Ankara (Turkey) to Mardin (Turkey)

Distance: 745 km by train and bus
Departure : 23/03/09
Arrival : 24/03/09

The way from Ankara to Mardin is quite long but, at the same time, it's really pleasant. Moving from Ankara to Mardin one have the feeling to be in another country, we discovered a new part of Turkey, far from the western part. Close to Iraqi border, Mardin is a multicultural place plenty of historical sites and old stonehouses.

Once there we tryed to meet Murat, a contact from Couchsurfing but at least we met Ahmid, a student working in a Coffee and his friend-boss, Nurullah, the owner of Ekin Coffee, invit us to stay in his place for the night... in the end we spent with them 7 days ! During this time we met a lot of people, Nurullah's friends and familly, we have been helping his father for some gardening work in his coffee, we have been hosted by Melika in Yalimköy, a small village near Mardin...a full immersion in the local life !

Overthere and after Vale, it was my turn to stay 3 days at bed with 38,6°C...
It was a very interesting experience before to leave Turkey because we surrounded by great people who belong to different cultures in a marvelous part of this country.