We travelled about 3.5 hrs to Konya, and on the way we stopped to see a Caravanserei - a hotel along the Silk Road for businessmen and traders. Built in 1229. It is huge!
In The city of Konya we visited the Mevlana Museum, to see the tomb of Rumi, founder of Islamic religion, and the Whirling Dervishes. Today is the second day after Ramadan, and as such it is a Religious holiday, so the place was packed with locals.
The background given to us by Išik adds so much to the visits.
'When Rumi died, he was buried beside his father, who was also a highly respected man. The legend says that Rumi's father stood up when his son was buried beside him, showing respect for his son. Today, Rumi's grave site is covered with a huge stone and beside it, standing upright is one for his father.'
Along with hundreds of pushy people, we walked past these monuments, and past a small box encased in a glass case, containing the beard of Mohammed.
In another building we saw depictions of the life of Dervishes.
'When someone wants to become a Dervish, he sits on a seat in a small enclosure and waits without eating, drinking or speaking, until a decision is made. It could take from several hours to several days. The decision is communicated to the person, also without words. His shoes are taken off, and if they are placed pointing towards the door of the Dervishes, he's in. If shoes are placed pointing away from the door, it's rejection.'
Konya is an enormous city, and is the oldest known area where people moved away from hunting and gathering, the beginnings of communities.
We visited a traditional wooden mosque in a village on the lake. Tall wooden pillars supported the roof.
Home tonight is some farm houses in a small village - a home stay. Basic living, we have separate rooms with mattresses on the floor. Eight of us are in one house and the others right next door. No showers but we have a Turkish toilet, and a European toilet.
The family served us soooo much food
- Lentil soup and home made flat bread
- Chicken with white beans and rice
- Salad, stuffed peppers, dolomades, yoghurt, eggplant dish
- Bacclava
- Tea
Then they joined us for a Q&A time. A really interesting question came from a 19 yr old grandson. 'What preconceptions or prejudices did you have about turkey before you came here, and what or how have they changed.' Very thought provoking, and one that has been going through my mind since he asked. Something I need to come back to throughout the trip.
 |
| Turkish custom, pour water on the ground as guests depart, blessing the ground. |
Another unique experience. A really peaceful night's rest.
Notes on tour:
This is our first trip with G Adventures, and a slightly different style from other tours we have done. It's a group of 12, a really good size, a qualified Turkish tour leader ( or Chief Experience Officer, as they are called) so no need for local guides, and our own mini-bus and driver.
The tour dossier said there would be 2 full days in Cappadoccia to explore on your own, but Išik offered to take us in the bus to various places, with a payment for entrance fees and vehicle expenses. That was great, as we not only got to places easily, but we had a guide as well. The only downside is there has been little free time.
The group has bonded together well, and I think some of experiences in Cappadoccia helped that along, helping each other scramble down steep slippery slopes, climbing up steep slippery slopes and squeezing through high small openings in caves to see what lies beyond. At times it seemed like those group challenge activities, but it was a lot of fun and we all laughed a lot.
I think we've eaten most meals together too. Breakfasts and some dinners are included in the tour price, other times Išik takes us to a restaurant for lunch or dinner, and helps with menu interpretations. Interestingly, at the end of a meal, Išik goes round the table with a waiter working out individual costs for payment. There has never been a group bill. Just seems too easy. What happens about tipping? I have no idea. Sometimes we leave the rounded up change.
What would I change:
We've had 2 home visits, one for a meal and one for an overnight stay, and I wish I had brought a small gift for our host families, although that would have been a dilemma for me packing light. Still, I'm left with a small feeling of regret.
Posted with Blogsy
No comments:
Post a Comment