K A L E

Kale is a very small village, very Turkish and isolated. The school has only 10 children and the streets are footpaths that wind up the hillside past houses where you can peek in and see the ladies preparing food, while kneeling on the carpet covered floors. On the top of the hillside is a medieval castle that is thought to be Genoese.  Surrounding the castle there are Lycian rock tombs. 
No doubt, you will be led up to the castle by a Turk selling something. They will want to show you the way. Just let them (they won't leave anyway) - they will show you the safest ways and they are very sweet. You will see a small amphitheatre and then you will be at the top of the castle. This is a great place to take some photos. Then you will be led to the Lycian tombs. After the tour you should not tip the guide - but buy a small trinket from them. Turks are very proud and do not accept handouts – a lesson we learned and pass onto you.  On the way back down to the boat - you can have a refreshment at the first cafe you come to on the left. Sometimes the school teacher is there and he is very interesting to speak with. 

Tip: At some point, either on the boat or in Kale, you will be swarmed by hordes of young villagers selling handmade scarves. These scarves used to be all over Turkey when I was here 20 years ago but now they are very hard to find. There are beaded scarves, crochet scarves, scarves with shells, lace, tadding, beads, and bangles- all handmade and unique. The girls tried to vie for attention by showing their favorites and it may be intimidating because there are so many girls. But to settle them down you can promise to buy 1 scarf from each girl - this keeps them happy (it is apparently a very competitive business). The scarves are about $15 each and they make wonderful gifts. Some scarves may be more expensive because of the hand work or size.