Turkey - Kayseri

 1974

We were on our way back from India and had picked up a couple of hitchhikers to help pay for petrol.

Tuesday, 2nd July

We got up and left quite early and drove all day with a stop for lunch and another at a restaurant. The road was mainly good and the weather hot but clouding over towards the end of the day. Drove to Kayseri and had a look around the sights of the cake and sweet shops. Neil. Glen and Robin stuffed them-selves so much with Turkish Delight that they could hardly speak. Went back a little way and camped among some trees in a very nice spot with no one disturbing us. Lit a fire and went to bed late.

Wednesday, 3rd July

We got up quite late and had a big breakfast. Neil put an inner tube in one of the back tyres as it was losing air, took it to the nearby garage to put air in it and on the way back found the bit of wire causing the puncture so he had to change the tube, this time successfully. Had some assistance from some army gentlemen with pumping it up again. Went into town and did some shopping. Visited the fort which wasn't really very good, then the museum which was worth it but was quite small, then the revolving tower which didn't revolve and certainly wasn't worth it. Got to the cake shop at about 5 and had quite a feed up. Came back to the camping site and Neil and I cooked the supper at about 8. A hot day but becoming cool after sunset.

Thursday, 4th July

Neil had the runs very badly in the morning so we decided to stay put for the day. Got up late and lazed around most of the day. Went to the cafe nearly opposite for a drink then came back for egg and cheese sandwiches. Played bridge as the sun was setting, then went into town to get a little to eat which we brought back. A hot day.

2025

We spent over 8 hours on the train to Kayseri. The air conditioning didn’t work but we were able to open windows.  The train otherwise was comfortable but the onboard loo was a squatting one and not pleasant.  Our hotel is picturesque and very old.  As there was a pop concert planned very near our room, we were given another one which was quiet.  We had to go down dark corridors and negotiate stone steps to get to our rooms.  We had hoped their restaurant was open but sadly it wasn’t.  As it was late and we were hot and tired the lovely receptionist said she could prepare something for us, so we had time for a quick shower before she phoned to say everything was ready.  Afterwards we drank tea outside to the sounds of the mosque’s call to prayer followed by the pop concert starting.  It is a pity we are not staying in Kayseri, although It is unlikely we’ll recognise anything after 50 years, the town seems to have grown so much.  We also don’t feel the need to stuff ourselves silly with Turkish delight this time either!