Have you ever heard of Izmir? Not I. But the signs around the harbor claim it to be the newest traveled to European city in 2011. It is the third largest city in Turkey and the harbor is one of the largest that we have ever visited. It is well planned with the expansive city surrounding the bay and a small section designated to the business of shipping containers.
Large wide areas of walkways, running track, and a park atmosphere line the bay with benches along the way to sit and rest. It is a lovely place to stroll while watching the boat taxis cross the bay. Dozens of men are fishing along the stoned walkways and vendors offer hot coffee, fresh flowers, peanuts, and other various venues.
Horse and buggy rides go to and from the ship area and an open air bus is available for a ride through the city. Setting back from the walkways is a street with numerous cafes and restaurants looking out to the bay. Over these business are tall apartment buildings with nice balconies that look out to the harbor. Izmir looks like a lovely modern city.
Larry and I enjoyed a lovely long walk by the water along with numerous families who were out soaking up the sunshine. We turned into the city business area after about an hour and rode the elevator to the top 40 floor of the Hilton. Unfortunately the restaurant at the top was closed so we rode back down to enjoy some shopping along the palm treed open market.
We had a great lunch by the water and then mosied back to the ship to have a relaxing evening of reading and watching an old heartwarming Italian movie that took place during WWII that had us both laughing . What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday!
No comments:
Post a Comment