Merhaba from Sida

Merhaba from Sida,

Yesterday we traveled to Sida a town east of Antalya.  It is a town that is frequented by German tourists and has many ruins including a coliseum.  We moved into a hotel (the Sida Hotel) and drove to the road into the mountains.  I am anxious to begin the hunt for Iris pamphylica.  We visited here in 2004 and searched for three days but were unable to locate this Iris.  We are about 3 weeks earlier this year so are hopeful.  Last night we walked through the ruins and along the beach for about 3 miles.  Tomorrow we will spend the day in the foothills within the pine forest.  I will take along the headscarf I bought for this trip.  Last time I was severely scolded by the wife of a sheepherder for my bare head.  All in Turkish with much finger wagging.

Gule gule

Carol

4/07/06    

Merhaba from Sida,

We found Iris pamphylica!  It was past bloom but one plant had a developing fruit.  I have also included a picture of the habitat.  It is a beautiful area with snow-covered mountains in the distance.  The young girl ran to their garden and returned with an Iris after I explained that I was looking for a blue susiana (Turkish name for iris).  Tomorrow we will head again into the mountains to search for a scorpiris (juno) iris that is also probably past bloom.  Then we will travel to Gaziantep to cross into Syria.

Gule gule

Carol

4/08/06