Turkey Explored

A documented journey through Turkey and the trail life stories in moments.
Shot on a Canon 5d MKIII w/ 50mm
Zaynel Sushil —  Photo & Content at Feature 93.

Have you ever seen pictures or heard stories of a place so timeless that being there felt like you were in another time. A place that seemed so incredible yet so far away that you turned your entire reason for existing to experience it, to live. For a long time I’ve had this feeling about Constantinople now known as Istanbul. The city has its own code of architecture, literature, poetry, music and much more there is something magical about this place.

When I made the decision to travel, I really thought it would be a solo mission something like ‘eat pray love’ but to save time planning my trip, time which I did not have I opted to join a tour group with Topdeck tours.

I had an interesting first day arriving in Istanbul. My luggage decided to follow me on another flight this is what happens when you take 3 connecting flights. There are two easy ways to get out of the airport either by metro or taxi. The metro system costs only $1.50NZD the stop you could get off at is Aksaray Station which is in the old city. This is where all the historic sights are like Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace. The night life is chill but plenty of food places to try out. The new city which is across the bridge (you’ll know which bridge I mean) is also incredible. If I had to describe it in a few words this would be it; tech, culture, desserts, coffee and clubs – every hipsters playground.  Travel smart tip of the day I would recommend staying 2 nights in the old City and 2 nights in the new City, the hotels themselves can be quite an experience many of them have open air roof tops with epic views.

Coastal cities like Antalya and Kusadasi are paradise, hidden gems that even I didn’t know about, if you’re in Turkey then these places should be on your to do list. Obviously there was one particular highlight hot air ballooning over Cappadocia, nothing I write would ever do this place justice.

75 Million People live in Turkey, random conversations with locals gave me an idea of what life was like. People showed a genuine sense of humility, courage and faith in a better tomorrow. There’s always risk but risk is everywhere in the world it should never stop you from doing what you love. The people of Turkey showed me how they live and in doing so I lived one of my greatest dreams, thank you Turkey.