After sleeping in a bit, we repacked and headed down to breakfast at the hotel, which was largely the same traditional breakfast we’ve become used to, but without the small business charm.
The hotel called a cab to get us to the Konya airport where we had a rental car waiting. Once the cab left, a staff member from Avis was in the parking lot and saw that we needed help, so he proceeded to lead us into the airport, through security down a couple levels and into the rental car booking area. The airport was completely vacant and was even more eerie because it is a shared by civilians and the Turkish military.
The car rental went quickly after that and we verified that we can return the car to the Izmir airport in two week. Here is our new traveling companion!
With our backpacks loaded in the trunk, we set out to Antalya
Along the route from the interior of Turkey to its southern coast we crossed a few mountain ranges. The highest looked familiar to some of the passes in Washington.
There were many, many roadside stands offering food and drinks. A couple hours into the drive we stopped at one of the larger stands to get an ear of corn, a gözleme and a couple teas.
Once we made it out of the mountains and down to the coast, we came across the ancient city of Side and stopped to check out the ruins at the waterfront
It was really hot with not much shade around the ruins, but there was a nice harbor where you can hire cruises. There are also streets full of shops and restaurants that were built with an antique decor to integrate with the ruins. Like the rest of Turkey, this imaginably thriving tourist stop was nearly empty.
Another hour west along the coast was our hotel (Mono Hotel) in Antalya. This was a bit of a trick to get to, as it is in a small restricted-entrance village area. We got in without much issue, but had to weave through the narrow streets, avoiding restaurant seating, doorsteps and a throng of villagers. When we reached the nearest point on the map we could drive, Tammy got out on foot to find the actual hotel location. It turned out there is no parking in the village, so we had to wind our way back out and park on the main streets in Antalya, then walk back to the hotel with our backpacks. The hotel room was worth the effort - here is the view from the balcony!
As we finished checking in, we mentioned to the hotel staff where we parked and learned that was apparently a no-parking street (odd since there were many locals parked there). To help us, the guy from the hotel offered to show us a better parking place and walked with us back to the car. Incredibly, he then got in the car with us, helped us navigate the tangle of downtown streets, found us a lot and talked with the attendant to get a place for us to park there. The he walked back with us pointing out restaurant recommendations along the way and sharing some insights about Turkey from a a local’s perspective. When we parted ways he gave us his name and cell number and told us to call if we had questions/troubles - what incredible service!
We chose to eat a one of his suggested restaurants in Karaalioğlu Park that overlooked the water, a common walking path and the ruins of an old tower.
After dinner we walked a bit on the path and through the town, then decided to go back to the room and enjoy the balcony.
As we walked into the hotel we ran into our new friend who encouraged us to have drinks in the rooftop terrace bar. We were pretty tired, so he said “just text me what you want and I’ll have them bring it to you” - we were stunned at his thoughtfulness!
The drink were fantastic and the setting was perfect...a great way to end our day!
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