Billie Blair, First-time traveler, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Fellow traveler Milagros Harris and Billie bought traditional harem pants for $7, which they wore during their Farewell Dinner.
Although I visited Turkey 40 years ago, my husband, Eugene, and I enjoyed the natural and cultural wonders of this vast country from our first—but hopefully not our last—OAT trip: Turkey’s Magical Hideaways Small Ship Adventure. Highlights included the sampling of historic sites in Istanbul, the magnificence of Ephesus, the museums of Antalya, our relaxing gulet cruise, and the geological marvel of Cappadocia. But we will most remember the faces and warmth of the Turkish people.
These individuals, along with our Trip Leader, Fikret Perdeci, taught us of the turbulent history of this country of contrasts: The women on Istiklal Avenue in Istanbul, many wearing Western garb, and some wearing burkas—but with a modern twist—donning pastel and form-fitting versions of this traditional piece of clothing … our green-eyed, smiling hostess in Kiriklar, who fed us eggplant and shared stories and family photos … children at the two-classroom school who took us by the hands and showed us their new computer lab made possible by donations from Grand Circle Foundation … a farmer harvesting honey from his hives without a net, believing the smoke would keep them away from his weathered face … the young mother we encountered during our hike past Lydea, who offered us sage tea … the strong women in the neighborhood Turkish bath, who rinsed us in bubbles and oiled our muscles … and the couple at our Kusluca homestay, whose love story touched us all.
The fellow travelers in our small group were similarly eclectic and enjoyable. Together, we engaged in robust political discussions, and while we didn’t necessarily agree about every aspect of our own country or Turkey, as one fellow traveler so greatly expressed on the day of our departure as we sat overlooking the Bosporus: “We met as strangers, and we leave as friends.”
Here are some of my favorite images from my adventure to Turkey:
Billie and her group enjoyed a visit to Kiriklar, where villagers cultivate eggplant, beans, hot peppers, blackberries, and bees. She was welcomed into the home of a gracious hostess (on left), pictured here with a local farmer.
Fellow travelers Milagros Harris and Nancy Reeve walk with Billie and some of the schoolchildren they met during their visit to Kiriklar.
An enterprising local woman offers Billie’s group sage tea near the little-known Greco-Roman site of Lydea, which is accessible only by boat.
Billie and her group enjoy a sunny November day overlooking Aga Limani, also known as "Friendship Cove."
During Billie’s homestay, her hosts shared their beautiful love story: “This was a couple who defied basic Turkish traditions. Though her family had arranged a marriage, she was attracted to her handsome neighbor. They ran away and married each other a week before her wedding was scheduled with another man. Their families were not pleased—and she had to return the gold jewelry she’d been given for her dowry, along with paying a penalty. Now, 21 years later, their families have long since forgiven them, and they have three beautiful children,” shared Billie.
A local potter in Avanos demonstrates Turkey’s 9,000-year-old pottery-making tradition.
An artisan exhibits the intricacies of creating a rug at a weaving cooperative in Uchisar.
Fellow group members of Billie’s enjoy a luncheon in the gardens at the weaving cooperative.
Billie and Eugene enjoyed their visit to a caravansary, an inn (usually built around a courtyard) along the roadside that was once used as a place for caravans to rest after a long journey.
Interact with the friendly residents of Turkey during your Turkey’s Magical Hideaways Small Ship Adventure.