Turkey

Thank's to every one for all thier suggestion regarding Turkey. Just
came back from a 2 week trip and here are some comments.

Followed the Lonely Planet guide book.It was good and acurate. Also
took along the AAA, turquoise driving guide book.

1)Bosphrous trip: The government ferry from the pier 3 (emmonionu) is
the boat to take. Watch out for the Orange juice that is offered when
you step into the ferry boat. Many people think it is complimentary. It
is NOT. It is 5YTK, (regular price is 1.5YTK)

2)Selcuk: Reasturant called Amazon , near the road (Prof Anton
Kallinger Cad) to the Isa Bey Camii mosque. Great ambiance, excellent
food and presentation and friendly service. Comparable to any high end
restaurant in US. Average course price 9YTL . It is the best restaurant
we ate in.

3)Hotel Nilya in Selcuk. The best break fast is the world. Please try
it, it will heal the soul.

4) Make sure you always check the menu and prices. Basically the policy
should be, "no menu no eat". Had a cup of tea + coffee and a
sandwich from a road side stall and ended up paying 24YTL. It should
have cost not more than 10YTL.

5)Typically if a friendly chat follows with a offer for tea or coffee,
that means the next step is the carpet store.

6)Ihlara village: Start Otel & Resturant is bought by new management
and now goes by the name KARDELEN OTEL Ph: 382-453-7225. The entrance
to the Ihlara valley is the new touristy road , infront of the hotel ,
going upwards on the Left. Just follow the new cemented road and ask
"Tourism" and you will be directed to the entrance.

7)Avoid visiting Istambul on Easter weekend as lots of europeans and
school childrens come to visit the Topkapi Palace. The so called
official guides hoard the ticket to "Harem" and resell it at double the
price. The price for Palace + Harem are approx 20YTL, but they sell it
at 50YTL. If one doesen't buy the ticket from them then one may not get
the ticket for the Harem atall as the number of tickets sold every day
is limited.

Thanks
Abhijit