Izmir

Is the third most populous city in Turkey after Istanbul and Ankara.  It was known as Smyma until the 1930’s.  Smyma has over 3500 years of recorded urban history with settlements dating back as far as 8000 years.  In 178CE the city was devastated by an earthquake.

The currency of Turkey is the Lira which used to be so deflated that you needed millions to buy an ice cream.  In 2005 they knocked six zeros of creating the new Turkish Lira which is currently worth about 28p sterling.

We arrived in port at 8am today but set sail again at 2pm.  First stop internet cafe, toilet and a coffee whilst updating the blog.  We found a bank because Claire had some of the really old Turkish money but they wouldn't change it.

It was so hot again today, it must have been in the 40’s.  We found a taxi rank and booked an hours city tour for €30.  Not bad considering they were asking for €120 at the port.  As Sue and Ian decided to stay aboard we had the taxi to ourselves.  It worked really well as he took us up to the top castle and old city walls first where we had panoramic views over Izmir.  Five of these city walls remain standing today which was built by Alexander the Great and is called Kadifekale.

Izmir is an ancient city with 8500 of history, thats twice as old as the pyramids.  Out of the 12 ancient Ionian League Cities, 7 lie within the borders of Izmir.

There is a huge bazaar called Cankaya and our drive offered to stop for us as they sell everything from electronics to tack but we refused.  I know from experience they are much more trouble than they are worth.  We did stop at a blue Mosque but I don't know what it is called.

We also stopped at another panoramic viewing area and our driver bought us some water each.  I guess its normal so as to ensure they get a good tip.  Our driver couldn't speak a work of English and I can only remember about 5 Turkish words.   None were really appropriate for me to use but I used them anyway.  Our driver looked really impressed.

Back on the boat in time for lunch a quick beer in the sun and I ha to leave them there while I came in to write this.  Its far too hot for me out there.  Our body temperature is 37 degrees and once it gets over 40 its hard to survive for any length of time.

Well, we have an easy day tomorrow at sea so maybe I will sit outside in the morning before it gets to hot.  The other thing that keeps catching us out is they keep changing the time almost daily, none of us know what time it is any more.  I don't think I will be able to post this until we are actually in Dubrovnik the day after tomorrow.  This will be our last stop before Venice where we have 2 or 3 days.  See you later, Im on holiday tomorrow.  I hope Dan and Kylie had a nice stay back in the UK.