Trying to imagine the sea lapping
at Troy is difficult as the sea is now far out. It takes imagination to
envisage buildings on the site but it must have been incredible. The views are
spectacular and the ruins impressive. It is so old; there are nine layers
of excavations. Gladiators pose with visitors wearing rented costumes. A riot!
After Troy we went out for a boat
trip and swim in an area of summer houses and ruined monasteries. Our
hotel for the night is a converted Ottoman house for the night. It is so
beautiful. All the stairs, nooks, and crannies are intriguing and the rooms
lead into one another. Huge shared bathrooms with both Turkish and
western toilets, tiled shower rooms with lots of pressure and hot water. Baskets
of soaps. Even Turks do not drink the tap water, but there is no such
thing as low pressure. Massive amphoras are placed around the house. Many
of the older houses are being redone in either Greek (stone) or Turkish
(wooden) style. They are very expensive to do as restorations have to be
done properly or not at all. No fakes are allowed. The Government
reimburses for work to the facade only.
Supper was lentil soup with
lemon; rice filled squash blossoms with dill and Turkish ravioli. All of it
was incredible especially the soup and it cost $10 for both of us!
