I spent a couple of weeks in Turkey in Izmir. I had always heard great things about Turkey and this trip confirmed it, even though I didnt travel extensively in the country. Our company apartment was right on the main street in Izmir, adjacent to the water. It was great. The restaurants and bars were just down the way. Walking around was a great atmosphere and more western, is stark contrast to the countryside which was much more conservative. Its almost like two different worlds exist in Turkey. One thing I was amazed at was the women in Izmir absolutely beautiful and almost to Sth American standards!! Hehehe.

You also realise, no matter how western looking, it is still a bit of a different world. I was cracking up when Steve told me about his bathroom being put in. It took for ever to do and when finally finished, he went in to take the first shower but thats as far as he got!!! There were no taps!!!! He rang the builder a little bit confused and asked where are the taps!! "Taps - you didnt ask for taps, you asked for a bath and shower". Now, Steve and I would have assumed that taps were an integral part of that bathroom, however no all people feel that way. A few more days later they were installed and he was able to enjoy his new shower!!!!

From Izmir, we went to Pamukale, Aphrodisias, and Hieropalis. These were fantastic roman ruins and salt flats. Its great walking around them and imagining what it would have been like. In Hieropalis, they have sulphur pools, that were used in roman times. A great swim and beautiful; just avoid the hordes of Russian tourists if you can (ha they are a breed unto themselves!!). I will be back to Turkey for sure to have a better look at the country. Steve is lucky living there and travels right down to the Iraq border often, for our deliveries. See my Iraq posting if you want to read about that place.

http://www.worldisround.com/articles/77159/index.html

Oh, and if you are in Turkey and make friends with a barman, watch out for the tradition of when he sees you later in a different bar, of he, and all his friends, putting their drinks on your tab you are best friends after all!!! hehe

Anyway, all in all a fantastic place to visit; culture, nightlife, beaches, women..more women...........hot women... hehe