Street food in IstanbulToday we arranged a shore excursion with Windstar to Ephesus, an ancient Greek city (and later, Roman city). We toured the terrace houses at one time owned by the city's elite. After Ephesus, we drove to the village of Sirince, a beautiful town located on a hilltop. The drive to Sirince boasted an array of olive, fig, pomegranate and mulberry trees. As part of the shore excursion, we had a fabulous lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, we returned to Kusadasi for a carpet demonstration at a local rug store. They showed us how they spin silk from silkworm cocoons and demonstrated the Turkish weaving techniques, using double knots for extra strength. Joe volunteered to try the loom and got to tie a knot or two! During the demonstration, we were served Raki, the licorice-flavored national drink. It is commonly mixed with water to create a milky white color.
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
