Turkey Meatloaf

[Rod Hagen]

Question for my Turkish consortium-you know who you are: bus is the main form of trans there, that's true. You know what I say, fuck the bus. Buses suck. We're flying around, bad for the environment, worse for the economy, so what are you going to do? SO my position made, the REAL question comes in the form of a request, for advice. That's it, I need advice. The flight outta Bodrum, back to IST, is at 10am on certain days, and nearly 10pm on the others, only, no other flights.

 

Any other airports near Bodrum?

 

I'm going to call the US office Monday morning and see what we can figure out. I'd like to have some suggestions to throw THEIR way, that oughta surprise them. Thank U.

-Hagen

[Trixie]

My dearest Rod,

Is that beautiful body you've worked so hard for really so delicate? Will it fall, like a souffle, should you hit a pothole in the road? I have travelled through many countries, often by bus, and have found it always the most bewilderingly marvelous way to go, short of a train ride. To watch the landscape pass by, hour by hour, is a pleasure in my book. I have travelled by bus in Russia, Malaysia, Ethiopia, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and Turkey, and have never regretted it. The sights and sounds and smells you'll encounter are part of the Real World, although your bottom might be a little sore by the end of the ride.

OK... having said that, if you MUST make haste to Istanbul, I suggest you take the shorter bus ride (3-4 hours) to Izmir, where you can take a comfortable train or speedy plane on to Istanbul.

Trix

[Rod Hagen]

Trixie, were we still in our winsome College Backbacking years, I'd be inclined to agree with you. Not because my soufle was more rigid 7-8 years ago, but there was less of a time concern last time I was in Turkey, Costa Rica, Honduras, Poland, Moroco, etc. When you have the time to suck in local flavors, it's stimulating. When you don't, then recline your seat a bit, munch cashews, gulp champagne, and absorb a book by others who've done the sucking.

 

Thank you for the advice. It's quality advice, as we're flying into Izmir earlier to see Ephesus.

-Hagen

[Guest n6sorrel]

Rod,

 

The Dalaman airport is very close to Fethiye. The air schedule out of there is about the same as Bodrum: Departures at 10.00 and 21.20.

 

I'm not sure how your schedule has evolved, but if you did drive West and spent a night in Fethiye, this would give you another option. What makes the departure times out of Bodrum a problem?

[Rod Hagen]

Thanks n6. The departure times is annoying in that we wanted one more, final and full, night in Istanbul. Not possible if it gets in so late. I'll figure somehting out. THANKS!

 

"Having these balls makes

me feel something close to

joy, I think. I must caress

them." -FRIEZA

-Hagen

[Guest n6sorrel]

Perhaps someone can help me figure something out:

 

Rod, I had said that we'd decided not to go into Syria, but now that we are going to be right at the border, we are seriously considering a run for it.

 

Has anyone been, to Palmyra in Syria? I'm trying to figure out if I am good allowing two full days to leave Antakya, Turkey, drive to Palmyra and back again to Antakya. Note: that's Antakya, not Antalya.

 

Thanks

[Trixie]

Ooooo, I want to go to Morocco! I also want to have a Turkish consortium! What I don't want is to have to do my laundry, but unfortunately, that's the most excitng option I have this week.

Have fun in Turkey, Rod, and thank you for not being indignant about the souffle joke!

Trix

[Rod Hagen]

Haven't been, but I say go for it. Like I said read Theroux's thoughts on the region. Cutting and brilliant, as always. Have fun.