worth for your money. There is also a bigger ferry and cost the same.If you don't want the crowd go a little bit late say 9.30 am or 10.00am.

Istanbul

Food sold in this type os stall is relatively cheap, for a fish kebab you can get it around 4TL, There is plenty of stall all over Istanbul. In restaurant the food is not that expensive either unless you enter an expensive restaurant. Most of the local restaurant is selling around from 5TL to 12TL. To an asian the food taste flat. (no spice) If you want a tomato ketchup or chilly sauce please bring it from your country of origin. It is not available in the restaurant or stall.

Sarding or instant noodle is not available in Turkey.Bread is cheap.with less than 1 TL you can get a loaf of bread. The rice is a bit oily and some are sticky. Just like "pulut".

Istanbul

This is the full picture of the needle.

Istanbul

This is the foot of the cleopatra's needle , alot of people have been visiting this place. Infront of the needle is the Blue mosque. Istanbul is a historical city, alot of things of the past can be seen here.

My Experience in Turkey

When I first arrived at Istanbul I was so exited to walk around. I walked aroung my hotel and look around. I found out that the tourist attraction site was not far from where I stay. Most of the servenoir shops were so colourful.