Troy.

After we visited Gallipoli, we caught a ferry across the Dardanelles and arrived at the next hotel quite late at night. The following day, after yet another early start, I dozed off on the coach. I snoozed quite happily until I felt the vehicle stopping as we pulled into somewhere called Troy.

And here I must make a somewhat embarassing confession. I, er, thought Troy was in Greece. Not wanting to appear to be too thick, and not having actually read every single part of the literature that came with the tour (well, who does?)I didn't like to say anything. Maybe there were 2 Troys, I wondered. I mean, I know there's one in Michigan.

But no, as the coach entered the car park we could see the fabled Trojan Horse. This was clearly the right Troy. Apparently, as I discovered later, there was a time when this part of Turkey belonged to the Greeks. I suppose you knew that.

Our helpful guide soon debunked the story of the wooden horse. If there was any such thing, he claimed, it was probably some sort of structure covered in horse hide. The wooden horse we saw here had been built to delight tourists, especially children, for whom it was designed so they could go up inside. Hmm. Children, you say.

Well, you know what happened next, don't you? Yes, of course I did! And here's the view! That's the rest of the group, probably wondering if it was too late to switch to a different tour.

Anyway, let's put the 'serious' hat on for a minute. These are the first set of walls you see as you enter the site. Apparently they are built on a slope like that to withstand earthquakes.

Because of it's strategic position, Troy was an important location for many centuries, which was why everyone kept fighting over it. All thay mayhem, and the occasional earthquake, meant it was re-built many times over. It's a huge site and very interesting to walk around, but rather than try and explain it all (I'd only get it wrong anyway) here's a map (below).

I included the photo below to try and give an idea of why Troy was so important strategically- you can see for miles, clear over to the Dardanelles.

I haven't included the photos I took of the amphitheater and the many layers of Troy- because quite honestly, unless you're actually there, walking around, they all look alike. Call me a Philistine if you wish, but trust me- by the time I had finished this tour, I almost didn't care if I ever saw any more broken marble. You will see what I mean as I post some more.

However, there was one thing I thought was important (below)- the signs for the loo!