19/082026

Yesterday was a nothing day. Effective in that we did housework and showered at our isolated parking by a graveyard and funeral building. Only one chap who came to check on his bees.

Long drive to near Tokat, broken by lunch by a river. The ancient site we planned to wander late afternoon, just for something to see, was closed. And the picnic site where we had planned to stay was solid with cars … the local village was out en force bbq’ing. We investigated a patch of ground behind a building but realised we could only reach it through a military area … the gunned up young guard asked what we were doing. With Google translate I proffered ‘looking for somewhere to stay in our motorhome’. The reply translated was ‘well you can’t stay here, dude’. Dude! Really!!!!

So we settled on a verge on a relatively quiet road. A pickup stopped by us. I was expecting him to tell us we couldn’t park here, but he presented us with a melon, huge tomatoes and 30 small cucumbers. How lovely, but any suggestions for so many cucumbers?

Tokat

20/08

Today was lovely. It goes like that, doesn’t it. Tokat was a proper bustling town. Some lovely Seljuk buildings. Some restored and the old mosque being restored.

Great ice cream flavours that really tasted of what they were supposed to … j had melon and blueberry. I had pistachio, fig and blackberry – the latter being authentically tart.

A short drive to a restaurant with good reviews for the local delicacy – Tokat kebab. Lamb with aubergine and potatoes with a bulb of garlic. Lovely mild smoke flavour. It took 45 mins so they brought yummy mixed starters. Only £38, but we really aren’t in an overseas touristy area.

A 40 min drive to Ballica cave. J rested with Corrie, I was in 2 minds, as still need a wheel barrow to support my stomach from lunch. But so pleased I did the caves. Entry and a fridge magnet was under £2. Five floors. 8 chambers. Over 700 steps each way. Sadly the orange lighting messed with my pix, but images just don’t do the stalagmites and stalactites justice anyway.

We meandered down the hillside looking for a park up. Fab … off the road. Almost level. Water. Quiet neighbours … a graveyard. And the rose 🍷 is very pleasant.