Selcuk – Day 11

(I’m so far behind!)

Saturday we woke early in our Ankara apartment to finish packing and cleaning. The taxi arrived before 6:15 to take us to the Ankara Airport, far outside of town. He dropped us off at domestic departures, then proceeded to help change a tire for another man’s car! We passed though the initial security, checked-in and went through the real security. Rob, Phil and Barbara bought coffee (in mugs), and the second they sat down, our flight was called for immediate departure — 5 minutes before the start of boarding time listed on our boarding passes.

Flying domestic in Turkey was a little different than at home. No one carried on a “suitcase” — the overhead bins were practically empty. A woman behind me scolded me for using my computer (perfectly allowable according to the inflight magazine). For an hour or so flight, we were given a cheese sandwich and a choice of tea or water. Efficient and easy. I was surprised to see very few head scarfs; the general population of females in Ankara had covered heads, but not on this flight.

Our driver arrived after a few minutes, and we loaded our rental van while waiting for Suze’s plane to arrive. In less than an hour, we were at our villa just under St. John’s and above Isa Bey Mosque….quite a historic part of town. Rooms were chosen, some unpacking done, a snack eaten. I took a nap while some others explored. After my nap, I went into town with Suze and my mom to shop at the Saturday market.

After a large dinner in the backyard, we went for a walk down to the mosque and then peeked in on a wedding reception in the field beyond. With the mosque so close-by, the muezzin call is quite loud.