Caves and Shaves

Rest Day in Amasya
August 2nd
0km

Amasya was first settled in 5500 BC, so I felt obligated to explore a little bit. Spent a few hours in the morning climbing Harsena Mountain, to see the rock tombs of the kings, which are carved impressively into the limestone walls that tower above the city. Sandles were not the ideal choice for scrambling over loose rocks and up steep paths.

Watched the movie 21 in the afternoon, and then went for a haircut and shave. The barber had a seven year old “assistant” who handed him whatever scissors, combs and cigarettes as needed, and kept sweeping up hair. There was a constant stream of visitors to the shop who came in to chat, fill out lotto forms, or in one case, drop off a shiny metal handgun. (It was promptly put into a drawer...perhaps in case I didn't tip enough.) For the first time in my life, I was shaved by someone else...with a straight razor.

I also went into a mosque for the first time. Impressive building that looked somewhat like an empty cathedral. There was no furniture, only carpet and painted ceilings.

The view we had when we cycled into Amasya:

You can see some of the rock tombs in the mountain side:

Me climbing the mountain (on a rare set of stairs):

Me up in the rock tombs:

The mosque I visited: