Bodrum

Whisked into the minivan we took off north.  Stopped in the mountains above Marmaris for superb views of the coast, and a tea break with gozleme, made by a woman in a nomadic black tent.  Continued on, past tobacco fields, recently picked, with just stalks and a few ragged leaves and top sprouts remaining.  Later, cotton fields just getting ready for harvest.  Lots of pine trees, then olive and citrus groves.  Honey sellers set up their stands all along the road, with an amazing variety of colors in their offerings.

After a brief rest, we walked into town, had oltu kebab for lunch (doner kebabs cooked on a horizontal spit over a wood fire ('the old way'). Then walked along the harbor and up to the castle.  Castle of St. Peter was captured by Suleiman in 1523, holding out for a year longer than the castle we just visited on Rhodes did. Good tour of the castle, on a bright sunny, hot day.  Several improvements since last time, though some parts a bit more run down, closed for repair, etc.  The English Tower now sports a bar and long dining table, and serves an excellent grape juice.   (750K lira)  Finished tour just as the azan (call to prayer) rang out a little before 5 pm, then wandered separately back thru the shops

Back in time for a swim, and watched the sunset from poolside. Good supper down by the pool -variety of mezes, and "hungar gulas" as main course. Beautiful views of the castle, lit up at night.