A reader recently emailed a succinct one-line query to The Idiot: “What Did The Idiot Eat While MedTrekking Through Turkey to Syria?”

The pictures, and this brief paragraph excerpted from “The Idiot and the Odyssey II: Myth, Magic and Madness on the Mediterranean,” answer the question:

“During a leisurely pasta and salad lunch I again wonder why people here, or at least the bodies on the beach today, are so seemingly healthier than in the United States. It’s got to be the Mediterranean diet that we all know has such a positive impact on cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure and blood sugar. I always tighten up and drop a few pounds while I’m MedTrekking, due primarily to all the walking. But I suspect that my overall health improves just because, by both choice and dining options, my intake is rich in fruits and vegetables, olives and ambrosia olive oil, low-fat dairy products and fish to create antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.” –“The Idiot and the Odyssey II: Myth, Magic and Madness on the Mediterranean“

This typical breakfast buffet was included in the cost of The Idiot’s €17 room at the Patio Beach Club Resort in Akbük, Turkey.

Don’t bother going to a bakery or grocery store to buy bread. (Photo: Liz Chapin)

Anything olive is available at private grower-run roadside stands along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.

Fresh fish are an inexpensive staple along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.

A typical fish lunch on the Turkish coast.

These sardines, which The Idiot chose and had cooked before his eyes, cost less than $5 — salad included.

It’s easy to spice up the Mediterranean diet.

An online “dating” service isn’t necessary in Turkey. Dates are everywhere.

Fruits in Turkey come in all shapes, colors and sizes.

Turkish farmers frequently give The Idiot fresh fruit, like these pomegranates.

Nar suyu, or pomegranate juice, is served freshly squeezed or mass produced.

Don’t want to sit down for lunch? Takeaway is easy to get.

Want something corny?

Still hungry? It’s no sin to have a Turkish delight or two.

Noggers are one MedTrekker’s favorite treat.

Bonus: See The Idiot in action as the promotional head of the Turkish Pomegranate Association @ http://youtu.be/gHXZAYOoiC4.

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About Joel

Joel Stratte-McClure has been a global trekker since the 1970s. He lived in France for over 30 years, working as a journalist, before he turned his attention to a unique life-time-project of walking the shores of the Mediterranean. The first 4,401 kilometers are explored in his inspirational and entertaining first book "The Idiot and the Odyssey: Walking the Mediterranean." The next 4,401 kilometers are covered in the gods-filled sequel, "The Idiot and the Odyssey II: Myth, Madness and Magic on the Mediterranean,” published on Valentine's Day 2013. The last 4,401 kilometers will be discussed in the last book of the trilogy currently entitled "The Idiot and the Odyssey III: Alexander the Great Walks the Mediterranean."