Carob trees along the Turkish coast hum with bees busily gathering pollen. Internet reviews claim that carob honey is something special, so it’s strange that the many apiaries we came across advertised their pine honey. Our guide called out to each of these, and was invariably asked when he thought the tourists would return, since that is how they make their money. Vedat couldn’t give them good news–the political instability was likely to keep tourists away despite the serenity of the area–but they appeared to maintain a good humour.
At one point, Vedat asked if we could taste the honey, and was promptly brought a plate full along with four teaspoons. The honey had a distinct, piney flavour, and it was difficult to stop at just a couple of spoonfuls. I would have bought some, but there was no way I’d get the hand-sealed jars through Australian Customs. Unfortunately, the commercial, sealed jars are a blend of whatever honey comes in at the time, which wouldn’t have helped these local apiarists and had little appeal to me as a souvenir.
Bees weren’t the only insects of note. At every meal while on the coast, Dave and I were constantly swiping away wasps. Apparently attracted to our water, the few that found us each time were so persistent that I felt the need to watch every time I put a fork to my mouth in case I swallowed one and it gave up it’s friendly nature. I needn’t have worried. They never stayed with the food.
Interesting Murray to see where went on your trip and what you saw. You have to feel sorry for the poor people who suffer when the rulers and politicians cause frictions with other countries and/or internally. Reminds me of the way tourism nearly died after the Bali bombing.