Oludeniz - the paradisiac peninsula

We stay in the most magnificent accomodation so far, it is immerse in a luxurious vegetation with a incredible view. So I already love the over presence of the bunganvillae, swimming in the pool overlooking the gulf and the oversize room and the veranda with great pillows to lay on. Clearly the great attraction of the place is this paradisiac peninsula with transparent water with the greatest variety of blue and green.

Kas - the unspoiled beauty

The drive is very scenic and the nature very unspoiled. The town is picturesque with a combination of cobblestone streets, little boutiques and so much charm. It was probably my favorite town where I wanted to spoil myself and look at people at the terrace and enjoying the colors of flowers. The bluest sea water was in the bay of Kas and eating Turkish crepe made on the beach was the memory I will keep for a long time. Beauty is a combination of factors and in Kas you had them all!

Side - first Mediterranean stop

It is always exciting to be able to dive in your sea! The water is warm... Side is a bit invaded by the Brits however is pleasant and colorful and there is a place where we are enjoying the "dolce far niente" after all over hikes and cultural visits. There are Roman ruins at the entrance of town and a remarkable well preserved temple at the end of the boardwalk. Matthias is having his fist cocktail (virgin) but with an umbrella, Oscar wants only the umbrella!

Konya - used to be dusty

We stopped because we didn't want to drive all the way to the coast but it was a more interesting place that I had imagined. It was the real thing. Taib told me to visit the Rumi's shrine, a sufi poet and most important represent a different way of looking at Islam with would englobe a more universal and open message. The shrine is a very popular visit for Muslims and it was interesting how the whirling dervishes are embedded in this tradition. From Stefania's account that visited Konya 20+ years ago she had the memory of a dusty city. I share the story with my restaurant neighbors that confirmed, today is not dusty anymore but bursting with activities and people from all walk of life and degree of conservatism invading the streets at night for the traditional stroll. It was a good visit, a real peep into Turkish life.

Cappadocia - all that is meant to be

On our way from Ankara we stop at Salt Lake which remind me on a lesser scale of Salt desert in Bolivia. The colors and the reflection of the water and the pleasant sensation of walking bare foot on the bottom of the lake that felt like soft powder. After few hours driving the scenario of Cappadocia is defined: those picks and canyons at sunset are magnificent and all around is peaceful. It smells the dust of the rocks and the magic of the people that sought refuge in it. They are also dwellings which continue to makes the place unique. We get in Goreme that retains the charm of a touristic village, it is the place where to stay to enjoy the view. Our hotel hosts are welcoming and our room have superb view of the hot air balloon and it was as magical as actually doing it the next day. We spend the days walking through valley of love, the underground city, the open air museum with all its painted chapel in the rocks and we spend the afternoon strolling in Avanos, a mix of Turkish and Greek village where people stroll and enjoy the perfect temperature. That crossing between Greeks and Turkish village was very common all across our trip. Cappadocia will be from above or underground one of the most incredible place I have ever been. There is roughness and sweetness in those rocks and breakfast overlooking them all was a really good way to start the day! My best memory is the old man in the valley who wanted to give me "Chai chai" ma I wanted just fresh water, I manage of all language to ask him in German (probably part of the 12 words I master) and here I go having served water from the source. I had a smile and a hug too! I also bought a little bracelet by the little home-merchant next to the hotel. The mom and the young daughters were in charge of the business. I ask if the could make the bracelet smaller and with delicate gesture the mom was removing the beads. It was still too big but I am keeping it that way, it seems such a tedious job for such a little amount of gain. It reminds me that kindness is not measure in terms of gain but in gestures.

Ankara the unikely capital

We had a quick overnight stop in Ankara on our way to Cappadocia. We find a nice, friendly hotel in the Soho-like area of Ankara where flock of youngester sip their beers. So the next morning we did, as any good tourist would do, visit the Ataturk Mausoleum. It is the most secular religious like combination. Clearly the man counted for the history of this country, and he also make sure that his legacy was not lost in translation. The visit was pleasant and Ankara in general was better than I expected: a little Washinghton DC feels, big city but particularly chaotic and accepting his condition of the second city.

Istanbul the Magnificent

First impression of this city is that everything seems to coexist with a certain old gentleness. I enjoy the city like most of other tourists who flock here every year but I love the fact I find what I was craving for: colors, smiles, beauty, ancient history, exoticism and familiarity.. From every angle I can't see an uninteresting spot, the stray cats seem well nourish, the fish at the market is fresh, and the people are in a continuous interactions with their peers. Istanbul is the city you have to see once in your life for your traveling experience to feel complete. It carries its past, present, future, old value, kindness, entrepreneurial spirit, enthusiasm and modernization. It still leave the space to dream and to breath human air. It is not a country sold to tourists, this country has a big, proud soul!