Cesme, Turkey- 6 days

Havent written in the last couple of days.. who know why! My last 10 days in Turkey have been quite a roller coaster! 

All good things. When I said goodbye to Rosa I traveled to Izmir: a city on the coast, where you can go o beaches and some ruins. As the bus pull in to the city there was a something that made me feel lots of negativity. Not sure what, just did not like the energy of the people, the energy of the city. 

Stayed there for 2 nights. On the day of arrival which it was almost 5pm, went to the marina, ate lunch while reading a book and watching the sunset who was fightthing the cliuds to come in. 

On Day 2 I visited Ephesus. At this point in the trip an after seeing so many ruins, it was just another city. Yes, it huge, yes it has been preserve very well. yes i had a blast taking some pictures but no more than that. The night before I met an Argentinean girl, Paola (I know she will thank me for the girl compliment) and we went together. We had a good time, ate some turkish lunch.

From here I left to Cesme where I had in mind to spend 2 days. I arrived to a hostel/hotel big but small. It was quiet. It was beautiful with white walls and blue touches. It had a pool, lots of flowers and lots and lots of good energy. I was given my own room and met an american boy which I would reserve the comment becuase it is not worth it to talk bad. 

Every day I went to a different beach: Altinkum, Ilica, Dayla, Alacati. Long empty beaches. Dark deep blue sea with soft white beaches. Each beach no more than 10-15 minutes away from where I was staying. 

Cesme itself is a typical beach town: sunsets, sea breeze, lots of people in summer mode, little hotels and supermarkets, almost no cars and above all things it was quiet and it gave peace. 

On Shabbat I decided not to use the phone for all of Saturday. Spent the morning reading by the pool. Motze Shabbat I bought a coloring doodle book and had a relaxing dinner by the sunset as I colored in. Bought a new book and finished it 3 days!

On Sunday night I went to a local restaurant where they served home made Turkish food very very cheap and very very good. Of course I brought my book along! not only I enjoyed the food but the fact that I sat there for 1.5 hrs reading, laughing and enjoying the moment made it promise myself that at least once a month I should do the same in Miami.  How beautiful it is not to have the phone and get carried away by a book, by its fantasy and its stories. Truly a peaceful experience. 

On Monday morning I met Gosha: polish girl who was sharing the door room with me and it happen that we both wanted to go windsurfing. When I woke up I felt lazy and thought about not going but when i spoke to Gosha and she was going I was convinced!

What a great day! now the regreat is not have coming before and doing it for more than a day! I met Derek (the instructor) who was great! we had a great laugh! after passing out in my chair of exhaustion- now it makes it harder to understand how durng all those years my dad would sit all 3 of us and take us for a ride! wow!!! not only kol haàkavod but the energy of after also having to deal with us! jajaja.

Dereks girlfriend was doing yoga with 2 ladies and I joined it! I got 2 classes for the price of one! jajaja.

With Gosha we went to eat dinner to Alacati: a quite expensive area for Turkish people. We sat at a restaurant who served only traditional Turkish food. It was the most expensive meal I had in Turkey and it was one of the best ones. When I say most expensive we paid $25 each! jejeje... I been use to eat for $10.

This gave the closing to a perfect 3 weeks in Turkey! A country who is beautoful, amazing, and unique! A country whos people are warm and caring, whose food is tasteful and spicy, its fruits and veggies are super cheap. Cheers to Turkey! I will be back!

A day in paradise

Blue water surrounded by mountains. In the far distance but you can clearly see it, there is a mountain with snow. To my left tens of gorëk boats sailing. Little houses spread around the mountain. Just like a movie! The Turkish flag waving from the boat. The sun is strong, there are white strokes of clouds on the sky. The breeze is cold and fresh, the smell of the sea is refreshing and makes you feel alive. 

We are on a Görek boat visiting the 12 Islands. On this boat we will stop on 5 islands spending an hour on each of them and then going back. Lunch is included with choice of chicken and fish: of course chicken!

The boat had capacity for 75 people, it's low season, thank god there are no more than 25 people today. The boat is divided in 3 areas with foam things to lay down. We sit on the top own, it's the quiet one and away from all the chaos.

On the first stop I see two boys jumping of the boat into the water and of course I'll do it (it reminded me of the time I did the same in Eilat). The water is warm on the top and super duper cold on the bottom. As I jumped and my body hits the water its a shock! With the jumping you go so deep that on the way back you have time to make sure everything is in the right spot! Jajajaja

The water is clear! Not Miami clear, drinking water clear! You can see the bottom, the sun reflecting deep under.

