What a Turkish delight to arrive at the Mediterranean coastal town of Antalya. We walked from our hotel through Hadrian’s Gate (circa 130 AD), dedicated to the Roman Emperor Hadrian, where horse carriage ruts are worn into the marble. The gate was later incorporated into the walls of the city and is still used as the gate to the historic old town. The lively harbor was a natural safe haven for Greek and Romans, as well as pirates, and the modern pirates (cruise operators) try to outdo each other with pirate-themed designs. We were treated to a private boat that took us for a cruise along the limestone cliffs and walked the plank for a swim in the turquoise Mediterranean Sea (78 degree water). Fun fact: the word turquoise comes from an old French word meaning “Turkish stone.” Though not mined in Turkey, the stone came to Europe via Turkish trade routes so was associated with Turkey.
Swimming in the Mediterranean and Hadrians gate and 78 degrees water is past my comprehension.
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