Technically I’ve been to Turkey twice this year, but the first time was Istanbul only and for me, Istanbul is like another country. I’ve also been to Turkey many, many times before and so has Matej. The boys have never been to in this big country in their 2 and 4 years of life. My first time in Turkey was 2002 or 2003 with my grandma. We had the best time, but I could never have imagined that I would return so many times after. In 2008 Turkey became my second home as I started guiding groups around its eastern and western side. With every tour, I started loving the always surprising country more.

Turkish culture is so diverse, there are different traditions in every region.

But why would I return even after I’ve been all around Turkey?

Turkey is huge and there’s always something new to see. I like many things about it (I also dislike a few) and I learned a bit of Turkish language, so it’s easy to communicate. Turkish people are friendly and welcoming, which is always appreciated. Oh, and the food, fantastic (tastes, quality of produce, it’s all great). Turkey is also a nice country to visit if you need to go somewhere different than the western world, but still comfortable enough to feel great. It has lots of that eastern atmosphere that spices things up. Also, after all, Turkey is not that far from us, Slovenians (and most Europeans too).

Simit. A simple street snack sold on every corner in Turkish cities. There’s something for everybody to choose from many delicious Turkish foods.

Still, what’s the main reason why I like to return to Turkey?

I was never just collecting the number of places or countries I’ve seen. I always loved lingering longer at the places (or in the countries) I liked, to get to know them better. Because that’s the way you can start understanding the culture and life there much better. Well, of course, it would take at least a decade to get to know a country thoroughly, but I’ll take what I can. So even after finishing my tours in Turkey, I sometimes extended my flight tickets and stayed longer. Hanged out with local friends, lived a normal daily life in Turkey just like I would at home. And 2013 was my last time in Turkey before 2018.

Nazar boncugu, an eye amulet, believed to protect against all evil in Turkish culture.

Our unconventional way of booking a »last minute« vacation to Turkey

So when we realized we could go for another, about two weeks long trip this summer, we searched for options. We had many options, a few of them places we’ve never seen before. But in the end, I found an option for Turkey. Less than a week before we left, we booked our flights. Of course, we didn’t go to the beach first, but we started our trip in Capadoccia, the beautiful natural fairytale land, a place in Turkey that was always my top favorite. So that’s how we sometimes do. Book everything by ourselves last minute. Or book months before. It depends. Sometimes we just don’t know where we want to go. And then we have to let go and usually when the time is right the answer shows up.

Beautiful Capadoccia, a natural fairytale land I always like to return to.

Off to Turkey in search of beautiful new spots

And we went. To Capadoccia first and traveled with two overnight stops to Cirali in the south (our beach destination). What was meant to be only a vacation by the sea became our »little« journey through Turkey. We had no regrets. Turkey is just as pleasant as it was in previous years. Turkish people are just as welcoming (they really are) and the food is even better. Another thing we learned is that Turkey is also extremely kid-friendly. Turkish people love kids so much which is great when traveling with a 2 and 4 years old. All in all, going to Turkey was a great decision. We also had over a week by the sea before we returned home and we liked it so much (which is not the case usually, when it comes to sea vacation, we get picky). But that’s another story and another post.

Beautiful, low key Cirali beach with lots of space and all in all a completely natural atmosphere.

We might even return to Turkey again! (Soon?)

Because we still have to show some places to the kids and there are still places we haven’t seen. And there are still places we might return to even for the »who knows which« time. Also, Istanbul is in Turkey and I always, always enjoy going to Istanbul so much. It might be my all-time favorite megalopolis. And it would probably also take a decade to get to know Istanbul. So who knows. While we’ll always give priority to the new places/countries we’ve never seen before (because it’s always great to explore the unknown), we’ll also always take that chance and go to certain places/countries again (and again).

With my two little explorers in Capadoccia, a land that always leaves some surprises for the next time!

Will be writing more about this amazing country and our adventures while traveling it soon again,

Ajda