The climb from the harbour of Assos is steep and cobbled so we walked some and met the bus part way up. The setting reminds us of the Cinque Terre on Italy’s west coast with its fishing dories and rounded breakwater. On his second missionary journey, the Apostle Paul sailed from here to Rhodes then Caesarea and on to Jerusalem. The distance in that day and age was great and we understand how weary he must have been.
Turkey’s Mount Olympos (yes, it’s spelled with an “o”) is where the gods of ancient Greek mythology hung out and is now a national park. We arrived in a small village in the mountains and explored the back streets then stopped in a local bed and breakfast, also a working olive farm, for a delicious home cooked lunch. Easily the best Turkish meal to date.
Over lunch, we could hear music from the community hall and discovered a wedding celebration in progress and so we all walked over to get a glimpse of the bride. Photos were forbidden but the hospitality was warm as we wished the happy couple well.
Turkey produces 10% of the world’s olive oil and since we are in olive country, a stop at a production plant was in order. We learned that black olives are at a different stage of ripeness compared to their green counterparts and difference between cold-pressed oil, virgin and extra virgin oil is in the filtering and/or heating process. Of course, there are plenty of opportunities to part with our Turkish Lira and we have come to expect them.
Ayvalik is another coastal village and we will lay our heads here tonight. The others are touring the town while we organize laundry, check the Internet, and find an eatery for an early dinner.
A word about the tour, the bus is air conditioned and comfortable. Gord especially enjoys the freedom it affords. Our tour mates are really lovely, well-traveled, intelligent and fun. Allowing someone else to schedule the day is relaxing and enabling at the same time. I heard someone ask where we were going today and I marveled that they did not know. But, I certainly can see how that follower mentality creeps in. Relinquishing the decision-making is part of the holiday for people. I get that.
Whether or not it’s for me? Time will tell.
