When Charlie suggested we take a fairly arduous trip from Istanbul to the Black Sea, I have to admit I hesitated. Did we want to go that far (several planes, long car rides and transfers) for just four nights? Would it be a nightmare with kids? Who knows... we may as well try? I have learned to trust the man with a twinkle. When it’s really shining I have learned to go with it. I’m glad I did. This part of the trip was magic (except for the f*cking crazy travel day on the return). Every one of these four days seemed like an insane gift that we couldn't be anything but positive about.
Sumela Monastery stands out in the mountains. This Greek Orthodox monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary was founded in 386 AD. It was our first stop.
Over many years, the monastery had been conquered and re-conquered by prominent leaders. As recently as 2012, the Turkish government took over the task of rebuilding the craggly remains.
The children were astounded that people lived here so long ago.
Proper precautions for exploring. It doesn't hurt that the hard hat is in his favourite colour orange.
Making our way down, past roots and burkas.
We found our hotel in Cemlihemsin-- a hub of livelihood in the Black Sea. The river rushes through it at an unruly pace.
Moyymini otel (translates to: mini strawberry) was the gem of the town. Our room was lined with sweet smelling wood and was a cosy perch overlooking the rushing river.
Plenty of nooks to rest.
The two ladies worked tirelessly in the kitchen to prepare everything from scratch. There was lemonade, searing hot coffees/teas, baked goods, elaborate breakfasts and the many course dinners each night.
They put a whole lotta love into each dish.
I'm catching a rare kid-free moment by the fire.
The hotel shop sells artisanal wares: olive oils, preserves, handicrafts, Turkish towels.
There were many of these scenic bridges along the river.
The grain houses on stilts are built high from the ground to avoid moisture. They reminded me a bit of the rice paddy shacks in Laos.
Many of the houses were immense, looming over us like ancient relics. Most of them were abandoned or only partly used. Seems more than a shame. I know a certain man who would have snatched each and every derelict house.
Walking up the castle steps takes full concentration with two little (clumsy) ones in tow.
Checking out castle ruins and pretending we're knights and princesses.
Popping in and out of local towns.
Catching a bite to re-fuel.
Charlie presented the kids with new found toys from the hardware store --chains, screws and work gloves. Alfie thought he'd died and gone to heaven. He didn't stop holding them all day.
Road block. Time to travel by foot.
Following the leader through the village.
One of the thousands of bee houses in the region. Turkey is famous for it's honey. I can't count the astounding number of flavours or varieties. Some are really floral (yuck) and others are light and glorious.
Silk worms hang from the mulberry trees.
Bags and bags of freshly harvested tea are shuttled down from the mountains each week.
Tea time.
The court photographer needs his pic taken once in a while.
Sophia hops on my lap to eat fried trout with gusto. She prefers to eat with her hands (I wonder who she got that from?).
A full Charlie is a happy Charlie.
Gypsy girls love the mountains.