Keramet to Iznik – 9th September
Distance: 22.9 km – Elevation +110 m -120 m
Weather: Sunny. Temperature: High 27 degrees
Iznik Askania where I stayed last night was unusual but nonetheless, a very beautiful location. The young staff showed real interest in my pilgrimage. I felt the chill in the air as I took an early morning walk along the lakeside but soon the warmth of the early morning sun made itself known. It seemed as if everyone was sleeping as I stood watching and contemplating the beauty of God’s creation that stood before my eyes. As I looked out across the lake to the distant mountains I felt a nudge on my leg, looking down I saw a black dog looking at me as he wagged his tail and he happily followed along as I continued my walk. Dogs here are such a contradiction.
Breakfast this morning was superbly prepared by the chef, a lovely man who spoke very good English. He spoke to me about my journey and invited me to stay at his home if I should visit this area again. Breakfast by the lakeside on such a beautiful morning was so joyful and I just relished the moment and as a result, it was 9.00 am before I started walking.
I continued along the lakeside road to reach the community of Boyalica with numerous tea houses filled with elderly men all looking at me as I walked by, staring is not considered unsocial in Turkey, and I just wave and smile and that seems to create the connection as they acknowledge my wave. From there I left the main road and followed tractor roads through fertile farmland with farmers and workers busy harvesting crops including courgettes and courgette flowers. I walked through ancient olive groves and fruit plantations running down to the lakeside where I sat enjoying a bunch of fresh grapes purchased from a roadside stall. I took a break for a glass of Turkish tea in Cakirka before arriving at my destination of Iznik where I had booked to stay in the Seyir Butik Hotel.
Despite my late start I arrived too early for my room to be ready but the staff were very helpful and invited me to sit in the shade of the hotel’s delightful garden and brought me refreshments whilst my room was prepared. The hotel had its own restaurant where I dined and enjoyed a very good tasty meal.
