Roses, Ruins and Turkish Delight

As I stepped off the train, I spotted my new Turkish friends running toward me with huge smiles, arms waving in excitement. I had finally arrived in Ankara — and I could already tell this was going to be a vacation I’d never forget.

They whisked me away to their home, insisting we eat first. Little did I know they had prepared a full welcome feast and even invited more friends to celebrate my arrival. The table was bursting with flavor: a variety of meze — creamy dips, fresh salads, and small appetizers — followed by tender lamb kebabs, fluffy white rice, and finally, homemade baklava. Layers of crisp filo, crunchy nuts, and sweet honey… it was divine. I was speechless. At that moment, I felt deeply welcomed and incredibly grateful.

We’d met months earlier in Bansko during our Erasmus program, and I already knew visiting them again would mean unforgettable memories and nonstop laughter. They were warm, hospitable, and eager to show me every corner of Turkey’s capital.

Their home sat on a large hill overlooking the entire city, so naturally our first stop was the nearby park overflowing with vibrant pink roses. The view was mesmerizing — the kind of sight that stays with you forever.

We decided to check out the Anitkabir, a large, monumental hall. Essentially, it’s both a memorial and a symbol of Turkish history and national pride.

Afterwards, we wandered through the city center and into a sprawling bazaar filled with local treasures: patterned carpets, sparkling jewelry, colorful souvenirs, and endless handmade goods. The tiny, winding streets climbed up the hill, lined with small, family-owned shops. Exploring every corner with my funny, upbeat friends made it even more magical.

The markets reminded me of the bustling souks I had seen in Morocco and Israel — the same vibrant energy, lively vendors, and a touch of mystery. It felt straight out of one of my childhood favorite Disney movies, Aladdin. A little chaotic, a little enchanting, and absolutely unforgettable.

Our next stop was a place that looked strikingly similar to the Colosseum in Rome, and I loved every moment of exploring it. As we wandered around taking group selfies and soaking in the atmosphere, I spun in a full 360° circle and was greeted by a sweeping panorama of the entire city. The view was unforgettable. Because this spot is less known to tourists, it felt peaceful — mostly locals chatting, strolling, and enjoying the day.

I only had two days in Ankara, so the next morning one of my friends took me to a small Turkish restaurant for a simple but delicious lunch. We ordered fresh vegetable salads with grilled chicken, chatted, laughed, and enjoyed our time together. Afterwards, they showed me their university — just five minutes away — before we headed back home to rest for a bit.

Later, we went out again for juice and, of course, Turkish coffee — a staple of local culture. Brewed using a centuries-old method, it’s thick, strong, and rich, with a flavor you don’t forget. I absolutely loved it.

That evening, the nightlife in Ankara was buzzing. Crowds filled the streets, chatting, walking, and enjoying the warm night air. Music drifted from every direction — a mix of Turkish and American hits — and some places were packed with people dancing and having the time of their lives. The vibe felt surprisingly familiar, almost like the lively scenes I’ve seen in many Western cities.

We strolled around for a while, soaking it all in, and eventually decided to head home. I needed to wake up early the next morning for my trip back to Istanbul.

The next day, I set off for Istanbul with Antalya waiting right after. I was buzzing with excitement, though part of me felt sad to say goodbye to my new friends. We had such an amazing time together, and I didn’t want our adventure to end.

I took a bus to Istanbul, and the moment I arrived, I was greeted by a very handsome stranger with the most striking eyes I had ever seen. Something inside me immediately trusted him — almost as if the universe had sent my own personal bodyguard right to my feet. It was evening, already dark, and I still needed to find my hostel.

I had booked a simple but beautiful hostel with glowing reviews and an incredible view of the city. I had a feeling I’d love it. The stranger, curious and friendly, asked me a dozen questions and offered to help me find my way. He pulled out his phone, found the route, and assured me it was a short walk. As we strolled through the lively streets, we talked, and I learned he was studying accounting and planned to go into business with his father. He was polite, warm, and effortlessly charming. I felt completely safe with him.

He walked me all the way to my hostel, and before parting ways, we exchanged contact information. We agreed to meet the following day to take a ferry to Büyükada — the largest of the Princes’ Islands, floating just across the water from Istanbul.

