We wanted to see the island, and the thyme fields, once more and decided to stay another day on the island. The next morning we strolled around town, visited the Bozcaada Museum, a small collection of local artifacts and historical tidbits. After a nice lunch under the pine trees at the center of the town, we returned to the hotel for rest. Later in the afternoon we drove around the island, went to some of the beaches to look for the special sand Elif had asked for. No luck! The plane trees at Ayazma were impressive, and the house Ergun and Binnaz liked very much about 30 years ago was still interesting but in disrepair. Some of the beaches were empty due to high tide, most of the umbrellas and the beach chairs were in the water. In the evening we visited Yakamoz Restaurant again. [Read more...]

On June 21 we left Ayvalik to catch the ferry to Tenedos, a small island on the northwest corner of the Aegean coast of Turkey. By all calculations we should have made the 1:00 pm ferry very comfortably, but since we left about 20 minutes later than planned, we made it to the boat by the skin of our teeth. The ferry ride was only about 30 minutes long and it was an easy one. Its name comes from “the island of Tenos” and it is located almost directly across from the ancient Troy.

The island has a quiet lifestyle, it has quaint narrow streets with old houses. At the heart of the town is a large medieval castle last restored by the Ottomans after they captured the island. In the evening they illuminate the castle which creates a nice contrast against the night blue sky.

We checked in at the Kaikias Hotel run by a very pleasant woman. Our room was comfortable with all [Read more...]