Buzzing Around The World With Fellette & Doug

Antalya, Turkey and Aspendos, Side and Perge...

What names... I should have been paying attention in history classes 55 years ago!

We decided to keep this bus tour in spite of our dislike of them as there was too much to cover on our own in too short a time. Fortunately by the time I got on the bus the fight over ownership of the front seats was over. It was a draw, between a mouthy man with bad knees and a man who wanted to get a little video footage.

There were 55 clean white buses on the dock.

We were followed in by a giant white Costa Line ship holding over 2000 Italians.

Off we went, first bus out of the dock area. Our guide was a good looking Turkish gentleman with excellent English and decorum.

First stop was the ruins of the city of Aspendos, founded in 500 BC. Under the aqueduct built by the Romans

then to the amphitheatre built into the side of a mountain. Little remains of the city, the local builders used the material to construct new homes and shops (some of which are still in use). The amphitheatre likely had a continuing use and was spared demolition. It is still used today. Up top gives a great view of the countryside.

Next we buzzed over to Side, [pronounced sea-day], A port city used first by the Greeks, then of course the Romans. The amphitheatre is massive.



The modern part of Side is like Marine Drive in White Rock or any seaside resort area, clean, friendly and a strollers paradise. Shops sprinkled between cafes selling carpets, and sweets. Turkish delights in 35 variations...

Most visitors there are from Germany, Italy and other western European countries. There are some Brits but few Americans. These Europeans have a way of popping up in front of you,



Site was a port that silted up and came into disuse. The restored remains of the Temple to Apollo dominate the beach front

The night club Club Apollo is probably the oldest Night Club in the world.


We then walked to the remains of the city. As we get to see more ruins they seem to all become a blur. It is too much to take in to try to imagine what went on in these places 2000, to 3000 years ago.

Next we went to the fanciest hotel so far this trip for a lunch overlooking the beaches and coastline of the area,

on a cliff with a light breeze and full sun. Just like in the movies, we ate outside. There were seven outside, the remaining 113 fortunately hovered inside nearer to the food supply.

Off to the best of all from my point of view Perge [pronounced per-gay]. Founded about 1200 BC. Inland a bit to be away from pirates. They were spared destruction by Alexander The Great in 332 when they signed an agreement for 100 talents of gold to spare the city. [A talent is 55#.] This new wealth helped finance his future conquests. We walked through the remains of the arena where they had chariot races, then to the remains of this impressive city. We visited the Roman baths. What an impressive and complicated system.

According to our guide, they could consume 40,000# in a day, of wood to heat the waters for the three bath areas, hot, warm and cooler! Guess why there are no trees in this area?

By this time we were "ruined" if you get my drift.

Unfortunately we ended up at a jewellery shop, part of the tour you know! This was a BIG place. About 40 to 50 young eager smartly dressed young Turkish folks. Not pushy until you displayed interest. Of course, the apple tea, Turkish coffee, or wine helped some linger. Fellette and I wanted out after using the facilities. We cooled our heels while some made their way back to the ship via a shuttle. We eventually made it back. The seven hour bus trip turned into nine hours. Dinner upstairs, and to bed by 8.30.

A good day, a history day. Tomorrow the full eclipse of the sun.

posted by Doug and Fellette @ 4:29 AM