My hostel did not disappoint. It was affordable, cozy, and the rooftop view was stunning — the kind of view that makes you stop and breathe it all in. I ate breakfast there the next morning, savoring the peaceful solitude. But it didn’t last long — after all, I was about to meet my prince charming.

We reunited, chatted, and boarded the ferry.

Büyükada — A Dream Just Off the Coast

Büyükada feels like stepping into a peaceful dream just minutes away from Istanbul’s chaos. When you arrive, the first thing you notice is the quiet hum of island life — no cars, no honking taxis, only bicycles, soft footsteps, electric carts, and the rhythmic whisper of waves along the shore.

The island is wrapped in shimmering turquoise water, and the coastline is dotted with charming wooden mansions in whites, blues, and faded pinks. Many are draped in bougainvillea that cascades down like waterfalls of purple and fuchsia.

The narrow streets twist and wind under tall pine trees, their fresh scent filling the air. As you climb uphill, the sea disappears behind rooftops, replaced by breathtaking viewpoints where the Marmara Sea sparkles endlessly below.

The beaches are peaceful and understated, framed by rocks and wooden sunbathing decks. Seagulls cry overhead, children laugh near the shore, and everything slows down — as if the island has its own gentle heartbeat.

In the center of town, bakeries scent the air with warm simit, and cozy cafés invite you to sit, sip Turkish tea, and watch the world drift lazily by.

Büyükada is nostalgia, nature, and calm woven together — every corner feels like a postcard.

I loved everything about the day, including our conversations. He was respectful, sweet, and easy to talk to. We picked up some food from a local market and hiked up to a mountain overlooking the sea for a picnic. It was the kind of day you replay in your mind long after it’s over.

When we parted, I headed to a nearby gym for a workout — exactly what my body needed. I love working out when I travel, and the gym was small but had everything I wanted.

Afterwards, I wandered the streets of my neighborhood, soaking in the atmosphere. I stumbled into a warm, cozy pastry shop where I ordered Turkish coffee and sampled a handful of delicious pastries. By then I was tired, so I headed back to the hostel to prepare for my next destination.

Antalya was calling.

Antalya felt like stepping into a sun-drenched chapter of a brand-new adventure. I arrived after a smooth flight and checked into my Airbnb, which honestly looked more like a chic Mediterranean resort than someone’s rental. Everything was bright white — the walls, the furniture, even the little details — giving the entire place this dreamy, peaceful glow. In the center was a sparkling pool wrapped in palm trees and soft lounge chairs, and the whole atmosphere felt like a private escape. I immediately knew these two days were going to be special.

Most of my time in Antalya was spent wandering through the local markets and small boutique stores, soaking in the colors, scents, and flavors of the city. Everywhere I turned, there were vibrant displays of fresh fruits, handmade crafts, and aromatic spices that seemed to dance in the warm air. I tried different foods — juicy grilled meats, sweet pastries, and refreshing cold drinks — savoring every bite like a little celebration.

In the late afternoon, I took a long walk along the beach. The Mediterranean shimmered in shades of deep turquoise and gold, and the warm sand felt like velvet beneath my feet. Waves rolled in gently, and the sun hung low, turning everything soft and amber. It was one of those peaceful, grounding moments that make you forget everything except the present.

The next day, curiosity pulled me to explore the other side of the beach, so I took a short car ride — and suddenly it felt like I had stepped into a different world. This part of Antalya carried a strong Russian influence. Russian music played from beach bars and cafés, signs were written in Cyrillic, and the whole vibe was electric, lively, and a little unexpected. I rented a cabana for the day, sank into the cushions, and simply let myself melt into the sunshine. The waiters were warm, cheerful, and treated everyone like long-lost friends.

At one point, out of nowhere, a group of goats came trotting across the beach as if they owned the place. It was so unexpected that I burst into laughter — a tiny, funny moment that made the whole day even more memorable.

My time in Antalya was easy, carefree, and exactly what my spirit needed. Sun, sea, delicious food, and random goats… what more could I ask for? When evening came, I returned to my whitewashed Airbnb, packed my bags, and prepared for the next chapter of my Turkish adventure — feeling full, rested, and grateful.