Sivas – Darende 1 October, 2011

Weather:  rainy in the morning followed by a sunny day.

Temperature:  very cold morning, low twenties

Breakfast was a bigger affair at our hotel today and with the usual fare of tomatoes, olives, cucumber and boiled eggs there was a table with several varieties of cereal as well as a table devoted to all sorts of biscuits.  My international drink, Nescafe, was on offer so I was happy!

Several members of the tour including our guide rushed off to the shop Desley and I had visited yesterday afternoon and purchased Turkish beanies.  We set off with many of the men wearing their recent purchases not necessarily because they were fun but because they genuinely helped keep their heads warm!

Photo:  Cameron, Ergun and David with the purchases.

Today was also the AFL grand final so texts were coming in updating us on the scores.  One member of the bus was a happy Cats supporter.

At Kangal we called into a dog kennel to view the famous Kangal dogs.  The owner was not at home - although this had been arranged so we drove back into town and wandered the streets much to the bemusement of the locals.  Our guide had found another place to visit and off we went.  The dogs are much revered and even appear on the Turkish stamp.  Kangals are very large dogs with very large paws (for the snow?) and are used to mind the sheep from savaging wolves.  Their ears are removed and they wear large barbed collars to protect the weakest part of their bodies from the wolves.

Photo:  Horse and cart in Kangal - we didn't stay out of the bus long here as it was so cold.

Photo:  A Kangal dog - note the ears and collar.

We passed the highest point of 1800 metres on our way to Gurun and the scenery was indicative of a harsh climate with sparse, if any, vegetation and the knowledge it receives a massive amount of snow in winter. 

Photo:  An arid landscape however not the poplar trees.

Photo: .....and another!

As we were trying to time the bus, visits and lunch Ergun went out early this morning to purchase rolls and bananas for us to eat on the bus.  The tomato, feta cheese and parsley went down well with our water – we have to purchase water on the way as we have been advised not to drink the water in Turkey.

At some stages of the way further down from the mountain there were houses with quite a few poplar trees around them.  We were informed that in some regions when a son is born the father plants them for later use and when he chooses a bride they are cut down and made into furniture.

We called into Gunpinar Waterfall for a wander to see the canyon, a much needed toilet break (squatting) and a hot cuppa:  cay, Nescafe and various herbal teas.  The area around the falls has been set up beautifully with many individual pergolas overlooking the water.

Photo:  David standing in front of the Gunpinar Waterfall we stopped for a break.

Photo:  ....another photo of the four of us...at the falls.

Photo:  the pavilions.

On arrival at Darende we visited a market set up by local women to support the poor in the area.  They were surprised by our visit and we were impressed with the efforts they were making for the community.  There were many beautiful pieces of knitwear for children as well as scarves so we willingly supported their wonderful cause.  Our guide was happy with us purchasing and he himself bought quite a few things.

Within a short distance of our hotel is a wonderful canyon which is set up very well with pavilions for tea in beautiful gardens, pavilions overlooking the rushing water, a waterwheel and swimming pools.  It is a very popular place to visit for the region and we can see why.  The waterway is also used for white water rafting.

Photo:  The lovely paviooions where people sit for meals and tea.

Photo:  Walking beside the canyon with three heated pools for bathing (18 degrees....and they call that heated although I imagine the rushing water is colder!)

Photo:  Looking down the canyon.

We had an early afternoon and we were grateful for some free time as being on tour can be tiring.  Our lovely guide arranged for drinks in one of the rooms as there is no alcohol in this very conservative town……actually, this is the third town in a row that has no alcohol.  He purchased two bottles of wine yesterday (he has his contacts!) to prepare for a surprise birthday party for one of our fellow travellers.  Ergun, our guide also arranged a cake and the birthday girl was very surprised.  We had a lovely time socialising before dinner in a large suite of another couple which had been arranged by Ergun to accommodate the merry band.

We had dinner at our hotel tonight as we are a little way out of town.  Once again a specialty dish of the area was recommended and the lamb, chilli, mushroom and vegetable dish went down very well.  Birthday cake and another local speciality dessert ended another Turkish feast!