(^18) Antalya has been continuously inhabited since founded in the 2nd century BC. Like
any good Turkish city, the town had its fair share of remnants from its heyday as a
Roman port, and Old Antalya still surrounds the old harbour area. The historic
district included many buildings dating to Ottoman and Roman times. Hadrian’s Gate
was highly impressive, built in 130 AD. The 2nd-century Hidirlik Tower, with harbour
views thought to have been constructed as a lighthouse, was equally remarkable.
Antalya - Bucak – 92 kilometres
Due to only being granted a 30-day stay, we needed more visa time. Extending a
Turkish visa appeared problematic and, in general, backpackers hopped across the
border instead.
We investigated various options, of which all required getting to Istanbul. Hence, we
didn’t continue along the coast but veered inland over the mountains toward Burdur.
Unfortunately, the interior’s late winter weather remained freezing and the road
uphill. Moreover, the rain encountered made the going considerably slower than
anticipated. We thus crawled into Bucak in the late afternoon, sopping wet and in
arctic conditions.
Bucak - Keçýboru – 85 kilometres
How quickly circumstances can change. I received a message from my dear friend
Esther stating she could meet us in Istanbul for a cycling holiday in Turkey. I was
delighted and couldn’t wait to see Esther as I expected the trip would be great fun.
We hence no longer had to rush to Istanbul and planned to extend the visas once
there. Unfortunately, it subsequently turned out far more complicated than
anticipated.
leana
(Leana)
#1