We swam to a cave! It's so cool! I thought this things you could only see them in movies or pictures! Never thought I would be able to see them first hand.

Once back in the boat it's lunch time! A nice buffet table is made with 4 different salads and a nice grilled chicken is served! Omg! The fish was served as an actual fish an everything, face included! 

We met two boys and sat together. They are from Turkey: Tavil from Istanbul visiting his friend Azis who works in Fethiye. They are nice, down to earth, and fun.

Some of the islands were beautiful and some other ahhh not so much, but the entire situation made everything beyond beautiful, picture perfect!

It's 5 o'clock! Time to sail back to Fethiye but... Upssss, the engine does not start! Jajajaja. The fact that we were not so many it was a very relaxed (at least for us, the captain and crew were soooo concern) we even were thinking how cool to sleep under the stars and see the sunset out there!  Well... After 30 mins they make the engine work but now.... Ancla it's not coming up! Jajajaja... The entire crew, 5 people including captain, had to pull it up.

It took them 20 minutes to been able to bring it up! 

Now yes, ready to sail back I say with my legs hanging out, facing the islands with Fethiye on my back. The breeze is cold and fresh, the view is breathtaking. It was one of the moments were the best picture I could take was the one with my eyes! Treasure this views, smells, and feelings forever! 

People that made a difference

In every human interaction there is a relationship been form. With those interactions we are offer the opportunity to create an impact and build on memories that will be remember.

There are few people that deserve a special post! These are the people who made by stay in Kapadokya unique!

-Killian 

French guy, with red long curly hair.  He has such a peaceful aura, a beautiful smile, and radiated lots of positive energy. We started talking as if we had known each other for years! How great and amazing what he is doing: wasn't happy at work and decided to quit and travel for a year with two goals: no airplanes and China will be final destination. Personally I think he might be going after that if money and body are ok.

His family spread around the world! Has 3 brothers living in Canada, Russia and France. Has done quite some traveling around the globe. 

He is funny, silly, and very talkative. Killians like certain structures and sets short goals in order to keep the traveling going. He shared stories and you know that good things happen to good people because his energy is sooooooo good that it attracts the best of each of us. He is very easy going.

He got a smart phone for the trip. He does not have Facebook neither Instagram, he uses no social media. Every month or so he send a hand written letter to the parents where he adds some pictures from that part of the trip. In addition he sends postcards to some good friends and family.

It was a plus meeting him! It had brought a different perspective to the traveling, had encourage me and made me gain confidence about the next steps in these journey. I hope our paths cross again. 

-Fati: souvenir shop seller man.

 He was laughing at how much time we spent taking pictures of the evil eye tree. I don't blame him: we spent at least 10 minutes.

He asked us where we are from and when I say Argentina he starts talking about mate. He confessed that he tried smoking the Yerba to see if it would have similar effects than weed! Jajajajajajajajajaja. The more I think about it the more I laugh!

We talked for 10 minutes, helped him attracting tourist, I bought the snow globe from him. He asked me to add him on Facebook and gave us some suggestions on how to continue the trip. We spoke about couch surfing and he laughed on how Rosa and I choose the host!

-Burdham: the guy who gave us a ride. 

Guy in the mid forties! Couldn't be more thankful that he stopped! We could have been soooo wet! We did some quick conversation. He gave us some suggestions on things to do in the valley but we did not understood him. He had a thick accent. First ride we get from the trip.

-Bold: Julia's friend

He claims he is 37yrs old. He looked like in his mid fifties. Hard to believe. Julia met him thru couch surfing. He hosts his guests at the carpet shop and helps them arrange cheap tours and thins to do. He owns a carpet shop: "The flying carpet".

Since we met him he was friendly and welcoming. He sent his friend to a town 30mins away to buy Kapadokya home made wine for us! :) he also gave us suggestions on what to do, and explained us about the history and designs of carpets.

-Adem: Oz Cappadocia (bike, ATV, scooter shop owner)

 We met him on Thursday morning when we rented the bikes. He is so good looking and has beautiful blue eyes. He is friendly, likes to talk, laughs a lot, and is very helpful. 

We rented 2 bikes from him. He gave us a good deal and explained the places we should go, how to get to them and what to do in case of a flat tire!

When we returned the bikes and we ask him to reimburse us some money for earlier drop off, instead he invited us on an ATV ride at 4:30 to get some pics for his flyers.

