OK, we're not quite at Ankara yet, but we are relaxing at a place near Bodrum called Yalikavak on the Aegean coast for a few weeks. We've been here for a week already (most of which Steve was really quite ill) and move to another place nearby the week after that.

The ride down from Istanbul was fairly good and we stopped at Çanakkale for a few days to allow us to explore the Gelibolu (Gallipoli) Peninsular and the history surrounding the war. We visited ANZAC Cove and Lone Pine and remarkably the trenches are still in place. Not the original depth or width (they are now no deeper than 2 feet) but are enough to see the path that they took. There are some lovely monuments erected by order of Ataturk (Google him and see) that convey the comradeship between the Turks and the ANZACs and offering comfort to the mothers of the fallen that their loved ones are safe and respected in Turkish soil. All very emotional really.

We visited the ancient city of Troy (think Trojan Horse) which is amazing. We spent a good time strolling around looking at the ruins and taking plenty of photos.

While in Çanakkale, Liz slipped over in the bath/shower and hurt her leg (and her pride). A bit of a shock, but all OK in good time with only a few bumps and bruises for her efforts.

Our next stop was a town called Bergama. This place has the most intact archeology we have yet seen high atop the mountain that overlooks the town. A lovely white marble Acropolis and, turn a corner, you find yourself gazing down with vertigo inducing awe at the amphitheatre carved high into the mountain side. The performers would have been competing with the view for attention from the audiences.

Our next destination was to where we are at the moment. The ride here was OK but very long indeed. We stopped for brunch at a motorway services and Steve was befriended by a chap who was interested in out trip. He offered Steve a raw quail egg. Not sure what to do with it, the old chap demonstrated. He cracked the top lightly, peeled the small bits of shell away very carefully, and then poured the raw contents into his mouth. Steve, trying his diplomatic best to stop himself throwing up, politely declined his most generous offer. We suspect that bird flue may catch up with this chap sooner or later.

We got to our little self catering apartment in fairly good time and it is lovely. Only 15 paces from our front door to the lovely pool. Unfortunately, Steve was not to enjoy most of the first week as he somehow made the stomach gods very angry and they released the worst vengeance possible. Fever and shivering attacks, the funkiest stomach music you have ever heard and a headache created by Thor's' hammer.

He is back in the world of the living now though (thanks Mum!!!) and is looking forward to fishing with his new retractable fishing line.