Turkish Summer Salad Recipes
Living as an expat in Turkey, I have come to love many of their delicious salad dishes. Here are a few of my favorite recipes.
Places to Visit in Erzurum
Erzurum, located on a high plateau, has been a crossroads from the east to the west for decades. The city of Erzurum is filled with historical sites, beautiful landscapes and so much more.
Cappadocia: Hot Air Balloon Guide
Cappadocia offers so many unique experiences to do while on vacation. Most travelers visit Cappadocia to experience riding in a hot air balloon. Let me guide you in how to plan your trip.
A Guide to Ephesus & Other Sites
One of Turkey's top attractions is the ancient city of Ephesus. Besides Ephesus, the city of Selçuk has many other amazing sites to offer visitors.
Is a Trip to Pamukkale Worth It?
Pamukkale, also known as the "Cotton Castle," is a place made up of natural hot springs that have brought travelers as far back as 400,0000 years ago, seeking the healing powers it provides to combat certain illnesses. Today, it is
Nostalgic Neighborhood Kuzguncuk
Kuzguncuk is a neighborhood outside of the city center of Istanbul. It is a neighborhood made of Jews, Greeks, Armenians, and Turks. The city is full of galleries, art studios, bakeries, boutiques, and everything in between.
Lockdown Activities
Turkey is under lockdown again! Although this is not new to me, I decided to create a list of activities that you can do while staying home.
Kadıköy’s Moda: Asian Side of Istanbul
On the Asian side of Istanbul is a dynamic neighborhood located on the Bosphorus Strait's southern tip and one of the oldest settlements of Kadıköy called Moda. Moda is a famous district with its nature, green spaces, streets lined with
The Silk Road to Bursa
For many people who visit Turkey, the highly sought-after destination is Istanbul. But as an expat living in Turkey, I saw many other cities in Turkey that I consider hidden gems. One of those cities is Bursa.
Sillyon: The Ancient City of Heroes
Located high up on a hill outside of Antalya city center is Sillyon, one of Pamphylia cities. It was considered one of the wealthiest cities of ancient times, thought to be discovered by heroes of the Trojan War.
5 Top Attractions at Galata Tower
Visiting the bustling city of Istanbul is so exciting. My favorite area is located at the Galata Tower offering museums, shops, historical places to visit and so much more.
Emirgan Park: Istanbul Tulip Garden
Beds of these once priceless flowers cascade down the winding paths and slopes, blanketing the banks of the Bosphorus with a wealth of color and vibrancy.
3 Day Road Trip to Isparta/Davraz Ski Resort/Eğirdir Lake
Eager to find snow we headed out on a three-day road trip to Davraz Ski Resort located in Isparta province. Nearby, Egirdir Lake and a side trip along the route to Lyrboton Kome Project.
Things to See and Do in Demre
Demre is a small city two hours east of Antalya, home to the original Santa Claus, long sandy beaches, the Ancient City of Myra, and Andriake Museum of the Lycian Civilization.
5 Cities to Visit Along the Black Sea
When visiting the Black Sea region of Turkey, make sure to stop at Unye, Giresun, Tirebolu, Trabzon a Rize. Interesting historical sites, delicious food, and stunning horiculture.
Riding the Nostalgic Trolley in Antalya
Within the heart of Antalya city center is a nostalgic trolley that explores Old Town Kaleici to Konyaalti Beach Park.
Earthquake Protocols for Expats
If you are an expat and new to living in Turkey it is wise to learn the protocols of an earthquake. They can come as a surprise!
The Essences of Turkish Tea
Turkish people love drinking tea. Tea became a popular drink shortly after the fall of the Ottoman Empire due to coffee being so expensive. Today, drinking tea is a form of generosity and friendship. Caykur is the most popular brand
Top 10 Places to Visit in Turkey
Turkey is a country filled with ancient history, stunning landscape, friendly people, and delicious cuisine. No matter where you travel in Turkey you will find something interesting to see or do. The top cities to visit in Turkey are
Avanos Pottery Village: Family Tradition
Avanos is famous for handicrafts that have been created here for generations, such as pottery and carpets. A visit to Chez Galip's pottery workshop to learn about the artwork and design of his family's pottery business.
Goreme Open Air Museum: Cappadocia
Cappadocia is one of the most popular cities in Turkey and home to the Open-Air Museum. This was home to nuns and monks who lived within the rock caves during the early Christian periods of Turkey, creating artwork to tell
Renting an Unfurnished Apartment in Turkey
I had so many questions when I started on this journey about how to go about renting. Here are some helpful tips on going about finding that perfect unfurnished apartment in Antalya.
Tips for Purchasing a Turkish Rug
Purchasing an authentic Turkish rug is determined by the materials used, the number of knots per square unit, and possibly a hidden signature in the pattern.
Gas Up Your Car in Turkey: An Expat Experience
After purchasing a car in Turkey it was time to stop at a gas station and fill-up. Turkey's gas stations are all full-service stations.
Phaselis: Ancient City and Beaches
Phaselis is of the most picturesque ancient cities in Turkey. Located on the east coast of Turkey was once a well-known port city with three harbors.
