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Week 21 - This time next year...

Edited BY


G P Kennedy

 For this week most of our storytellers will be casting their minds forward to late-August 2021. The idea is to give us all a little relief and release from the relentlessness of the Coronavirus Pandemic. In so doing we will venture into the minds of our storytellers as they share their hopes, dreams and aspirations. Perhaps you will be inspired to look beyond the confines of the pandemic...

Gul - Istanbul, Turkey

 This time next year, I’ll be working on a summer art project plus I’ll be putting the finishing touches to my autumn program

Food at Cunda Island

. I wish it were true! My freelance projects were cancelled one by one by last year due to economic recession. As if this was not enough, COVID-19 came over. So this - my early retirement status - was not my choice.


 So, instead of working, I’ll be on holiday in this coast again and that time I’ll be with my friend from the UK. Forgive me if I appear as a travel agency or a travel blogger. I told you, it wasn’t my choice.


 This time next year, we take the holiday that my friend had to postponed due to COVID-19. If there’s no risk of getting sick, this coast is a paradise. Whenever you feel hot you can throw yourself into the water either at the beach or the pool. And you don’t have to choose the quietest one. Your only concern could be where and what to eat in the evenings. This can be a big problem because where we are now, it’s an Aegean gourmet paradise.

 

Ayvalik


OLIVE CAPITAL

 Ayvalik is the olive capital of the region with its orchards exceeding 2,5 millions also has 24 islands surrounded by beautiful beaches. Some accessible only by boat so here are the boat trips! The biggest island is Cunda Island. With olive trees, small fishermen’s boats, little boutiques on the cobblestoned street, Cunda has a unique historical town set. The island formerly inhabited by Greek population and it’s just opposite Lesbos island.

Busy restaurants on Cunda


 There are many little restaurants – we call meyhane - in Cunda island housed in some beautiful stone houses. We say ‘ฤฐf you had enough of fish, meze and raki you’ve probably been at Cunda. Unfortunately the island didn’t feel safe for this summer. Next year, I’m hoping we won’t afraid of the crowd.


PERGAMON

 Of course, this place is not just about beaches and food & drink, there are many historical place worth to visit. This is certainly a place where myths and spirits of all kinds might have lived and my friend would love to hear some of its stories.

Ancient ruins of Pergamon


Pergamon for example (about 60 km away) is an ancient city dating as far back as 5th century BC. This place was great place of learning and culture also had a library. In Bible, listed as one of the Seven Churches of Asia. Unfortunately it was abandoned and left to decay although you can still see the important buildings. The Acropolis of Pergamon is clearly visible for example. Apparently Pergamon the first theatre with a wooden stage, first trade union, first market law, first public building regulation, first strike and collective agreement were amongst other firsts took place in the Pergamon.

View from the Altar of Zeus


The Altar of Zeus is located on the top of Ida Mountain (Adatepe) that also known as second highest oxygen rate in the world. Adatepe is a very mytological village where the Zeus the Lord of the Gods watched the Trojan wars. Adatepe village overlooks the Aegean sea and Lesbos island so , the view is breathtaking as you can guess. This area was the temporary home to Paris, son of King Priam of Troy. Nowadays, old stone houses reflect the happy times when Turks and Greeks lived happily and peacefully in this village. I had the best ice cream in this village, it’s on the list too.

 

RESEARCH OR KEBAP

 My friend is doing research on textileS therefore our plan was to go to Bursa next week. It’s half way through to Istanbul where my friend was suppose to take her flight to Liverpool. These plans are all left for the next year. Bursa was the centre of textile industry during the Ottoman Empire and is today too. The city is known for many good things; rich Ottoman history, silk and textiles, candied chestnuts, but my main interest lies in eating Iskender Kebap.

Mouthwatering Iskender kebap


 It’s a type of traditional Turkish dรถner kebab. Thinly sliced strips of lamb dรถner meat, piled high on a bed of thin bread slices. Served with hot tomato sauce and melted butter and yoฤŸurt. Oh, I think I missed my kebap and eating out. Wishing you corona free social days filled with delicious foods.

 

 

 

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