http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20589 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20589 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20127 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20127 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19794
We then went down to the ruins of the Agora, and got out to walk around the old bazaar. We thought this would be a lot safer as their were a lot of people around. However, a well dressed Turkish man came up to us and told us, in a very urgent manner, that we were not safe and should get back in the car and go! We thanked him and promptly obeyed!
We have been to Turkey many times and love the country and its people, but we definitely felt unsafe in Izmir even before the incident. We felt hostility from passers-by and a restaurant owner during the short time we were there.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19794 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19343 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19343 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18945
This site is of religious importance so I was surprised be the subject of sexual harassment there. I actually conducted an experiment whereby I stood perfectly still and allowed the leering men to circle me ever-closer, in an effort to see just how close they would actually get right inside the busy compound of the mosque.

Before my experiment was really completed my companion returned, and so it only behoves me to say if you are female and visit this place do not be lulled into thinking you will be any less harassed once you get there. After living in Istanbul for one year I can honestly say it was the most dangerous place to be female I have ever been to.

If groups of dodgy-looking men jingling change in their pockets and calling 'How much? How much?' as you nip from your house round the corner to the supermarket in broad daylight on a busy street would bother you then you might want to give Istanbul a miss. If you would be annoyed at being ripped off for every item you try to purchase (forget taking a taxi anywhere), sexually harassed by every man at every opportunity or stopped by police to be relived of your passport and then receive demands of payment for it to be returned, then I'd thoroughly recommend you to go somewhere else. A huge pity, because the city itself is unforgettable.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18945 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18452
The Lake of Köyceğiz is often said to be as "as smooth as glass" till noon and then great for wind surfing in the afternoon. The Köyceğiz Lake contains almost every kind of seafood from fish to crab.

The Rock Tombs are tombs carved into the rock in Dalyan and date back to the ancient harbour city of Caunos.

The Mud baths are natural hot mud baths - very good for the skin!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18452 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18426 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18426 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18425 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18425 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18417 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18417 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18398
The combatants initially strain against each other, neck to neck. Very occasionally one camel flees. A victory occurs when one camel forces the other to the ground. A well-dressed referee oversees the contests in the ring and officials occupy the one small stand while an announcer describes the detailed action. Can combine with a visit to Ephesus.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18398 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18375 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18375 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18327
The restaurant is on the shore of Marmara Sea with a view of Turkish islands. The "Boukoleon" name comes from the 5th century. There used to be a "Boukoleon Palace" standing right where you sit.

Now you can easily see the archeeological heritage of the old time palace. If you are interested in history, looking for a nice Istanbul view and also outstanding food, I would highly recommend you go to this restaurant.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18327 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18185 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18185 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18095 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18095 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18021 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18021 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18001 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18001 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17996 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17996 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17860
It's known as the 'Turkish Delphi', but one of the great things about Arykanda is that it's right off the beaten track, so you don't get the huge crowds you do in Greece. The ruins and setting are equally beautiful and impressive.

We were lucky enough to go there with an archaeologist, Peter Sommer, who knew the site and truly brought it alive for us. We were on a gulet cruise, visiting ancient cities along the way. I had no idea there were so many ruins in Turkey - and so well preserved! But it was Arykanda that really shone out.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17860 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17848
Turks are generally very friendly and hospitable. You may feel pressurised to buy something, but they know you don't have to. If you find it difficult to extricate yourself from a persuasive salesman/woman, just politely say 'No thank you', 'Sorry, not today, thank you' or better still, 'Tesekur' ('Thank you' in Turkish), and walk away.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17848 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17282 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17282