Walking around Kusadasi

Kusadasi waterfront

I arrived in Kusadasi on Monday evening – Oct. 21 – the apartment that I booked was actually 20 min. away from downtown Kusadasi.  There was a small store nearby and the beach was a 2 min. walk away.  Beautiful beach with palm trees and soft sand.  There are many minibuses called dolmus that go between the area and downtown Kusadasi – from 0700 until 2300 hrs.  I spent a couple days this week, exploring the city, in between my day tours to Ephesus and Pamukkale and hanging out at the local beach. 

The Bazaar

 The markets are filled with scarves, rugs, pillow coverings, t-shirts, leather jackets, handbags, and trinkets.  I found some beautiful scarves – 70% cashmere + 30% silk.  In an attempt to find fabric for a friend who quilts, I met some local shop owners who were very helpful.  After I got the message across of what I was looking for, they unfortunately didn’t have any in their shops, I was given information and directions on what area of Istanbul to look in for the fabric and where to find a good deal (rather than the more expensive prices in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul).  The locals that I met were kind, helpful and understanding, a very different experience to the markets/bazaars that I went through in Egypt 3 years ago.   I found it so much more enjoyable shopping in Kusadasi, because the owners were not pushy at all.    

 near Ladies Beach

  I ventured to the “Ladies Beach” which was about 15 min. away on another Dolmus – not sure where it got its name.  Beautiful beach where people were suntanning, swimming and sitting in cafes on the boardwalk.  I discovered unfortunately after looking around and talking to some people that snorkelling was finished for the season and there was no more boats going out for diving or snorkelling in the area. 

Kusadasi is a port city – where cruise ships dock daily – which is about 20 km from Ephesus.  The people are very friendly.  On Tuesday and Saturday this week I ventured through the city.    The waterfront is filled with people.  Saw fishermen, people walking, people swimming, some men snorkelling and spear fishing.  There was a castle on a peninsula that I wanted to explore, but the gates were closed up when I got there on Saturday morning.  The food is quite enjoyable – I bought food at the markets and stores for my breakfast and dinner and would eat a big lunch in one of the local restaurants.  I tasted Sea Bream – a type of local fish, that is caught daily from the Aegean sea.  Was delicious – pan fried - Also had some great Chicken donair kebab.  All meals were served with fresh baked bread with 2 dips – one was like a tzatziki – creamy white dip with greens in it, and the other fresh cut up tomatoes with herbs.  Very yummy.  I tried apple tea for the first time – and really enjoyed it.  I had a try at the Turkish coffee and not surprisingly, I didn’t like it.  My first time even smelling Turkish coffee was in Yugoslavia in 1988, and I didn’t like the smell of it then.  I also discovered I didn’t enjoy the regular Turkish tea either. 

Downtown Kusadasi

Many pretzel stands lined the streets all over Turkey

Kervansaray Hotel

On Saturday while walking around – I passed by the local municipality office, which had a band playing.  There was a poster up that stated there was a festival on this weekend – which had sister cities across Europe celebrating as well.  The brass band was very good and there were also girls and boys dressed in traditional costumes that performed some dances later on. 

the local beach where I stayed

On Thursday and Sunday this week – I spent time at the local beach.  The days were long and sunny and I enjoyed relaxing and reading my book.  The water was actually cool at first, but then I got used to the temperature and enjoyed swimming in the waves.  Some locals sit by the sea all day – and provide chairs and umbrellas to the tourists if they so desire – along with cold or hot drinks for a price.  There were very few people around – maybe 5 people on the beach on the days I was there.  I was able to see some beautiful sunsets as well.  The coastline is gorgeous.  A great vacation spot. 

The neighborhood where the apartment was located

The apartment on the bottom left

Beautiful flowers on the front porch

Sunset on the Mediterranean

Castle that I didn't get to see inside

Kalikadesi

 On Sunday while walking around the neighborhood, I discovered an excavation site that is still being uncovered.  It was fenced off, but it did have a board with information about it.  While I was reading, one of the locals asked if I wanted to go into the site, which of course I did.  No photos allowed inside.  There were very large pottery jars, mosaics on the floors, and marble stones.  They were uncovering what was a church and there was a baptismal font there as well.  Pretty cool find, it was maybe 5 min. walk from where I was staying.  Upon returning to the apartment and sorting through my stuff to pack up for the flight the next day, I discovered a writeup of the site on the back of the map of Kusadasi.  The site is called Kalikadesi.  I will have to do more reading about it.  In the description it says it dates back to about 3000 BC – and the area was known as Anaia.