ayvalık

After a fun and equally busy summer schedule, this last week was all we needed before transiting into fall.

We have spent the week in the North Aegean Region with families; a few days in Artur with MTs aunt and grandmother and then in Burhaniye with his father. I had enough of rest but still found time to visit Ayvalık and Cunda, 2 of our favorite summer destinations. Ayvalık is a small and beautiful town on the seaside and Cunda is a small island connected to it via a bridge.

In Ayvalık we have first went to Şeytan Sofrası where you have a great view of the sea, forests and the islands surrounding Ayvalık.

We have spent sometime wandering around the narrow streets in the center. I have found a beautiful accessory shop at Barbaros Street No:38. All handmade by the owner of the store.







Below pictures are from the Bazaar ...

Then we went to see Santimetre. It is famous for ceramic objects. Owner Tulya Madra is also designing the products.The store looks like an old warehouse with high ceiling. You would love the interior. The store is also shared with an antique shop. Definitely a must see. I also could not resist buying ceramic all white tea glasses.

Kürşat is an old olive&olive oil producer recently managed by the grandson who studied college in US. Reflecting his vision, one can easily see the difference of the brand compared to other local producers. They have beautifully packaged sauces/pastes and kitchen utensils made from olive wood as well as tasty olive oils. I really liked their chili olive oil, would be great with Pizza's and Salads.

We had our dinner in Cunda. Ayna is a small restaurant owned by a mother and daughter who have moved from Istanbul. It is located in a renovated old fishhouse behind the famous Taskahve. Reservation is necessary especially in summertime, it was quite crowded. We like their Simarik Pilav ( kind of a seafood paella colored with squid) and seabass cooked in milk and spices.

Taşkahve... Inside it is more beautiful.

Ayvalik Festival started on our last day, we had the chance to see Zorba performed by Ankara Devlet Opera ve Balesi in the Amfphtheater. It was a wonderful experience watching Zorba only a few miles away from Midilli island.

It was a trip I would like to repeat every summer preferably at the beginning of September as it would be less crowded :) Now back to work...