Alanya truly is a magical place. Yesterday, I set off on what was meant to be a 7 kilometre walk downhill into the city after discovering the local bus had taken the week off—leaving the mountain locals and me to improvise. About a kilometre in, a kind local farmer offered me a lift. He works
Travelling teaches you many things, but sometimes the most powerful lessons don’t come from landscapes or landmarks — they come from people. I am currently staying with a lady named Rojda, and through her family’s story I am beginning to understand another perspective of Turkey, one that is rarely spoken about by visitors and easy
Said goodbye to Antalya this morning — but only a see you later. I’ll definitely be back, as this is where I plan to start the Lycian Way, weather gods willing. The day began with a couple of relaxed hours on the bus to Alanya, followed by what I assumed would be a quick hunt
Scattered quietly through the streets and parks of Antalya are the Kedi Evi — small cat houses with an enormous purpose. These humble shelters offer warmth in winter, shade in summer, and safety in a world that can be harsh for street cats. Built and cared for by kind locals, they are more than wooden
All the reviews I’d read about Antalya were five-star, “must-see” declarations — the hype was spot on. The views are utterly breathtaking, the city sparkles at twilight like it knows it’s being admired, the seafood is fresh and irresistible, and the people are genuinely warm and welcoming. I may not have been watching fireworks explode
Up early to a beautifully warm room, coupled with the mildly terrifying knowledge that it was –5°C outside. I set off to tackle Afyonkarahisar Castle. Perched dramatically high above the city, Afyonkarahisar Kalesi is impossible to ignore. Built atop a steep volcanic rock more than 1,000 feet above the city, it’s one of central Turkey’s
Saying goodbye to Bursa—and its many feline residents—was a little bittersweet, but the road was calling and the next adventure awaited. What I had been quietly dreading turned out to be unexpectedly magical. Just fifteen minutes into the bus ride from Bursa to Afyonkarahisar, the world transformed. Snow-topped trees lined the road like a perfectly
Christmas in Turkey is confusing, to say the least. They don’t celebrate Christmas — and Boxing Day was completely new — yet Mudanya decided to host a festival from Boxing Day through to New Year. So of course, we went. Bright lights, street dancing, treats, and crowds everywhere. And then my favourite moment: two women
Small pumpkins arrived first, baked to perfection and swimming in custard, dusted with cinnamon and nutmeg. Comfort food at its finest. Then came mussels stuffed with rice, rich with spice and warmth — absolutely irresistible. Next up: a lamb roll, rotating gently on a spit, not unlike kebab meat. They pointed. I like lamb. I