Days 17 & 18 – Sometimes it pays to quit while you’re ahead . . .

I imagine that to be good at gambling, you need to be able to recognise that precise moment when the odds are so stacked against you, there’s going to be no way you can win. It’s then, you make a calculated decision, based on fact, not emotion. Time to bite the bullet. Resist that contagous urge. Realise it’s better to quit while you’re ahead. Walk away.

We do just that. We rarely gamble. So we decide to cut short our stay north of Istanbul. Agree to move on. The weather is against us. The long trek to the city is against us. The number of mosques to visit is against us. Afterall, when you’ve see one, or two, you’ve seen them all; right? Apparently not. We stayed in Edirne on our first night. Seems we missed the forerunner and best of them all. A return visit may be on the cards – providing we don’t go bust.

Day 17 – Today’s dismal rainy journey south, takes us to beautiful Lake Iznik and its namesake town. Famously known within Christianity as Nicaea. It was here that in 325AD the Christian declaration of faith (Nicene Creed) was formed and then finalised in Constantinople (Istanbul), fifty-six years later. Since then and with its change of name, the town is more famous for its patterned ceramics.

Before pitching up at Doga Muhit Camping, family run by Tarkan and his wife, we stop off in town. Take a look inside the virtually brand new Iznik Museum. We’re lead chronologically along Iznik’s time-line; prehistory up to the establishment of Turkey the Republic in 1923.

So far, all information boards, not only here, include a full and very competent English translation. Make our enjoyment more satisfying.

An ultra-modern building; inside & out – in total contrast to everything else around this ancient city.

Artistic ability & eye for detail – obviously been around for millennia, judging by this locally discovered tomb.

There’s a change in the weather due. Our evening view from Beastie confirms.

For centuries the 32K long lake hid a secret. Its surface camouflaging the remains of a 5thC Basillica below.

An unusual set-up – we’re pitched up this side of the road – our toilet/shower block is behind the cafe.

Day 18 – Today is not quite a repeat performance. For one, the sun is out in full force. Doing its best to climb above the giddy 20C mark.

We minibus into town and go in search of as many ancient sites as possible. Which reminds me – Mrs S can be quite poetic at times. Bordering on the romantic even. An example – yesterday she said to me “I have to be very patient; now that you’re an ancient” – isn’t that kind and sweet? I journey with my very own RomCom.

Much of the Nicaea town wall structures still standing.

Amazing how these huge cement-less archways have remained upright.

You’re never far from one of these – our lunchtime view

We trip over, literally, the older, and to our eyes more aesthetic, other museum.

Surprisingly, the English translations inside offer a discombobulated narrative

. . . then move on. Peruse what they’re renowned for.