Turkey was the most memorable country on
my solo RTW trip in 2017. I spent over
two blissful months traveling around the country and already have an upcoming
trip planned this year. Turkey is a
radiant country full of depth, beauty, and adventure. You can sail on the Mediterranean Sea, explore
ancient Greek and Roman ruins, hike gorgeous mountains, discover underground
cities, ride magical hot air balloons, belly dance the night away, gorge on
delicious Turkish food, and best of all, talk with many of the warmest and
friendliest people you will ever come across. Turkish people are known for their generous
hospitality and it would be impossible for you to leave without being invited
for cay (tea) or without a smile on your face.
I arrived in Istanbul at the beginning
of September and instantly fell in love with the city. A few friends and family members raised an
eyebrow or two when I told them my travel plans to this country, which I wasn't
surprised given Turkeys history. However, I had no hesitation knowing mass
media usually focuses on a fraction of a one-sided story. I knew there was more to the country than the
news outlets portrayed. And I was right!
Istanbul was full of charm, vigor, warm
and friendly people, delicious food and restaurants, and historically rich
architecture and landmarks. I stayed in
the historic Sultanhamet area and woke up to the Marmara Sea every morning and
watched glorious sunsets in the evening. I was within walking distance to the Blue
Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and Topkapi Palace. Istanbul has loads of hills, akin to San
Francisco, which was a great way to burn off all the kebabs and baklava I was
eating. However, jumping on a tram,
train, taxi, or funicular was simple. Transportation
was just about in every corner of the city and cheap. Maps tend to bore me, so I prefer to get lost
or rely on the kindness of strangers for directions. Instead of asking for directions, I found
myself talking for hours, getting to know many locals. Two places I frequented often were the
Egyptian Spice Bazaar and Grand Bazaar. I loved getting lost in both places for hours,
listening to all the sounds and noises of haggling, smelling the scintillating
fragrances, and watching the beauty pass by me. After about a week of strolling through
mosques, street cafes, museums, art galleries, historical monuments, and
visiting a few hammams (Turkish baths/spas), I left for the magical land of
Cappadocia.
Cappadocia…
a land where all your dreams come true! It’s a historical, cultural, and outdoor
lover’s paradise in central Turkey. I am
a big fan of desert nature and outside activities, so Cappadocia ended up being
my favorite place in Turkey. This region
has one of the most dramatic and stunning lunar landscapes I have ever laid
eyes upon. Especially in the town where
I stayed, Göreme. Göreme, a unique town,
in which the area has "fairy chimneys" or natural cone shaped rock
formations and cave houses carved into the valley walls. One of the themes to
my RTW trip was to see as many sunrises and sunsets as possible…I shortly found
out I was in the perfect place for both! On my first day there I decided to go
for a hike and explore the Göreme Open Air Museum, but wound up going for an
ATV sunset tour after some persuasive Turkish charm. Riding through the valley while the sun fell
on the glorious Rose valley sent chills up my spine. I wanted to soak up every molecule of warmth
and bathe in its spectacular beauty. With the night being young and having met some
new friends, we decided to find an overlook and watch the twinkling lights with
the bright moon paving our way. To top it off, we brought a bottle (or two) of
wine from one of the neighboring vineyards. I had become hypnotized by this small town and
pure ecstasy had encapsulated me for the course of seven days
cafes, museums, art galleries, historical monuments, and
visiting a few hammams (Turkish baths/spas), I left for the magical land of
Cappadocia.
Many people from all over the world
travel to Cappadocia to be swept off in a hot air balloon during sunrise. Of course, I was one of the many who were
magically whisked off and marveled at the otherworldly nature surrounding me,
while gently floating over the glistening horizon. While I would have loved to have ridden a
balloon every morning, my pocket said otherwise. But all I had to do was walk outside my hotel
room at sunrise and look up or walk five minutes up to the sunset point and was
gifted with a magnificent view. The
mystical air was dotted with colorful balloons and the earth below, white
shimmering sand. In the days following,
I experienced many breathtaking moments from seeing the settlements of the
Byzantine open-air churches, to underground cities comprised of eight
impressive levels. I was reluctant to
leave but excited to see another beautiful location.
as possible…I shortly found
out I was in the perfect place for both! On my first day there I decided to go
for a hike and explore the Göreme Open Air Museum, but wound up going for an
ATV sunset tour after some persuasive Turkish charm. Riding through the valley while the sun fell
on the glorious Rose valley sent chills up my spine. I wanted to soak up every molecule of warmth
and bathe in its spectacular beauty. With the night being young and having met some
new friends, we decided to find an overlook and watch the twinkling lights with
the bright moon paving our way. To top it off, we brought a bottle (or two) of
wine from one of the neighboring vineyards. I had become hypnotized by this small town and
pure ecstasy had encapsulated me for the course of seven days
cafes, museums, art galleries, historical monuments, and
visiting a few hammams (Turkish baths/spas), I left for the magical land of
Cappadocia.
Thanks a lot Andrea for this article .Andrea'a story long and I see that she enjoyed much in Turkey.I will share it on 2 part so first part finished here I really liked and hope that everybody like it and help future toursits.
