Amateur Traveler Podcast #46: An Interview About Traveling in Turkey

Turkey Travel Experience

• 💡 Turkey is generally a safe and inexpensive country to travel in, making it ideal for solo travelers.
• 📌 The guest has visited Turkey three times, exploring the Black Sea region, the middle and western parts, and most recently, the southern coast (Turkish Riviera).
• ⚠️ The southern coast, particularly Antalya, was found to be a disappointing tourist trap with an uncomfortable feeling of being preyed upon.
• ✈️ While bus travel along the coast is an option, blue voyages on gullet boats are recommended for a better experience of the coastline.

Greco-Roman Ruins and Historical Sites

• 🏛️ A highlight was the ancient Greek city of Kosis, located dramatically in the mountains, which Alexander the Great attempted to pass through.
• 🎭 Aspendus features a well-preserved Roman-style amphitheater, distinct from Greek ones by its built-up structure.
• 🏛️ Perge also offers Greco-Roman ruins, including an amphitheater and rock tombs shaped like houses.
• ⛪ Near the St. Nicholas Basilica in Demre, rock tombs and an amphitheater can be found; St. Nicholas was a bishop from this region of Turkey.

Cultural Encounters and Turkish Cuisine

• 🏘️ A memorable experience involved visiting Turkish villages west of Ankara, where local women were making cheese from sheep's milk using traditional pressing methods.
• 🍞 Freshly baked bread and homemade apricot jam were also part of this delightful village encounter.
• 🍳 A recommended Turkish dish is Gozleme, a savory cheese crepe made with dough rolled thin, cooked on a brazier, and folded with butter and cheese.

Language and Practical Tips

• 🗣️ While many Turks speak English, knowing a few Turkish phrases like 'pardon' (or 'afeders' for formal), 'te' (thank you), 'lutfen' (please), and 'merhaba' (hello) is appreciated.
• 🗺️ Turks often rely on asking locals for directions rather than using maps, highlighting their friendly and helpful nature.
• 🚌 Turkish buses, often comfortable Mercedes models with onboard service, are a recommended mode of transport, superior to many domestic airlines.
• 🚂 The Bosphorus Express train between Istanbul and Ankara is a scenic and inexpensive way to see the Turkish countryside.

Recommended Destinations and Experiences

• 🏞️ Cappadocia is highly recommended for its unique volcanic spires ('fairy chimneys') and underground cities, and it's also a premier wine-making region.
• 💎 Pamukkale, meaning 'cotton castle', features white calcium terraces formed by mineral-rich waters where one can bathe.
• 🏟️ Aphrodisias, an inland Roman ruin, is considered more interesting than Ephesus, boasting the largest existing Roman-era stadium and significant sculptures.
• 🕌 Istanbul is an exotic and beautiful city with a rich history, including Hagia Sophia and vibrant bazaars. Shopping is recommended in Ankara's bazaar for better deals than Istanbul's Grand Bazaar.
• 🏛️ Ankara is described as the 'real Turkey', showcasing the generosity, openness, and honesty the country is known for, away from the main tourist hubs.