Today started off feeling a lot like Groundhog Day. I hopped on a minibus, a friendly passenger assured me, “Yes, this one goes to the square,” and—poof!—before I knew it, I was right back where I started, with the driver looking mildly baffled at how I managed that.
He patiently mapped out my new quest: “Get off here, take a train, then another minibus.”
Oh boy. Deep breath. Let’s see what happens.
Miraculously, it all started working. I got off at the right stop, a kind subway worker pointed me to the correct train, and then—my angel of the day—Selina appeared. Despite having recently broken her knee kickboxing (yes, really), she hobbled me off at the exact stop and walked me 10 whole minutes to my next minibus. An Angel.
At long last, I made it to Cumalıkızık—a gorgeous little village where cobblestone lanes wind through family homes that have been passed down for twenty generations. The community has the warmth and smiles for everyone.
I celebrated my arrival with heavenly potato-and-cheese gözleme (pancakes) and a strong Turkish coffee, then wandered through the village stalls selling everything from the usual souvenirs to knitted dolls, exquisite coffee cups, jewellery, clothing, fresh fruit, veg, and—naturally—Turkish fighting axes. Something for absolutely everyone.
The journey back almost went smoothly… almost. I accidentally hopped on the wrong Mudanya bus and found myself next to a man holding his portable oxygen tank. Mid-ride, the gauge started acting up just as I realised I was on the wrong bus. Thankfully, his friends sitting in front of us rushed to help, as I exited the bus. I truly hope he had enough oxygen for the rest of his journey.
As for me—well, I eventually made it home too. Just another day of chaotic charm in Turkey
Selina – My angel of the morning