Waking up early in the morning, as every morning, so before traffic started in the streets and everyone is panicked, running to catch their jobs, we prepared our things and then plan our trip with destination to Eskisehir and ending to Kutahya. Temperatures in the inland had significantly reduced so the journey became more comfortable and relaxing for us.
Crossing a valley which is in 950m height we passed Gazlikoy village, where there are hot springs and just a few meters later we were in Ayazini, Aslantas, etc. - archaeological sites, which unfortunately do not easily accessible due to bad roads. So, we went to find the ancient city of Midas, where the archaeological site hosted by Yazilikaya, after village Yapildak. The city of Midas is approximately 18km and from a distance someone can see ancient rocks, similar to those of Cappadocia.
At the entrance to the site is carved an inscription in Greek and from there the citadel of the city is approximately 100 meters. We were unlucky because we achieved the monumental tomb of King maintained, so we did not see much. The Midas according to legend was the richest but also the most greedy king of that time. That is because, he asked the gods when he grasps anything with his hands turns it to gold until he went to hug his daughter and turned into statue. In the archaeological site dominate sculptured monuments on the rocks, where there are holes which were homes of the people of that era. It is remarkable, how well they were carved rooms, doors, windows, fireplaces, beds, shelves, etc. A path hugs around the citadel and reaching the top somebody has the opportunity to admire the panoramic view of distinguishing citadels and fortresses throughout the region.
We left behind the ancient city of Midas and we departed to Seyitgazi direction and from there to the Eskisehir. A beautiful little lake found in the street near Seyitgazi and from then the road was somewhat heavy. Later, about 35km we arrived at Eskisehir, which in Turkish means "old city", in fact nothing gives you that impression. Tall, painted in various designs and colours, well maintained buildings have covered the old part of town. In the old city, many of the traditional houses from the smallest to the biggest were restored in different colours without causing distasteful contradictions. Someone might think that the new buildings around is to protect the old city with her alleys! We sat in a cafe on the main square, under the shadow of the trees, ordering traditional tea and a little more meters children playing in the streets. This graphic image has spoiled by the inability to talk with the quite hospitable people, because nobody spoke English.
Following the road to Izmir – Kutahya, with the route without any particular interest until Bozuyuk and from there we drove through piney forest and ahead of us meeting the artificial lake formed by the dam Porsuk baraji. Slowly, we entered in Kutahya which the main road led us to the town square. Feature of the town is the jar which is in the middle of the fountain as her trademark, as the city is known for her porcelain. Parked our motorcycles and begun the search for accommodation. Luckily a Turkish student offered to help us and after a few hours, because many of them were closed, finally we found a hotel to spend the night.
Thanked the student for his help and immediately tidied our stuff, so we could go to town to eat. The main pedestrian street of the city is full of shops and restaurants. We chose, not such a tourism restaurant. It is worth mentioning, that in Turkey you can find good food, not tourist, but where the locals eat. After we ate we made a walk around the old town to the Ulu Camii, the largest mosque. Luckily us, was the hour of prayer and in the mosque was crowded. First time we saw something like this in Turkey. Shows, that for Turkish religion is above all...!
