Fri, 21 Nov 2008

Turkey

I only start believing I'm visiting some new place when I've finally spent way too many hours looking at flight websites in an attempt to find a flight that is slightly cheaper than the only option everyone else is offering you, and after a few days prices have gone up enough so you give up and end up buying.

And, two weeks ago, I finally did. Barcelona-Istanbul means the third chapter of the unplanned saga “Chistmas in Islam”. Two years ago I started 2007 visiting Tunisia, and last year we enjoyed a 10 day trip around the South of Morocco, which was absolutely fantastic (and I've still haven't blogged about).

This year I'll be discovering Istanbul, Cappadocia and other parts of Turkey with Maria. The idea is to try to avoid visiting too many places in a rush, and follow the good advice of our Moroccan friends, “La prisa mata, amigo”. We have plenty of days to explore Turkey's secrets, but I want to be able to enjoy them, and avoid being in a constant hurry.

As always, I'll be glad to get suggestions on “must not miss” places or things, and advice on how to move around, where to stay, what to do or what not to do is extremely welcome. I'm totally looking forward to this, after I missed this years's GUADEC!

I have been in Turkey four years ago and it was a great country to discover.
I recommend to stay some days in Istanbul and visit Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Efeso.
Also is great to visit the coast, but maybe the winter is not the best season for this.

Finally, move around is very easy in Turkey, there are a lot of nice bus companies. Also there are a lot of agencies where you can arrange your trip.

Posted by Joan at Fri Nov 21 21:09:38 2008

Given the timing, maybe you should have indicated which Turkey you were talking about.  I was expecting a different sort of post until I read past the title (but no harm done :-) ).

Posted by Daniel at Sat Nov 22 02:48:34 2008

If you will start you trip from Istanbul, then here are the things that you i suggest you to do:

* Eat turkish kebap and dirnk Turkish coffee
* It is winter time so i suggest you to go to otantic Turkish place and drink some "Salep"
* Pass the sea via boat. Going from Beşiktaş to Kadıköy even can be enjoyable although it lasts 20 seconds, bu during the times i liven in Istanbul, sea made me always restfull
* If you are interested in history visit Dolmabahce Palace, Ayasofya Mosque, Yerebatan Cistern. You will find many other historical places that are alive from Ottomon times. Also there are Cathetrals and Churchs. You may find one of then at Istiklal Street in Taksim. I am sure you will visit there. I always think that place as a small Istanbul, because you can find eveything there :)
* There are many things that can be told but lets suggest some other parts of Turkey also
* Try to visit Capadokia, if you like green and fresh air try the Karadeniz Plateaus, ifyou like sun and sea, thy the south of Turkey, Antalya, Kemer. If you like some tradition, snow sport, the origin location  of kebap and many other wanderful food, go and try east.

Have fun :)

Posted by Oguz Yarimtepe at Sat Nov 22 07:34:27 2008

I spent about a month and a half travelling through Turkey this summer. If you can don't just go to the famous south and west places on the sea cuz they're not real Turkey. I'd recommend seeing something on the east too, and Black Sea definitely. See some of the places on my photostream: http://flickr.com/photos/manastasov/collections/72157607337574126/

Posted by marko at Sat Nov 22 19:02:09 2008