He was soooo much fun during the ride! He made jokes all the time, made us feel welcome and comfortable! 

During our stay in Göreme we kept going to visit him and we were always welcome with a smile and a hug! Totally recommend Oz Capadoccia! 

Göreme- 3 days

Destino 

Saying good bye it's never an easy thing. Finally a blue sky with the sun shinning, driving thru the caves as we climb up the mountain and leave Goreme behind. 

Kappadokya, Göreme you been too good to be true. I got the first sit on the bus. As the bus drove away from the station Killian and Rosa wave good bye. Even thou I'll meet Rosa in 12 hrs in Fathye the feeling of knowing that one musketeer will not be there is not the same. We couldn't convince him! 

That's the tricky part about traveling, you meet people, you have fun, you share unbelievable moments and yet the expiration date is too close. How easy it's to get close to people and let them leave a mark on you.

 On Friday May 29 I woke up at 3:30am to go on the hot air balloon ride. The pickup was on time, the breakfast was yummy but by 5:30am we were notified that due to weather conditions we would not be able to ride them. Back at the hotel I slept for 3hrs and woke up at 9 to go on the green tour with Rosa.

At 9:30am we get picked up, there are 13 of us: a couple from Australia in the mid 60, Sofia and Raul (daughter and father from Montevideo,Uruguay traveling together; Tamara and Kimberly two Australian girls who met in Istanbul and are yogis, 2 pair of Chinese friends, Julia from Australia)

The tour was great! We saw a girls monastery, we hike on a canyon. The weather was nice, a bit chilly but the sun was out. By the time we get to lunch we could hear some thunders. After ordering the food it started raining and right after hailing! Unbelievable how the weather changes so fast! In The afternoon we visited the underground city! Totally amazing!

When we got back to town, we decided to hang out in the lounge from my hostel that it's cozy and super comfy!! Julia joined Rosa and myself. Each one had a task: figure out where the next destination was going to be. Personally I had my ticket for Izmir (to see some ancient ruines but after seeing the stuff here and in Istanbul I need a break. decided to change the route and go to the beach. 

At the hotel we meet Killian. A guy from France with gingi curly hair. I had seen him earlier this morning (but  I wasn't in the mood to talk due to the cancelation). He had such a peaceful aura, a beautiful smile, and radiated lots of positive energy. 

After hanging out at the hostel and seeing that the rain has stopped and it's was about sunset time Killian and Rosa thought it would be a good idea to hike sunset point. I was on the phone and got yelled "yo, we are going to sunset point to see the sunset" hang up phone call right away and joined them. 

On the way there we ran into Sofia & Raul who were walking down and invited them to joined us. At this point  we were 6. Sunset was ok, it still was a bit cloudy. 

Julia had been in touch with Bold (the magic carpet guy) and gave him a call. He joined us, he is a local from Göreme. As we discussed the next stop dinner he offered to get us some homemade Kapadokya wine for dinner. We all put $10.

We had a great time at the restaurant!! The food was amazing, the conversation were different: the sound of music, Mary Poppins, work, age, love, family, and some of course traveling.

At 10:45ish we figured we needed to leave the restaurant. Fati called it the night, and the rest of us walked to my hostel to hang out there and keep drinking some wine. 

The Red wine: has been made 9 months ago. It tasted like Conagc. It was brought to us in a 1L Coke Bottle.

The white one: been made a year and a half ago. It was sweet and tasted pretty good. It was in a 2.5L Coke Bottle.

The white one was finished and we saved the red one for the following day. 

Saturday 5.30

I went to bed at 1am knowing that I needed to wake up at 3:30am for a second chance of the balloon riding. Before going to bed Apo (hotel owner) mentioned that there was a 30% chance of doing it.

Woke up 15 mins earlier afraid of not waking up in time. Got ready and by 4am I was sitting outside. Killian let me borrow his fleece jacket and wind breaker! Thank g'd because it was freezing! By 4:15am I told my self that if in 5 mins they don't come I'll call the office. 

4:20am no show up, I open the receipt that Apo gave me and see that pick up is schedule for 5am! With wifi available time went by pretty fast.

5am I get picked up by a small car driven by a Turkish guy with a Korean guy on it. The driver spoke no English and he also had no clue of where he had to take us! He got totally lost! Imagine with my excitement the frustration I was getting by the minute. As we finally get close to the balloon a guy approaches me asking me to pay and when I handle my credit card he says there is no time and we should do it upon landing.

Unfortunately due to the moron who drove the balloon was up with maybe 15 people on it waiting for me. As I climbed in, the balloon starts taking off. Literally I had one leg in and the other outside.

