Mount Nemrut

One of the places in Turkey I was really looking forward to visiting was Mount Nemrut, a mountain with the remains of an old temple topped by an earthquake.  However, getting there by bus was going to be a challenge and very time consuming.  I learn there are tours that run the route I want to go, so I grit my teeth, haggle real hard, and as a result of my irresistible charm I am able to get a 2-day tour for only a few dollars more than doing it on my own.  

After thoroughly enjoying the sunrise and ruins of Mount Nemrut, it is unfortunate but the oldest known site of civilization was a bit of a yawn.  Gobleki Tepe is a new excavation and could be evidence of when mankind first became civilized.  It is an exciting discovery and adds stiff competition to claim title for the Oldest Continually Occupied Settlement in the World- Harran, Aleppo, Damascus and many more all vie for this.   

Finally I arrive in Sanliurfa where my only intention is to stay overnight before crossing into Syria.  But I do manage to squeeze in a visit to the cave where Abraham is said to have been born.  Aside from that, I prepare myself for the interrogation that is sure to come being the only foreigner entering Syria.  I can imagine the expletives coming from your mouth but at the time of posting this blog I have already been to Syria and have arrived safely in Lebanon, so there is no need to worry and it is too late to change my mind J.  You will hear all about my Syrian experience once I tear myself away from Beirut to write it down.

Unfortunately, for the past 2 weeks access to internet has been limited and painfully slow.  That is why there are no pics to go with this post.  Thinking of home but happily abroad,

Carrie