It's all about food isn't it? Shortly after my morning muesli, I was busy jotting down some 'get by in Turkish' key words on board MV Konstantinos, a smallish ferry taking me on the short hop from Mittilini to Dikini in Turkey.
I was pretty anxious by this point because I didn't seem to have many options and I was aware that another tout thought he had already 'got' me. And, of course, I assume that everyone is out to get me, in the sense of ripping me off, which doesn't help the stress levels.
Arrived by 11.00 and went straight from ferry to ATM to collect some Turkish lira. No idea of rate so got 100. Then into shop for chocolate and nibbles in order to try and work out value of 100TL. That's easy: seems to be about £100!
About to buy fruit when a coach went past with 'Izmir' on back. Quick dash up the road to catch it, chucked backpack in belly of bus & on - I'm away within 15mins! All v different.
Actually not that different: the road passes thru the inevitable olive groves and past wind turbines. The garages sell LPG. The only difference is that we passengers get free water & a squeeze of lemon-scented hand freshener. Don't get that with NationalExpress.
Got to Izmir bus station about 1.30 and walked into terminal to check out the travel options. Said one word (hello) & was directed to their English speaker who sent me out to the minibus that whisked me out of rather industrial and unappealing Izmir towards Ephesus where I hope to find a room. Just had time to buy a sandwich. Off we go again!
By teatime, I found myself at Ali's place - the Nur Pansione (www.nur-pension.com) somewhere in the back streets of Selcuk. I arrived here on the back of Ali's little scooter which pootled up at the bus station in response to a phone call from one of the booking clerks. Talk about putting your life into someone else's hands!
It's only as I head out for a much-needed evening drink that I work out that 100TL is actually £30, not £100! Hey - I can afford several drinks...except, of course, I can't because it's a muslim country and you get a choice of orange or pomegranate juice with your meal. Tant pis.
Finished the day with my first real Turkish coffee which was, to be honest, not a patch on the version that Graham serves in Croatia. However it's early days yet and I'm hopeful that my enjoyment of the country and its foods will improve as we get to know each other better over the days to come. Bon appetit!
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