Feeling a little tender this morning as I gaze out the plane window, waiting for the last passengers to board. Just like that, my Turkish chapter is almost closed.
This journey through Turkey has been a beautiful blend of learning, understanding, joy, and deep gratitude — especially for the hospitality, which truly feels endless. Tea appears before you even know you need it, stories are shared generously, and somehow you’re made to feel like family within moments.
What I’ve admired most is how the culture weaves the ancient and the modern together so effortlessly. Old traditions sit comfortably beside new ideas, without fuss or friction. There’s a deep respect for history, but also a lively embrace of the present. And the family bonds — oh, the family bonds. The warmth, the affection, the unspoken rituals of care and endearment — it’s hard not to feel a little envious.Every single day offered a lesson in awareness. A small gesture. A new word. A shared tidbit of history. An observation that made me pause. It’s been a quiet education of the heart as much as the mind.
Could I live here? Part-time, perhaps — but strictly in the warmer months! I’m not sure my lungs could negotiate the enthusiastic national love affair with cigarettes. That might be my one stumbling block.
For now, I leave with a full heart, a grateful spirit, and the lingering taste of strong tea and sweeter memories. Until next time, Turkey.
