"Amazing Contrasts..." Turkey by PA2AKgirl

Turkey Travel Guide: 29,736 reviews and 65,717 photos

My delayed page on Turkey

I am usually not fond of doing pages on entire countries as I realize there is no way I can offer the full coverage. However, I also don't feel like I spend enough time in one place to give a full report of a specific town or city. My Turkey page is an incomplete overview that will grow with time. After we left, we were immediately filled with regret about the places we did not get to see. Lack of time off and the deceiving distance between sites prevented us from seeing everything we wanted to, so we know we have to return.

Sunrise along the Mediterranean

Bobby and I started out building a page together on our KCandRB page, so if you've seen that, you'll notice there is some overlap. After all, we traveled together but we do have our own opinions on each place. Time has allowed me to realize that Turkey is a place that you have to see in your life and we got a wonderful opportunity to live there. The differences between Turkey and the US are vast but at the same time, they both have a place in my heart. When we do get back, it will be a sort of homecoming. It was the first place I lived outside of my own country and now, it tends to be a place I use for comparison. I probably talk about it more now than I did when I lived there. I feel a little "homesick" at times and buy books on Turkey, have finally started to learn the language and am cooking Turkish dishes. I should probably mention that we did live on a base and had a little "America" to return to. There are people ono this base who never leave the immediate area...for us, that was unbelievable. We went off the base and into the country every chance we got. When we were on the base, we hung out with Turks who worked there, frequented the Turkish shops and planned our next trip.

Central Anatolia

For anyone who has been to Turkey for a short visit or extended period or even had a conversation with a Turk, knows that the country stays with you. Turkey cannot be judged on the occasional public announcements issued by our Department of State nor can it be judged from a couple pictures or movies. It's a place that you have to explore and soon, you'll feel it in you.

Pros and Cons

Pros:the people, the history, the natural sites
Cons:the roads and the drivers on them, having to be careful about drinking the water

Last visit to Turkey: Dec 2005
Intro Updated Sep 12, 2006
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Reviews (30)

Carpets/Kilims Shopping (4)

Believe me, you will not struggle to find a carpet or kilim seller. Finding one who isn't going to rip you off is... more travel advice

Easy access to the area Hotels (3)

The closer we got to Antalya, the more we realized that it might be a problem finding a hotel. Unlike where we lived at... more travel advice

Side Things to Do (11)

Side, although perhaps not as immediately impressive as Aspendos, it does have more to look at. When we were there, a... more travel advice

Want a tour? Warnings Or Dangers (3)

When you travel to the more touristy sites, you may find you have instant tour guides, whether you wanted them or not.... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (1)
Snake Castle (Yilanlikale)
Favorites (2)
See All Hospitality
Local Customs (3)
See All Turkish Breakfast

Transportation (2)
See All Istanbul Atatürk Airport
What to Pack (1)
Visas
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Travelogues (2)

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Comments (23)

Robmj Dec 5, 2009 at 8:27 PM Report Abuse

I like your Turkey page, I often comment about entire countries rather than specific locations, also agree that EFES beer is the way forward!
nickandchris Nov 2, 2009 at 2:39 PM Report Abuse

A magnificent page, thoroughly enjoyed this. I must get to Turkey one of these days!
junecorlett Mar 4, 2009 at 2:59 AM Report Abuse

I really enjoyed reading your story on your homepage, so decided to take a trip to Turkey with you.
iaint Aug 20, 2008 at 12:00 AM Report Abuse

you're so right about the roads & drivers...glad I'm here to tell the tale
betako3 May 31, 2008 at 2:57 PM Report Abuse

Your page brought back some nice memories I have from Turkey. I wonder if you've been to Termessos near Antalia. I read a lot about it but wasn't able to go there myself.
neodue May 15, 2008 at 3:31 AM Report Abuse

Katey,My fathers hometown is Adana.Even the other Turks (who hasnt been in Adana) cant see real Adana behind the curtains. thank you very much.Nice comments and feelings about Adana and Turkey.
traveloturc Jul 6, 2007 at 2:35 AM Report Abuse

Hi Katey I just want to thank you for your objective evalýuations and sincere feelings about my country..all the best
Lyndra Jul 5, 2007 at 11:44 PM Report Abuse

Merhaba, happy Birthday - you are so right aboutthe effect Turkey has on you after you have been there. Too many people never see the real Turkey but have something to say about it :-)
oxygen-istanbul May 8, 2007 at 1:11 PM Report Abuse

hola bella! Congraluations, I liked your way to express of impression about Turkiye.. go on, many greetings from Istanbul:o)
FruitLover Feb 1, 2007 at 5:24 AM Report Abuse

Hi Katey, glad to meet you. Turkey is a 'must' and I'm going to explore your page soon. My Turkey's experience is 4 days in Istanbul only, good start, I know, much much to see. Greetings from Jerusalem! Avi