When the balloon is in the air it was sooooo quiet! It was taken from a fantasy book. Hundreds of balloons flying in between the ruins, lots of different colors, sun shinning strong and clear, no clouds in the sky. Perfect morning!

I was taking pics with the selfie stick and I saw the huge smile on my face! It is there when I realized that I had accomplished what I wanted! What a tremendous feeling! Up in the air! Colors, nature, life! 

We had an hour ride and we did a perfect landed on a car and celebrated with Champagne.

I got to the hostel thanked Apo for been able to booked it for me, but also discussed the bad services I received.

At breakfast I met Killian who couldn't wake up to see the balloons and because of my smile understood that I did go and it was amazing! We spoke non stop! Shared the pictures, the stories, and feelings. 

He told me how my happiness is contagious and how I am able to make other people happy just by sharing my experiences and excitement. (It is very nice and comforting to hear "strangers" complimenting me on very strong aspect of my personality)

We met Rosa at 10 at our hostel and hang out there until 11:30am because it was pouring. We played backgammon and checkers. I convinced Rosa to join me at the beach for 2 days!!! I'm so happy!

We wanted to go visit the Ugashir Castle. We took a bus and 10 mins later we arrived. Well, in my modest opinion it is not a castle and I can't picture how thousands of years ago it was one. What it is worth noting is how much fun we had just spending time, talking and taking silly pictures. 

We knew it was a 45 mins walk to town and decided to do it. Half way into down we see a mirador with a beautiful tree full of evil eyes. I might do this at home! There we meet Fati the shop seller. As we engaged in conversation he is a funny charismatic guy. He tell us that we are half way down and assumed that at our pace it will take us another hour. As we are talking 2 busses full of tourists pull in and he asked us to stay and pretend we are shopping for people to buy! Jajaja

As we are about to leave it is pouring! We agreed on hitchhike (hacer dedo) to get a ride back into town and don't get soaking wet. The minute we put our feet on the road and stick out thumbs out and old maroon Renault 19 stopped to offer us a ride!

Kapadokya you been wonderful! You encourage me to get out of my comfort zone, gave me fantasy land experiences, met friendships that enriched the soul, and made me believe that there are nice people out there who wants to meet travelers and help them out.

On my way to Fethiye, where I would meet Rosa to see what the warm weather has to offer. 

Ps. New addition to the family: Kapa, the selfie stick

Kapadokya- Day 1

Day 1!

It deserves its own post! WoW!! 

Ok, so I arrived to Kapadokya at 10am after a 12hrs bus ride with wifi, ice cream, coffee, and snacks!

I'm doing this part of the trip with Rosa (a friend I met in the hostel in Istanbul).

After check-in in my hostel I met with Rosa for breakfast. We finished by 11ish and figure it was about time to do something. There are 3 official tours here: red,blue, and green. 

The red is close to where we are staying, so we figure instead of paying the money for the tour we will walk around. While waiting for rosa to grab some stuff at her hostel I heard some girls talking about renting bikes (and to be quite honest I rather bike than walk).

We asked Apo (owner of my hostel) and he wanted $45 for the day! We said no and left to town. We found a cute little shop and got 2 bikes for $20for 4hrs and after talking he gave us 25$ for 7hrs.

Thinking we got a deal we left as happy campers to Explore some ruins and caves, bikes, and have fun.

The caves are great! Lots of places to

Climb, things to see, the views are breathtaking, we had so much fun biking. We did some mountain biking and some road biking. We trusted strangers that they won't steal our bikes. I mean we locked them but to each other not to a pole. There are no poles in this place of the world! 

After 4 hrs of biking we decided it was enough. By the time we were returning the bikes we had bike 15km. Our tushies hurted, the bar handle was way to far, the way back was all uphill. 

We get to the store and walk in ready to ask for money back! Of course I did! I mentioned it and Adem (owner of bike shop, see picture below) said no, laughed and invited us to sit and chat for a bit.

He mentioned that only for us he would take us in a free ATV (all terrain vehicle, see pic below) ride! Hell ya we said yes! He was doing this ride to take pics to use for his flyer! Even more! 

We left to grab some stuff at our hostels and when we got back at 4:30pm we met the other 4 girls who were doing this!  Picture 4 turkey girls, very very white, they were special! Jajaja don't know what's the proper description, see pic below and judge for yourself!

