Izmir - Asansor

Izmir really is a beautiful city, and there is one place where you are guaranteed a good view.

On a sunny day, after a walk along the seafront I used the 'Asansor' to get home. Asansor is a lift that links the area at sea level to one of the neighbourhoods on a higher level. It was built in 1907 by Nesim Levi Bayraklıoğlu, a wealthy banker and trader, as an aid to carry people and goods from the lower level. It is now mainly used as a tourist attraction with spectacular views from the top and a restaurant. Its is also still used by the local residents to get to their homes and workplaces. I used it to get back to my apartment, which is a little higher than where the Asansor takes you, but only a short walk away.

The Asansor

Stunning views of Izmir

Graffiti on the wall of the lift

The street below the Asansor is now called Dario Moreno Sokak (Dario Moreno Street), after a singer who lived in the street in the 1940s. You'll find small shops selling items for tourists and a small cafe here.

Dario Moreno lyrics

Dario Moreno Sokak

And then I had the steps back home to conquer...... This is the first flight......

It's a nice walk but not everyday. I'll still use the Metro everyday!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!  Mutlu Yillar!  Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!

Well 2015 has arrived and I just about made it home to watch the fireworks over the bay.  I spent Christmas in Wales, and travelled back to Izmir on 31st December and was due at home at around 9pm, but it didn't quite go to plan.  After snow storms in Istanbul, two delayed flights and a wrong transport choice from the airport, I finally made it home.  I hauled my 20kg suitcase and various other bags up the 70 stairs and opened my door to the sound of the first firework going off.  I grabbed a bottle of Bomonti beer from the fridge to toast the New Year, watched the fireworks and that was my New Year!

New Year's Day saw a cold and windy day and I can see some snow in the distance.

New Year gives us a chance to reflect on the past year and look forward to the next. So.....

2014 highlights were:

Spending New Year in Istanbul - an amazing city and I hope to pay it another visit soon.
Visiting Cappadocia - a stunning area in Turkey which I recommend to anyone visiting the country.
Anitkabir - Ataturk's Mausoleum - A must visit place in Ankara
The summer spent in the UK with family and friends, and of course making it back to the UK for Christmas.

I met some great people while living in Ankara, and made some great friends.

Moving to Izmir has also been a great opportunity for me.  I love the city but haven't really spent much time exploring, which brings me to looking forward to 2015.

There are so many places near Izmir that need exploring, but top of my list is Ephesus and Sirince (apparently the wine here is fantastic).  I still haven't visited Cesme and when the weather improves I will make the bus journey, and also get to visit some Greek islands.  I hope to get out and about more and take more photographs and blog a lot more.

My battle with the language is well known, and I will continue with it.  I don't know how long I will stay in Turkey but its important for me to be able to communicate.

My love for Turkish food grows every day, and I like to try new things.  I would love to learn how to cook some of my favourite dishes, but until then I will enjoy eating them.  Pass me the Baklava please.....

I hope 2015 brings you everything you wish for.