Lycian Way Part 3

Monday, October 19th:

Today I want to walk to Cerali, which is 15 km away. After a few days in the mountains, I'm looking forward to the sea again. It would be great if I find a nice camping spot there.

On the way, I meet Helmut. He has already completed over 300 km on the Lycian Way. Our joy is even greater when we realize that we both come from my hometown Munich. Since he is walking in the opposite direction, we can't hike together.

Before Cirali, I pass by the burning stones, which are located above Chimaera. It is stated at the beginning that this visit is subject to a fee. There are also a few ancient structures here. I get a small sense of how people used to live here. After many marble stairs downhill, I reach the 'payment station', manned by three men who collect 20 TL from each visitor who passes by them. One of the three asks me about my country of origin... as a German, I am a welcome guest to them. It doesn't take long before I receive an invitation for Cay (tea) and water, accompanied by a little chat in broken English and a few Turkish words from me. They are happy with every word I can speak in their language.

It didn't rain here all summer, but now a heavy rainstorm and thunderstorm starts. Once again, I am in the right place at the right time, as I sit with the three gentlemen next to their small hut on a covered bench at a covered table, staying dry. I don't think much about it when they each disappear into their little house. They tell me to stay seated. But then one of the men invites me inside. Well, what could happen, I follow this invitation. And I am speechless. They have set the table with a plate full of a kind of minced, fried meat and a large bowl filled with cut honeydew melon. Fresh white bread, as I have already learned here. There are four forks around the plate. And now they invite me to eat with them. I am moved. Unfortunately, I have to neglect my intention to eat vegetarian now, because I cannot decline this hospitality. After the meal, the next surprise follows immediately. One of the men explains to me in broken English that a taxi will come for me soon and will take me to Cerali. Oh my God, what should I make of that... I tell myself: Just trust... What could happen?

A black car with a young man at the wheel arrives and stops in front of the small hut in the parking lot. Ahmet, the man who ordered the taxi, now tells me to get in. After my luggage is stowed, he also gets into the car and we drive to the village of Cirali. Ahmet owns a few bungalows and wants to provide one for me tonight. He also explains to me on the way that breakfast will not cost me any liras... I am speechless. I have wished for a shower... and above all, I need to wash my clothes. Ahmet is already gone after a short time. And now I am sitting on a clean bed and have a bathroom with a shower all to myself. What a luxury! 🙏🙏🙏

The next day, I set off for Adrasan around ten o'clock. Ahmet writes to me that he would like me to stay forever... but that's just not possible, I try to explain to him. I think he is a little sad that I'm already moving on again. I thank him very much for making this overnight stay possible.