We've met a couple of really kind people on our travels. Selim is an entrepeneur based in Antalya who is currently designing Turkish built carbon fibre bicycles. He helped us get onto the tram in Antalya, even paying for our tickets! When we alighted he showed us to our hotel, purely out of kindness. We have become weary of 'kindness' people show tourists - where they expect money afterwards, but Selim was the real deal. Probably helps that he was a member of Couch surfing - the organisation we use to meet / stay with local people wherever we go. Couch surfers tend to be safe like that.
As I mentioned earlier our bus rocked into Kusadasi at 2.30am and Ali our host warmly received us, coming out to meet us at that time of morning! That is well safe. The following day we cooked dinner for him, and the day after he cooked for us. He gave us keys to his place so we could come and go as we pleased. It was lovely to be able to go to the local market, buy ingredients and cook up some food. Integrating with the locals, we gain insight into local culture rather than just wondering around sight seeing, or staying in an artificial environment completely alien to how locals live. Over food we spoke about the Turkish uprising, about religion and life.
We were well rested before we left Kusadasi and very greatful to Ali for his friendship and hospitality.
below, Ali
the view from Ali's living room
sunset from Ali's window
local fisherman
dinner with Ali
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