Tuesday 7th June - Antalya and the ruins of Perge - Turkiye

Another new port, it looked really nice from our balcony, and this time we've booked a paid for excursion, cos it promises waterfalls. 

We have to be on the keyside at 12.15, which is a bit of an awkward time really - just too early for dinner, and doesn't really give enough time to go into town - especially as we are never awake enough to get ashore before 10.

So we chilled out and stepped out off the ship and into the heat just past midday.

The bus was large and the number of passengers were few, but Saga Covid protocols meant we still have to wear masks when on the coaches.  As it happens, an old friend of Peter's was also on the bus, so we sat right behind her. Unfortunately, at the moment, the entertainment crowd are not really supposed to mix with the passengers, and he's not had the chance to catch up.  At least the bus ride meant he could say hello.

So our tour today was "Perge and Kursunlu Waterfalls".  I'd booked it because trip advisor had given the waterfalls pretty good marks, and I couldn't see much in Antalya to keep us occupied.  I didn't know what Perge was, just something that we would see at the same time.

So the trip set off, the guide was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the area, and we arrived at Perge about 45 mins later.

What a surprise!  That place is amazing!  It's a whole city of roman ruins and there is so much of it!  We walked through gates used by Alexander the Great.

And gazed around the remains of a massive bathing complex

 

Then looked along massive rows of columns and walkways that would have made up the central squares of the city.

And imagined the market square, or Agora, in all it's full glory, with shops arranged in a square around the market place, with covered walkways all the way around. 

It was all too much to take in in one short visit.  And that was without seeing the stadium and the ampitheatre - which unfortunately, are not yet safe for tourists.

 

It was obvious that quite a bit of restorative work had been carried out.  The guide explained that financial help had come from local dignitaries and businesses, who provided the money to resurrect the  columns that were now standing.  In recognition, there are small plates at the bottom of each, naming who paid for it. 

And there is so much more restoration to happen.  There were rows and rows of stones, pillars, and marble carvings - pieces of a massive 3D jigsaw puzzle, without a picture to tell you how it should look in the end. 

As you can tell, we were blown away by the site, mostly because we were just not expecting it.  Definitely one to visit again if we get the chance, although I would prefer a lot more time, maybe something we could do on our own. 

And then it was back on the bus and on to the waterfalls.  

In contrast, we were both expecting a little bit more I think.  They are in a sort of wooded fun park, somewhere people would take their kids at the weekend for camel rides, and icecream.  All a bit commercial and twee.  A short walk through the park leads to the many steps taking you down to the area of the falls and the pond into which they run.

The waterfalls are very pretty, and an amazing backdrop for photographs.  A couple were having their wedding photographs taken there for instance.

But there a lot of people about, we weren't there for very long, it was hot and humid, and the waterfalls were not as dramatic as we'd hoped.

Again, this would be somewhere to visit with more time and on our own, so that we could find our way around and seek out the best corners to take pictures from.  We didn't do too badly though, and as I said, it's very pretty.

Back on the bus then and back to the ship.  As we got on board I got confused.  I expected the tour to get us back about 4.30pm.  The guide talked about us being the last ones back, and it was quarter to.  So I was looking to see where if the medics doing the covid testing were still about. 

Except they hadn't started yet, it was 3.45pm, we were back nearly and hour earlier than was expected.  The medics started early though, so once cleared we were in the dining room for scones, open ham sandwiches, and choc chip cookies.  We were making up for lunch after all. 

So that was Antalya.  I would be quite happy to come back, maybe see Perge again, or explore the town, or look for more waterfalls - there are some that go over a cliff into the sea apparently.

Tomorrow is a sea day and classes.  Bit of a rest really.