This journey takes us back along our earlier route to Soke, then heads north to the huge port city of Izmir. We travel across vast argricultural plains, cotton, cabbages, leeks, grapes, fruits of all kinds are grown here. In some places modern farm machinery is used but also we see horses pulling ploughs. We see shepherds in the fields. A man pulling water from a well. Donkeys carrying wood. I love the rich variety of Turkey. 

The bus terminal is actually quite a way from the city centre. We ring our host, he talks to the taxi driver, gives directions and we are off. My God! What a ride! Four lanes in some places, narrow back streets in others. All driven as if the four horsemen of the apocalypse is on our tail. While his foot is pressed hard on the pedals, our driver is talking on the phone, texting on another, changing the channel on the radio, complaining about the bad traffic and telling us about Izmir! I want to shut my eyes but am too scared. Information gleaned? Population of 5 million (since verified at 4.28) and Izmir has a bad traffic problem! The rest my brain did not absorb because it was in fear mode.

Thankfully we arrive at our destination in a backstreet. We are met by a young kind man, and his wife who sit us down at a roadside cafe and give us small cups of deliciousTurkish coffee and glasses of icy water. (Perhaps we looked like we needed it!) I love this, it is a ceremony. Turkish people always offer refreshment to guests, it is almost rude not to accept. The apartment is being cleaned and will be ready soon.