Troy

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!