He looked like a cross between Nicholas Cage and Borat. One of the most informative people we met so far on our trip and one of the best speakers of English.
We spent an amazing day with him. Harun's uncle owns the Otel Aslan where we stayed in Van so he was the manager there. He set up a tour for us to visit the gorgeous church on Akdamar Island, then took us to Cavustepe and the Hosap Castle close to the Iranian border.
Gaby and I sat in the front seat with Harun. On the way out of town Harun informed us that his marriage had been arranged by his parents and that his wife is beautiful and smart and carrying their second baby.
Our day with Harun, the 3 French tourists, an Italian guy and two Korean girls was quite special. The boat ride out to Akdamar island with its church was unbelievable.
Meanwhile we explored the amazing Armenian church on the island. Gaby's arm was still covered with bug bites and he suggested that she put water from Lake Van on it since it is well known for healing several illnesses such as skin deceases, arthritis and others. The next day they were healed!
Gaby, being someone who doesn't often shun saying what she feels told Harun that she thought he should be nicknamed "Mr. Flirtatious" which didn't upset him and had him going back and forth with Gaby in a tit for tat comeback that was really quite funny.
It was during this day that both the Italian and the French people in our group told us that Dogubayazit and the region around Mt. Ararat was totally safe to visit and was a can't miss destination for us.
After Akdamar Island we all agreed to pay more so Harun took us to 2 little visited sites near the Iranian border. When we went to one of them Harun took off to buy the dirt cheap gas at the local village that was smuggled in from Iran. He said that they would charge him double if we would be in the minivan with him.
We all had a fantastic time but it caused Harun to arrive super late to a Ramadan dinner for 30 people he hosted for friends and family.
The next couple of days in Van we met up with Harun for Tea every day. We bought a box of his favorite Baklava for his wife to say that we were sorry for him getting home so late because of us.
Gaby and I found Harun very likable and entertaining.
Steve
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