Chimaera Flames of Olympos

Image via WikipediaHeading down the coast, toward Antalya, there's another Cilician Pirate hangout, Olimpos. Just by the name, you can probably guess that there's more to see than just pirates. There's an ancient city, breathtaking beaches, Mount Olimpos and it's coastal national park, cool treehouse hotels, and then there's the real reason people visit: Yanartaş, or burning stone.

The famous flames are the same ones from antiquity (Homer). In the Hellenistic era, they were thought to be the evidence of Chimaera, the dragon-like son of Typhon. But the flames are interesting to me because, as you know, fire is important to my djinn.

Eternal flames are also a nice tie-in to Zoroastrianism and Mithras, and I bet the pirates thought so too. I tell you, more and more links keep popping up between my pirate friends and the djinn. However, the name for my character is still eluding me.... maybe a play on the word Chimaera is in order...

Related articles

• Chimaera Flames - Olympos, Turkey (travelpod.com)
• Best beaches in Turkey: Olympos, Antalya (telegraph.co.uk)
  
  
  
  

Antonine Nymphaeum



via Red-Bird @ Flickr

In the spirit of this month's series : International Romance...here's an interesting idea for a destination wedding/honeymoon: The Antonine Nymphaeum.
Guest: "Where are you having the ceremony?"
Bride: "At the Antonine Nymphaeum... It's in an ancient city on the Mediterannean coast of Turkey."

Sounds original and hopelessly romantic to me. The site has survived for centuries, which bodes well for any union consecrated there, I suppose. But then, the place is a ruin, so maybe it would be a long lasting marriage, but not necessarily a good one!

Anyway, the recently restored fountain is near Antalya and all the wonderful sightseeing possibilities there. And you can always hop on a Blue Cruise...



Sagalassos archaeological site to host wedding ceremonies

Sailing

Image via Wikipedia

With the Mediterranean on one side and the Aegean and Black Sea on the others, sailing is not only important to Turkish life, it's a way of relaxing as well. I'm in the mood for a vacation... September is coming up, which is the best time. Less tourists and the water is still warm. But I'm sad to say, for yet another year the Turkish Blue Cruise remains on my bucket list.

I've done smaller day tips, but I was young and virtually penniless last time I was there alone with the DH. So I live vicariously (do you see a theme here?) through Sybil and she meets a guy who actually owns a sailboat...gush! Once you've been on the winding Turkish roads barely wide enough to pass the oncoming bus, you'll appreciate the calm and ease of travel in a gulet.

Antalya Airport is fast becoming the busiest in Turkey. The most easily accessible sailing trips start from Antalya, or Bodrum and follow the coast, visiting villages and stopping in beautiful coves along the way. You don't need to dress for dinner and there's no twisty slide at the pool for the kids. But you do get to see amazing sites like the sunken Lycian city of Kekova or the natural gas fires venting from Mount Chimaera (remember Oysseus?) Or if you're not into ruins, just soak up the gorgeous mediterranean sun and anchor in a secluded spot for the day.

Split the cost of chartering with some people you know, or book a trip on a shared cruise. Day trips are also an option if you don't have the budget but still want the experience. Take a dramamine if you have to, but whatever you do, just don't skip it!!

Related articles by Zemanta

• Weekending: Bodrum/Greece (gadling.com)