Crowded House

Eceabat  Turkey

Tel: 2868141565

May 16-19,2012

The ferry across the Dardanelles between Canakkale & Eceabat runs every hour right upto midnight. It is a 25 minute crossing  2.50 TL each way. The ferryboat transports cars & heavy vehicles like buses too. It is equipped with space for luggage, has a snack bar,TV , WC facilities & appears to be the preferred mode of transport in these parts. A ticket bought at the counter is automatically scanned  before the turnstile gates  open to allow you a passage.

I had a booking for a Sgl / Pvt ensuite @ Euro 23 a night. My room ( No: 201 )is small but smart & modern with a fantastic Dardanelles view. I wake up each morning, cup of tea in hand & idly watch the boats steam in & out –  by the hour. It is strangely fascinating. Between my two loves ocean & mountain – I realize I am a sea person

The ‘Crowded House’ itself  is a non descript yellow building  named after a rock band. Not, as many suppose what the name suggests. You cannot miss it coming out of the ferryboat station.  It stares you in the face. It is on 3 floors, has 24 rooms & dorms, a garden restaurant that serves  delicious food  – I had the most fantastic Turkish soup –Tutmac Corbasi – here. There is a lobby, library, common area  and, not to be missed, Bundys’ Bar.  It is very very basic yet modern & smart. Internet & Wifi are free & thankfully the keyboard is not Turkish –as elsewhere. Ziya Artam & gang  are doing a great job. It is also a 2 minute walk  to the harbor, park, cafes, pharmacy, telephone booth & the daily needs shop The place is hugely popular specially with the Australians & New Zealanders & specially during  Anzac day celebrations. Any wonder then that it is completely booked for 2015 –   the Gallipoli centenary year. It is  an excellent base for the Gallipoli tour. Crowded House arranges that too @ euro 25 / 5 hrs/ services of a guide,transport & lunch included. In Bulent (Bill) Yilmaz Korkmaj they have the best guide in the world. However more on that another time.