Here's the view from the apartment where we're staying and where I'm sitting right now.
And the view walking down a very steep hill into town...
Swimming, sunbathing, and shopping prove a powerful time-passing combination. We wander the streets browsing pottery, clothes, and jewelry. Most shopkeepers offer us Turkish tea, which is served in small glass cups with sugar cubes on the side. It's a friendly gesture that doubles as a successful marketing tactic.
Over several years my friends have gotten to know people throughout the town: waiters at favorite restaurants, a jeweler, and a carpet dealer. After visiting a few different carpet shops and learning a little about the types of carpets and kilims (woven rugs) available, I bought a kilim for my new apartment in Abu Dhabi.
The harbor is home to many boats, most of which offer cruises or diving trips.
Dozens of restaurants overlook the harbor and offer mezes (traditional appetizers), fish, lamb, and apple pancakes. But if you don't want a whole meal, you can pick up homemade ice cream or fresh almonds kept cold on ice by a street vendor.
The town approaches the idyllic: bougainvillea, myrtle and roses thrive; lemons, limes, and pomegranates hang from heavy branches; locals seem to truly care for the cats and dogs that wander the streets; a five-year-old boy can run an errand to the grocery store on his own. An ancient sarcophagus stands at the top of a central street:
And an ampitheater lies just outside of town. There are no informational signs to answer my questions...
Instead, there are two local women sitting in the shade on the top steps of the amphitheater. One sells jewelry and head scarves. Though her English is limited, she jokes that she has a beautiful office.
After I buy a necklace from her, her elderly friend offers to take us to a tomb. "Tomb" seems to be the only English word she knows, but it works in drawing us to an ancient stone tomb with "beds" for four people.
I wish I didn't have to leave Kas tomorrow. Thank you, Curt, Jeri, and Cait for sharing your new town with me!
Night falling on Kas.