We had a blast riding the ATV and taking pictures! Half way into the ride Adem invite us for a drink: coffee, fresh squezerze orange juices and ea. one of the girls graves my selfie stick and stared taking pics.

Adem and I start joking and told her that I bought it for $50 but will sell it for $40! The woman gave me the moneyyyyy!! True is that I paid $15! Jajaja I took the money and was going to buy 2 sticks with that money: one for me and one for Rosa.

We kept riding the ATV for another 1.5 hrs and we reached this beautiful place were we started taking pictures and etc.  at all times Adem and a friend were on a jeep leading the way. I did not realize that they were not here until rosa comes to me and tells me that we are having a bbq here! Jajaja Adem and friend went to buyChorizo, bread and sodas. Chill! We just spent some time grilling in the middle of nowhere.

As the fire gets started David an Asian looking guy who is from America shows up riding an ATV. He tells us that he got lost from his group and we convinced him to stay with us! He thought that we were a group and when we told him out story he was so shocked and stayed with us!

Now back in the hostel trying to process the day and honesty there are NO WORDS to describe how much fun, random, different, and beautiful today was!

THANK TOU ADEM!!! Thank you for seeing fun in U.S.! For inviting us in your journey, for taking care of us, and for showing how beautiful Kapodkya and its people are! THANK YOU!

Istanbul

Istanbul

The flight to Istanbul is one to be remember! 

To begin with... I got striped down, sent to extra security for me and Mochi in Tel Aviv because security lady did not like that I was argentinean living in U.S. She couldn't figure it out.

Later the guy next to me kept yawning and doing like Indian with his hand and mouth! Jajaja...ohhhh, need to say there was a CHEF on the plane! Dress as CHEF and everything!  Will try to take pic on next flight.

Once I landed in turkey things went by very smoothly! Took a taxi to hostel. Once at the stray Cat Hostel the staff was super warm and helpful. They gave me a map and showed me all the good stuff to do around here. After dropping my bag in my bed (it's like claiming that this is bed is mine and you better don't touch! Jajaja) left to the Asian side of Istanbul. Literally is on the Asian continent. How cool that one country is in two continents.

The views from there were outstanding! Breathless and with a magnificent sunset! 

That night I just took it easy and hang out at the hostel.

Day 2. 

Woke up bright and early and left the hostel at 9am to start seeing the city. Up the hill I went! It reminded me of my days in San Francisco and how out of shape I am. From there down hill on a beautiful kind of Lincoln rd. 

Cross the bridge from modern town to old town.  Got lost in the spice market, it's just like a shuk! In my modest opinion the shuk has more beauty it still looks old! From there to the grand bazaar where I did some shopping, bargain some prices, and left happy with just why I wanted to buy.

Visited the Blue Mosque, Haga Sofya,  Cistern, walked in Sultanamed, are a traditional Turkish lunch at a local spot that Eda suggested. What a funny and unique experience. Was told to sit at a table with 3 ladies that were having lunch. I introduced my self, chat a bit, and even shared my dessert! Jaja.

Once back to the hostel met 2 girls: Oona and Rosa. We took a boat around the Istanbul coast and to see the sunset.

I need to confess that I fell in the trap: I bought the selfie stick! Omg! It makes taking picture on my won soooooo much better! I'm so happy!

We went for dinner together and then beers to a bar they been the day before.

The manager, Husseim, is from Kazakistan. We started talking about its history and he mentioned that he loves Israel and U.S. Because they are the only two countries that supported them in the fight to become a country. He knows so much about israel! I was surprise!

Day 3

Woke up and took the morning easy! In the afternoon we walked around Cahingir with Rosa. Cahingir is a nice hipster town full of antique shops and cute cafes.

Tonight I am taking a 12 hrs bus to Capadoccia! :) Rosa from Belgium is also traveling! 

Part 3.1- Turkey

Sitting in the train seeing facing tel aviv. 

Tel aviv stays behind, the safety that it gives me, the comfort of the language, the smell of the food, the people that make it as warm as the temperature is. 

Getting away from Tel Aviv, closer to Istanbul! Here I am. Nervous as hell (ma don't panick!! I'm ok) I am happy that I am on this journey! 

I am thrilled to meet you Turkey! Let the fun, new, challenging experiences come. The trip journey of a lifetime. Alone! 

Wise words from an incredible wise woman (Erica, whom I admire for her traveling, knowledge, charisma, and attitude towards life): "when you travel alone you are never alone, you are always meeting people. The truly only moment you are alone is when you get tire of those people and move on to new places".

✌🏻️✈️