Istanbul-Ankara-Göreme-Mount Nemrut-Sanliurfa-Mardin

When leaving former Yugoslavian countries and Bulgaria I thought that I would now cross a new frontier.

In my mind going East was like going away from occidental civilisation, crossing the border for something new, more oriental…

In fact in many ways Turkey is more westernised than eastern Europe: probably one of Ataturk’s heritage.

Roads are wide and well maintained, public and private transport is comfortable and leave on time, most of the young people speak English.

One sure thing is that we met in Turkey and particularly in the eastern part one of the most welcoming population. We had countless çay’s (local tea) with guys we did not know a minute before and most of the people tried to help us with a suggestion, an explanation or just a smiling face.

Cities of Istanbul and Ankara, villages of Göreme, Sanliurfa and Mardin, World Heritage site of Mount Nemrut were extraordinary examples of the beauty of Turkey and the kindness of its people.

Just to name some of them: Mehmet in his lost Cappadocian valley, Bekir the guardian of the troglodyte Dark Church, the Karadut dolmus (local mini-bus) driver who also acts as the village postman, grocer, pharmacist and confident.

So going East is a real pleasure that will bring us back home one day!