Well, we squeezed in two more solid days in the field — and I’m so glad we did! There’s something deeply satisfying about finishing up muddy, rosy-cheeked, and feeling like you’ve properly earned your dinner. But today? A brisk 2 degrees, with snow-rain falling steadily from the sky as if winter wanted the final word.…
Rain, rain… and now snow is predicted. Perfect timing, of course! After two solid days in the fields, I’ve been busy weeding garden beds ready for vegetables and cutting branches and suckers into neat little piles for firewood and compost. It’s honest, satisfying work — the kind where you fall into bed happily tired and…
What an amazing morning spent with the wonderful ladies at the co-op! A room full of talent across all ages — some threading beads with laser focus, others knitting, painting, shaping pottery, working the loom, or cleverly transforming tired old clothes and upholstery fabric into something completely new and fabulous. It’s more than just a…
One of the most memorable places I visited in Ankara was Anıtkabir, the grand resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey.And when I say grand… I mean grand. This isn’t just a mausoleum — it’s a vast ceremonial complex complete with statues, sweeping courtyards, a long ceremonial road, and a museum filled…
Breakfast today came with theatre — and its name was kuymak. A Trabzon classic made from cornflour, butter, local stringy cheese, water and a sprinkle of salt. That’s it. Five humble ingredients… and somehow it turns into a bubbling pan of golden happiness. You dip your toast in and lift — slowly — as the…
Travelling through Turkey, it’s easy to think hazelnuts are just another tasty snack — until you realise they’re part of a story thousands of years old. Native to Anatolia, hazelnuts were being traded here as early as ~2000–1700 BC, long before modern roads, borders, or supermarkets even existed. As you move north toward the lush…
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…
With Ramadan starting on the 19th Februay this year, Vildan and I headed to the mosque this morning — joining many others for prayers on the last Sunday before the holy month begins. I decided to tag along to experience the atmosphere, the sense of community, and the quiet anticipation leading into such an important…
Last night delivered another dose of pure fun — the kind that leaves your cheeks sore from smiling. The room was buzzing with laughter, bold bets, and those hilarious “did they really just say that?” moments. We played a game called Truth, Truth and Lie. Everyone gets three cards, then spins a story for each…
Amazing adventure to Cappadocia! The sun was shining when I arrived, which already felt like a win after hearing about the previous 10 days of rain. Cappadocia is famous for its surreal landscape formed by ancient volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. Over centuries, people carved homes, churches, and entire underground cities into the soft…