I want to pen down my thoughts and feelings before the memories and excitement from the trip fade away.
First question, "Why the next big trip?". Initially, I wanted to plan for a trip with my bestest-best-of-friend. And what a better combination than together with my best friend, and bestest-best-of-friend's best friend? (Oh this is quite a mouth full!!). Besides, a quartet seemed like the most ideal number for traveling (such as hiring a cab and sharing rooms).
Next, to answer a common question, 'Why Turkey?'. To do that, we have to first understand the process in which we derived with this destination. Initially, we wanted to visit Greece, with a stopover at Istanbul. Unfortunately, winter wasn't exactly the best time to visit Greece. Most of the hotels and shops on the Greek Islands are closed in winter. The ferries are also less frequent during these months. On the other hand, Turkey is still a nice place to visit in winter. We asked ourselves, "Why not?" and decided to do a full trip to Turkey.
Yes, why not? Turkey is a country rich in culture and history. From the pagan Hittites in the 18th century BCE, the Greeks and Persians in 1200 BC, the Romans Byzantium era in 324 CE, the Seljuk Ottoman empire, to the modern day Republic, traces of them can be found across the land. In another words, there are many things to be seen, to be discovered, to immense ourselves in.
So after weeks of preparation (reading and planning), it was really fulfilling to be able to stick closely to our itinerary and completed this trip. Personally, I felt am proud of this little accomplishment.
True enough, as what is said in most guide books, Turks are very friendly people. Throughout the trip, with exception of a couple of businessmen, we met many friendly people who readily helped us and initiated conversations with us. From Mr Murat of the Whirling Dervish, Mr Bohan the ski instructor, the nice people at the restaurant on our way to Uludağ, Mr Heart-Broken at Selçuk, Mr Policeman at Ankara eating house, to Mr Assassin-lookalike-gentle-giant on Ankara-Istanbul Fatih Express, just to name a few. They all left great impressions for us and made the trip extra special. Each is an interesting story for us to share with you.
From people to food: we got used to having Turkish tea for every meal, French loaf for breakfast, Döner kebab for dinner, Durum for snacks. Yet, we still missed the local Singapore food. Steam fish and Thai fragrance rice were both sorely missed. While Turkish food is really delicious and economical, I would prefer more variety of greens and other styles of cooking with less strain on my taste buds.
The network of inter-city buses is very impressive. The cheap, convenient, comfortable and punctual bus services make traveling around the bigger cities really easy. I can remember the many nights on these buses, and getting accustomed to being served with tea and biscuits on these buses. After spending several nights on the buses, it wasn't that comfortable after all. But really, what more can we ask for?
From ancient cities and ruins, the fairy chimneys, underground cities, lavishly decorated palaces, ancient frescoes, citadel on the hill, old mosques, snow mountains and sea, the river in between, to the cotton castle, Turkey offered us many beautiful sights. It is difficult for me to choose my favourite, but I think the landscape in Cappadocia is truly outta this world. Tho' the one part of the trip I will never forget is the Cotton Castle of Pamukkale, especially the downhill walk in the night. One of the happiest and most fun moment of the trip for me. Of course, crapping and singing on the streets of Hisar is unforgettable too. =)
While I seen, heard, ate, learned, and experienced many things, somehow I got a feeling there is something I got back, which I will discover only after a long time... It is something which comes together with the fond memories and beautiful photographs. Perhaps it is that building block of bond, we had unknowingly pieced together, and only time can tell the difference!
So, when is The NEXT NEXT BIG TRIP?
First question, "Why the next big trip?". Initially, I wanted to plan for a trip with my bestest-best-of-friend. And what a better combination than together with my best friend, and bestest-best-of-friend's best friend? (Oh this is quite a mouth full!!). Besides, a quartet seemed like the most ideal number for traveling (such as hiring a cab and sharing rooms).
Next, to answer a common question, 'Why Turkey?'. To do that, we have to first understand the process in which we derived with this destination. Initially, we wanted to visit Greece, with a stopover at Istanbul. Unfortunately, winter wasn't exactly the best time to visit Greece. Most of the hotels and shops on the Greek Islands are closed in winter. The ferries are also less frequent during these months. On the other hand, Turkey is still a nice place to visit in winter. We asked ourselves, "Why not?" and decided to do a full trip to Turkey.
Yes, why not? Turkey is a country rich in culture and history. From the pagan Hittites in the 18th century BCE, the Greeks and Persians in 1200 BC, the Romans Byzantium era in 324 CE, the Seljuk Ottoman empire, to the modern day Republic, traces of them can be found across the land. In another words, there are many things to be seen, to be discovered, to immense ourselves in.
So after weeks of preparation (reading and planning), it was really fulfilling to be able to stick closely to our itinerary and completed this trip. Personally, I felt am proud of this little accomplishment.
True enough, as what is said in most guide books, Turks are very friendly people. Throughout the trip, with exception of a couple of businessmen, we met many friendly people who readily helped us and initiated conversations with us. From Mr Murat of the Whirling Dervish, Mr Bohan the ski instructor, the nice people at the restaurant on our way to Uludağ, Mr Heart-Broken at Selçuk, Mr Policeman at Ankara eating house, to Mr Assassin-lookalike-gentle-giant on Ankara-Istanbul Fatih Express, just to name a few. They all left great impressions for us and made the trip extra special. Each is an interesting story for us to share with you.
From people to food: we got used to having Turkish tea for every meal, French loaf for breakfast, Döner kebab for dinner, Durum for snacks. Yet, we still missed the local Singapore food. Steam fish and Thai fragrance rice were both sorely missed. While Turkish food is really delicious and economical, I would prefer more variety of greens and other styles of cooking with less strain on my taste buds.
The network of inter-city buses is very impressive. The cheap, convenient, comfortable and punctual bus services make traveling around the bigger cities really easy. I can remember the many nights on these buses, and getting accustomed to being served with tea and biscuits on these buses. After spending several nights on the buses, it wasn't that comfortable after all. But really, what more can we ask for?
From ancient cities and ruins, the fairy chimneys, underground cities, lavishly decorated palaces, ancient frescoes, citadel on the hill, old mosques, snow mountains and sea, the river in between, to the cotton castle, Turkey offered us many beautiful sights. It is difficult for me to choose my favourite, but I think the landscape in Cappadocia is truly outta this world. Tho' the one part of the trip I will never forget is the Cotton Castle of Pamukkale, especially the downhill walk in the night. One of the happiest and most fun moment of the trip for me. Of course, crapping and singing on the streets of Hisar is unforgettable too. =)
While I seen, heard, ate, learned, and experienced many things, somehow I got a feeling there is something I got back, which I will discover only after a long time... It is something which comes together with the fond memories and beautiful photographs. Perhaps it is that building block of bond, we had unknowingly pieced together, and only time can tell the difference!
So, when is The NEXT NEXT BIG TRIP?
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