A day in Eskisehir

So during Bayram (after we had managed to get our train tickets), we set off for a day in Eskisehir, just 90 minutes away from Ankara on the high speed railway.

The railway is still quite new, the section between Ankara and Eskisehir opening in 2009.  They are now working on extending this to Istanbul.  Ankara station is impressive, and very clean, unlike what I remember of stations in the UK, and the train was waiting on the platform for everyone to board, again unlike the rail service in the UK where trains are always late.  So a good start.... We boarded onto a very clean carriage, and the seats were very comfortable.  The train set off right on schedule!

The train passed (quickly) through a lot of farmland, and this gave me the opportunity to see my first sights of Kurban Bayram.  Families taking their reluctant sheep to be slaughtered.  One was really dragging it's feet as it's owner was pulling on the rope it was tied to.  While in Eskisehir I also saw families emptying the boot of their car, which was full of meat.  This is then shared amongst family, friends, neighbours and people in need.

The train arrived in Eskisehir on time.  I'm starting to like this rail travel! We set off on foot to see what this city had to offer and was quite impressed.

Kent Park was a beautiful park with lots of water and it's very own beach.  I must return during the summer! As I am from the coast in the UK, I think this will be very welcome during the summer months.


After Kent Park we headed along the river back to the old town.

 While in the old town we ate Cigborek, which is a deep fried pastry with mince meat.  Probably not the best idea for someone on a wheat free diet, but as a local dish it had to be tried!

After a couple of Efes in a bar, it was time to head off back to the train station to return to Ankara.

Eskisehir has so much to see, that a return visit will definitely be planned in the near future.