As this new adventure begins, I’m feeling pretty grateful. Nuri, my Turkish host, and Jan, a German Workawayer, picked me up from the airport and took me straight up to Boztepe Hill for incredible city views, that was being enjoyed by others having a Turkish Tea experience.
We then wandered through the Grand Bazaar, with Nuri leading and Jan translating. Nuri only speaks Turkish and German.
The bazaar is famous for copper and tin blacksmiths who have worked there for generations, still hand-hammering beautiful pieces using traditional methods.
After tea at the marina, we saw the unique moorings — some with tiny living spaces attached. Small, clever, and surprisingly functional.
By the time we reached Nuri’s house four hours later, I discovered it also comes with two street dogs who have basically moved in. Dinner was fresh sardines with tomato and onion salad — simple and delicious.
Tomorrow work starts at 11am, breakfast at 10am, so the dogs and I are off for a walk at 7am to start the day right.
