Turkiye - circling back to Istanbul

There is so much to catch up on and I don't have the time to talk about everything so this is going to be a huge post with some photos of each place up to returning to Istanbul. I will write a few lines on each place and will try to keep things succinct. 

Anatalya

Anatalya is a beautiful old town by the water. There are quite strict travel restrictions so it has maintained a traditional beauty. It was wonderful to explore

   

Konya

This is a very religious city (one of the most religious in Turkey) and last time I visited it I didn't really like it but this time I appreciated its beauty and it was interesting to read some of Rumi's writings which became the inspiration for the sufis and the whirling dervishes.

Kapadokya (Cappadocia for tourists!)

This is an amazing place. I think it would have to be my favourite place in Turkiye. I finally went in a hot air balloon which was fantastic and we were able to explore, visit the fairy chimneys, watch the sunset from a rooftop terrace with 360 degree views, meet some lovely Turkish people who made us dinner and the list goes on. I could have spent more time here as there were so many more walks, people to meet and sunsets to enjoy. 

 

 

Istanbul & Icmeler

We came back to Istanbul for a night. I said goodbye to people from the tour and headed down to Icmeler which is in the south of Turkiye. I was very happy to see my cousin and walk out of the town because it was FULL of tourists and a little bit tacky. This week was going to be my rest week but instead I organised lots of tutoring (waking up at 5 every morning gets a bit much!) and Alec and I did lots of walking. It was not the week I had planned but it was still good and I ended up meeting some really lovely locals which led to good conversations and some free coffee! Another thing I did was go a little bit blonder which was a fun holiday thing to do but it might last a little longer after I get back to Melbourne

 

Back in Istanbul

I am now back in Istanbul for a week before going to Italy. I was going to be flying to Israel today, which obviously didn't happen, and it has in some ways marred the trip because of the sadness of the situation but I am not going to dwell on this here because it is a holiday blog and I am still thinking through some of the issues. 

Taking the approach that everything that happens is all part of the adventure (shout out to Kimberley for this travel motto that we share!), I have seen the change of plans as a good thing. I will stay in Istanbul for a week to properly relax before heading to Italy. I will spend more time in Italy than originally planned which I am excited about. 

These photos are actually from Istanbul before I went to Marmaris but I wanted to include them because it was the most amazing Turkish coffee and he taught us how to make it.