Alayna Castle, Damlatas Cave, Dim River

We docked in Alanya, Turkey this morning and made our way ashore to meet our terrific guide and driver who had driven about an hour from Antalya, Turkey ( where we were yesterday).  It took them an hour by car to get to us.  Our ship, meanwhile, left at midnight and docked at 8 am this morning!  

Another hot day, but at least a few degrees cooler then yesterday!  As the ship pulled in , you could see the beautiful walls of the fortified Castle Alanya.  After we met our guide, Cengiz Aykota, we proceeded to make our way up to the Castle.. There are beautiful views from the top, but they are still renovating and excavating the castle so we are not allowed inside..most of the Castle was built in the 13th century.  Once the area was conquered by the Ottoman Empire, the castle ceased to be purely defensive and numerous villas were built inside..It is supposed to be one of the best preserved Medieval Castles in this region of Anatolia.

Speaking of this region, I think it is interesting to note that this part of Turkey is quite secular.  While you do see the occasional Mosque, the women are dressed in mostly western style with only some women even having their hair covered.  There are NO Burkas to be seen. 

 The beaches in Alanya are long and beautiful. The one you will see in photos from the top of the castle is called Cleopatra Beach,  and since it is Sunday, it is quite crowded with sun bathers!  Both cities we have seen in Turkey so far are quite modern and quite clean.  The city of Alanya seems to be favored as a vacation spot by a great many German visitors. The Russians seem to prefer yesterday's port of Atalya!

Making our way down from the scenic views of the Castle, we headed for Damlatas Cave which was accidentally discovered in 1948 when they were blasting for stone to build the harbor.  It is believed the cave was formed around 15,000 years ago...

By now, we're ready for lunch!  (This crowd is always ready to eat!:)). Cengiz took us to a fantastic restaurant on the freshwater Dim River.  The source of the water is mountains to the north

 so snow melt contributes to a VERY chilly temperature.  (The only people we saw brave enough to test the waters were a few very young men who were jumping in and quickly swimming to get out!)  We climbed down a few flights of stairs (Duffy did fine) to reach the lovely restaurant by the River. It couldn't have been more relaxing or charming.. Thoroughly enjoyed by everyone!

Then back to the ship after lunch. We should be sailing in the next couple of hours.  Duffy is napping, Trey is swimming, Bill is off to Tea and I'm blogging!  Next port of call is Limassol, Greece.

Taken from our ship as we pill into Alanya..

Taking a rest at the top of Alanya Castle..

Cleopatra Beach viewed from the Castle.

Bill and our terrific guide, Cengiz!  

Inside the cave...

There must be 30 of these "modern day" pirate tourist boats. This area was once a pirate Haven. 

We sat at a table for lunch, but most of the Turks are lounging on pads on the floor with a small table in the middle.. You have to lay down or sit cross legged.  

Trey is testing the balmy waters of the Mediterranean!  

The Red Tower was built in 1225 to protect the dockyard...