"Turkey - A Mix of Good and Bad" Turkey by His_Beloved

Turkey Travel Guide: 24,412 reviews and 69,885 photos

The Long Way Home

My work contract in Japan ended on July 28th, so I decided to go home via "the long way" by visiting Turkey and England before flying home to Spokane, WA. Unfortunately, I was only in Turkey for four and a half days; I truly wish I could have stayed longer to explore the beauty of its people, land, history and culture. Turkey is a very beautiful and culturaly rich country.

Selcuk - the ruins of Ephesus

Basilica of St. John

After arriving in Istanbul, I headed directly to the main Otogar and hopped onto an overnight bus to Selcuk. Arriving early the next morning, I checked into my pension, ate some breakfast, and headed off with a couple of other travelers to see the Ephesus ruins, the museum, the Basilica of St. John, and the final home of the Virgin Mary - phew! Yup, did the whole tour in one day. The next day I just hung around Selcuk, walking around and talking to shop owners. I met lots of wonderful people (and drank about 20 cups of tea). I really had a good time, and found the people there so friendly and helpful.

Back to Istanbul

ancient mosaic in Aya Sofya

That night, I jumped back onto a night bus and headed back to Istanbul, arriving at Sultanahmet about 10:30 AM. After unloading my stuff at my guesthouse, I headed off to explore. The best thing about Istanbul is you can spend a week exploring one area without ever taking a bus or tram to another part of the city. During the two days I was there, I was able to see the Topkapi Palace, Aya Sofya (Church of Divine Wisdom), the Basilica Cistern, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and several other things.

Pros and Cons

Cons:Single female travelers will likely be harassed in larger cities like Instanbul.

Last visit to Turkey: Aug 2004
Intro Updated Aug 20, 2004
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Reviews (7)

Basilica Cistern Things to Do (2)

I accidentally stumbled accross this when I was in Sultanahmet, but I was really glad I did, because it was one of the... more travel advice

Dervis, the owner of Homeros Pension - Turkey

A great place to stay! Hotels (2)

Before going to Selcuk, I had e-mailed several pensions, but eventually decided to stay at Homeros Pension because the... more travel advice

Silver jewelry in Selcuk Shopping (1)

It's not often that I recommend a shop, but after spending hours talking to this shop's owner (over Turkish tea), I have... more travel advice

Topkapi Palace Things to Do (2)

The palace complex is huge, so give yourself plenty of time to explore. The harem closes at four, but you should really... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (1)
Single women travelers

Tourist Traps (1)
Americans pay more!

Comments (5)

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Arkeolog May 13, 2005 at 1:06 AM

GREAT PAGES AND PICS. I LIKED UR TURKEY PAGE... BORA
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RUMISABUNCU Apr 7, 2005 at 12:21 AM

If you visit againTurkey , you should see Antalya (Turkish Riviera). It is not busy like Istanbul. Best travel
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shelnlin Sep 21, 2004 at 6:14 PM

Great tips here Rhonda...I am sorry to hear that you were harassed a bit. Great thought about the accomodation... ;+)
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MalenaN Sep 3, 2004 at 10:52 PM

Nice tips Rhonda! Sounds like you did a lot during your days in Turkey. Hope you can go back one day as there is so much to see.
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frankcanfly Aug 26, 2004 at 6:59 PM

A very interesting way to choose a Pension! I just might try your method!!