Turkish Delights

"Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer."

My winter journey through Turkey was lovely, even though I was battling a nasty cold the entire time. But, when you’re exploring a country as rich in history, culture, and cuisine as Turkey, a little sickness can’t get in the way of the adventure.

I arrived in Istanbul on a chilly evening, my first view of the Bosphorus River and its famous bridge lit up against the dark skies. The sight was beautiful, and I wasted no time indulging in a local favorite, recommended by my taxi driver—kumpir, a huge baked potato loaded with toppings. 

The next morning, I set out to explore the surrounding area - Ortakoy - before heading to a friend’s wedding. The city quickly spiked my curiosity, with its old streets and numerous food and shopping stalls.

For the next few days, I stayed in Istanbul’s historic district - Sultanahmet - soaking up the sights. I wandered through the cobblestone streets, visiting the iconic Blue Mosque and the majestic Hagia Sophia. I also spent some time at the Grand Bazaar, lost among the colorful stalls of spices, textiles, and jewelry.

 

One of my most memorable experiences over the next few days was walking down Istiklal Street, the bustling heart of modern Istanbul. The energy of the crowd, mixed with the winter chill, was invigorating. From there, I made my way to the Galata Tower to get a glimpse of the famous San Sebastián cheesecake.

After a few days on the European side of Istanbul, I ventured to the Asian side for a night, then flew to Cappadocia early the next morning, hoping to see the breathtaking hot air balloons drifting over the fairy-tale landscape. Sadly, the weather didn’t cooperate, and the balloons were grounded. But Cappadocia’s charm wasn’t lost on me. I explored the fascinating underground cities and hiked to a few Sunrise and Sunset Points, where I took in the views of the little town of Goreme from up above. The fairy chimneys, with their unique formations, were surreal, and I couldn’t resist snapping photos of the quirky teddy bears that adorn at one of the viewpoints.

The final 24 hours were spent back on Istiklal Street, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere one last time before I flew back home.

Despite the cold and illness that hung over me, I left with a heart full of memories, incredible food in my belly, and another country checked off my bucket list.