Boots, Bikes and Border Crossings
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From Physics to Poultry (For Now): Saturday Stories from the English Table
Every Saturday, Vildan teaches two very different students — one just beginning life at five years old, and the other, Dilek, already carrying the weight of real-world disappointments at 28. Dilek is Turkish-Bulgarian and now living in the Netherlands. She studied Physics at university, chasing a future built on knowledge, curiosity, and hard work… but
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Taboo, Teamwork, and a Room Full of New Friends
Last night was an absolute blast — 12 people turned up and Vildan only knew two of them! The mix of backgrounds was incredible: special forces, a PE teacher, a consulate advisor, a tourism consultant, and one very intriguing lady who described herself only as a “public servant” from a department she couldn’t name. English
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From Castle Views to Café Brews: Ankara Wanders
Sightseeing around Ankara is a mix of ancient history and modern city life, with beautiful old streets tucked between busy urban areas. Ankara Castle sits high above the city and has protected it for thousands of years, with parts dating back to ancient times and later rebuilt by several empires. Around the castle is the
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The Pen That Challenged Tradition
Sabiha Sertel wasn’t just ahead of her time — she pretty much ignored the idea that time should limit her at all. Born in 1895 in what is now Thessaloniki, she grew up during huge world changes and decided early on that women deserved a voice in shaping the future. After studying sociology in the
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Echoes Behind the Walls: A Visit to Ulucanlar Prison Museum
Yesterday I visited the Ulucanlar Prison Museum — incredibly informative and creatively presented, right down to the background audio of daily chatter and sounds that once filled the prison walls. It’s one of those places that quietly pulls you into the past while you wander through. Ulucanlar Prison originally opened in 1925, after first being
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When Words Are Forbidden: Gaming Nights in Ankara
In Ankara, gaming isn’t just a hobby — it’s practically a social institution, loved by everyone from students to seasoned pros. Vildan has been running these game nights for years, and the formula is beautifully simple: post an open invitation, name a café, and let people sign up. Apparently, if a foreigner is involved, interest
Visited Countries
Interactive World Map
If the map doesn’t load, open it in a new tab.
Route Plan (Eastern Europe)
Here’s the planned route PDF. Download below.
Route Map
About Me
Happy, grateful, and full of joy – that’s how I see my life. Growing up in the small country town of Karaka, New Zealand, I was a curious little girl who dreamed of seeing the world. At 14, I took my first trip overseas to Fiji, and since then I’ve explored 66 countries, each adventure filling me with wonder at new cultures, unexpected moments, and the thrill of discovery.
I’ve leapt from planes, dived into unseen depths of the ocean, pedaled across borders, and roared through deserts on motorbikes. From crossing the Gobi Desert on two wheels to cruising down to Antarctica, from riding through roads less traveled to moments that took my breath away, I collect memories, not possessions.
Contact Me
Have a question or want to collaborate? Drop me a line.