Kaleici

After the 18 hour bus ride, we checked into Alp Pasa Hotel http://www.alppasa.com/ and after a quick shower, went out to explore Kaleici. This quaint area surrounding the Kaleici Marina is full of small hotels, pensions and restaurants as well as restored houses that all help to create the atmosphere for which the city is famous.

We then went to the Clock Tower which was situated by the ancient city walls, part of the old city fortifications in the Kalekapisi Square. There was also Hadrian's Gate, the beautifully decorated, three-arched gate of white marble, built in honour of Hadrian when he visited the city in 130 A.D. In just the Kaleici area, we could find many historical sites and monuments. It was definitely a great place to stay in.

After lunch, we made our way to Kaleici Marina. We decided to take a 45 minute boat ride from the marina. Normally, it will cost about 5YTL per person and do be careful of some cheats who will mark up the price to 40YTL per person. Just take your time and walk along the harbor to ask for the prices. Never believe the first boat company you enquire. The ride took us along the shoreline and if you are lucky, the pilot will go nearer into the caves and waterfall located just around the area.

All around the ancient walls are some nice cafes and we had drinks while enjoying the view of west Antalya while the sun was setting. Then made our way back to the hotel for a scrumptious buffet dinner by the pool. It was a peaceful atmosphere with the sound of the piano being played by the in-house entertainer.

Sanliurfa to Antalya

The old city of Sanliurfa is definitely different from the other cities in Turkey that I have visited.

Our next destination after Sanliurfa is Antalya. There are no direct flights there so we had to take a coach which took us 18 hours. Yes ladies and gentlemen, you read correctly...18 solid hours. The hotel manager at Cevahir Konukevi was kind enough to book our bus tickets. We got on the Urfa Cesur Turizm http://urfacesur.com/ bus and paid 40YTL per person. It is the best and most reliable bus company in Sanliurfa, we were told.

Fortunately the ride was comfortable but there were more stops than expected so our sleep were interrupted. Other than that, it was actually a good ride. We had enough sleep by the time we reach scenic Mediterranean Coast. The journey on by the coast was scenic and the beautiful turquoise sea was tempting. More stops as we picked up and dropped off our fellow passengers. And by the time we reached Antalya bus terminal, it was already 11am. We transferred to a taxi which took us to our hotel, Alp Pasa http://www.alppasa.com/ . It is located in Kaleici, the heart of the city, next to a harbour which now shelters vessels both sleek and seedy.

The first time I was in Antalya was about 10 years ago. And I remembered Kaleici to be a very nice old place, with kids running along the streets. And the bread sellers on old bicycles, honking away, trying to attract the housewives' attention into buying the freshly baked bread. And the cobbled streets were full with Turks selling their carpets and souvenirs.

I am a little disappointed now because Kaleici is so commercialized. I find more foreigners like Russians and Germans selling in the shops than the locals. Foreigners selling properties to other foreigners in Antalya. Cobbled streets changed to bricks and most old houses demolished to make way for more boutique hotels. Changes are good but in this case, the old charm is forever lost. Alp Pasa Hotel went through some changes too but not too drastic. They have added new annexes to the main old building and its bigger, with more rooms. Their rooms are named after old sultans and i think thats cool. In my next blog, i will write more about Antalya and its surroundings.