Ancient City of Termessos: Antalya
Hidden away in the piney forest, snugged along on the mountainside, is Termessos, an ancient city of ruins unlike any other in Turkey. This ancient city played an important role in history in how they were able to overcome being
Blooming Roses in Antalya
In May, the city of Antalya is in full bloom with roses in every shade. Turkish culture has shared a long history with roses.
Carpet Fields and Evdir Han in Dosemealti
Turkish carpets are spread across fields of land to sunbathe and gain their authentic coloring as well as tips for buying a Turkish rug. Nearby is the Evdir Han, one of the largest inns used during the 13th century.
Grocery Shopping in Turkey
Once I moved to Turkey, I had to learn how to grocery shop. I discovered choices are limited, aisles are narrower, and check-out lines are ready for customers.
Things To See and Do in Ormana
Ormana Village, nestled in the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, share the unique history of "button houses," blacksmith demonstration, weaving center, and Uzumdere National Park.
Turkish Tobacco: Samsun
Throughout the Black Sea region near Samsun, we discovered tobacco farming which produces 4% of the global tobacco products. Learn more about the growing and curing of Turkish (oriental) tobacco.
The Untouched Ancient City: Sagalassos
Sagalassos is a must-see attraction hidden away up in the mountains. This well-preserved ancient city will blow your mind with the architectural design and the detailed craftsmanship.
Paragliding in Ölüdeniz- A Thrill of a Lifetime!
Do you like adventure? Do you like to have a new experience in life? If you answered yes to either one of these questions, then you must try paragliding. New experiences, new adventures are what makes life enjoyable and memorable.
Hiking Saklikent Canyon & Gizlikent Waterfall
In the province of Mugla is Saklikent National Park and Gizlikent Waterfall. As you enter, walking across a suspended passageway, you can't help but notice the massive boulders and beautiful flora sprouting out of the rocks. Not far
The Turkish Riviera: Fethiye, Ölüdeniz & Much More
So much to see and do around Fethiye and Oludeniz. I share all tips and information in my blog from paragliding, enjoying white sandy beaches, walking through ancient city ruins, and taking riverboat tours.
Holiday Resort Town, Kemer
The lively resort town of Kemer is packed full of so many great things to do and see while on holiday. Relaxing on the beach, boating, snorkeling, hiking, swimming, or an evening stroll are many of the options available in
Manavgat Waterfall and Ancient City Lyrbe
Manavgat Waterfall is one of Antalya’s many natural wonders to see and enjoy. Nearby, see the ancient city of Lyrbe built during the 3rd century BC.
Picnic with Friends at Cennet Koyu Beach
Cennet Koyu Beach located near Kemer is a great place for a day to enjoy this lagoon tucked away among the trees. Relax and read a book, swim, snorkel, or sunbathe at Cennet Koyu Beach.
Fields of Lavender in Kuyucak Village
Visit the village Kuyucak, none for its lush fields of lavender. These purple hills of lavender bushes will take your breath away. The women of this community have created a destination for visitors around the world to come and
Gardening in Antalya
During these stressful times of the pandemic, gardening can be very therapeutic. Living in Antalya where the climate is perfect for growing plants we decided to create a beautiful garden of flowers in our backyard.
Is It Safe to Travel to Turkey?
Is it safe to travel to Turkey? Answering questions about the safety of traveling in Turkey. I feel confident you will enjoy your experience and discover Turkey.
Buying A Car As An Expat
Buying a car in Turkey is simple. The best car to purchase is a Peugeot 3008. Learn more about how to purchase a car as an expat in Turkey.
Day Trip To Chimaera and Olympus Beach
A day trip from Antalya to hike and see the flames at Chimaera and swim at Olympos Beach.
White Water Rafting Adventure: Köprülü Canyon
Do you love extreme sports? Does white water rafting sound like a fun activity for a Saturday afternoon? Koprulu Canyon has everything to offer for a fun day rafting.
6 Things to See in Karaalioglu Park
After arriving in Antalya, Turkey, one of the first places my husband and I visited was Karaalioglu Park. Karaalioglu Park is one of the largest parks in the Antalya province and is in Kaleici (Old Town) city center. This beautiful
Historical and Coastal City of Side, Turkey
My husband and I were eager to take an overnight trip to the ancient city of Side (pronounced Seede’) located northeast of Antalya. Other than having planned to see the ruins, we had no other plans or expectations of what
Visit 2 Ancient Cities of Aspendos and Perge
Turkey is an excellent place to visit if you love the history of the Greek and Roman Empires. Throughout Turkey there are numerous museums displaying artifacts of these historic empires, You’ll discover descriptions depicting the trials and tribulations of the
21 Attractions in Kaleici – Antalya
Kaleici, Antalya also referred to “Old Town Antalya” is the historical city center, which offers a majestic array of things to do while visiting Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. Most people think of turquoise water, sandy beaches, and cabanas, but this well-preserved
3 Day Excursion in Kas
When tourists think of Turkey, the first city that comes to mind is Istanbul or Cappadocia, but the southern coastline of Turkey is just as impressive. A picture-perfect town called Kaş (the “ş” is pronounced like “sh”) is located on
3 Must See Waterfalls in Antalya
The city of Antalya is surrounded by nature, from the turquoise coast of Mediterranean Sea to the lush green mountainside. Within the city are numerous parks that offer opportunities for people to enjoy the views of the landscape that lies