The breath of time immediately touches me when entering Kaleiçi. Hadrian's gate is symbolically guarding the old town of otherwise very modern city of Antalya. It is the largest city on western coast of Mediterranean sea and does get quite busy. Even now in off-season times. After my attempt for urban camping which I was describing yesterday, I have managed to get a taxi to what appeared to be the best hostel in the city.
Nowhere near cheap I have entered Hostel Vogue. Two nights to begin with, not knowing what to see and how long I will stay. Cash in hand, better deal than on booking l, I was happy. I have paid something like 8 euros per night. Sounds like a fair price thinking about it now...
But let me take you back to Kaleiçi. Like most of old towns it is amazing. The urban planning back in the days just concentrated more on the needs of pedestrian than a car driver and everything seems to be close to each other. Nowadays of course, mostly expensive hotels and restaurants one has to walk quite a bit to find reasonable prices. Most likely you would end up in a kiosk or Gagarin's pub, famous for it's 20 liras draft beer.
Before the sunset I am heading to Hidirlik castle, where team of archeologists are currently excavating some old baths or other remains (I am attaching also one daytime photo from another day to show it in a better light).
Than its time to explore the old town into detail. Every little street will not be spared of my presence. The whole city is located mostly on a cliff about twenty meters high. That gives it quite impressive views and atmosphere. For example here, one can see the beautiful harbor, full of fake pirate ships taking drunken tourists for a party cruise.
Time starts ticking and I am looking for a pub or a bar to hang out. There aren't that many choices, lot of disco's, clubs and fancy restaurants, but to find a local bar, where expats would meet is quite a chalange. As I have mentioned Gagarin's place is actually pretty cool, but this night I didn't end up there.
As I am walking down the street I see a guy drinking weird looking beer. Something like one liter sized beer can.
Look how big it is in my hand. I stop and ask the man about it. Surprise, surprise he was German :) we talk a bit and he points me to the kiosk where he bought it. We than hang out in front of his hotel, enjoying this refreshing treat...
All the best,
Global Local