It’s official – I’m moving to Turkey in a month. You may or may not have noticed, but my blogs are a bit backed up – yes, I’m still blogging about the Transsiberian, and yes, that took place last winter (hey, I didn’t bring my laptop with me for an entire 5 months of travel, so really it’s no wonder I’m so far behind) – but I figured I should keep up to date with my current travels as well. So! I’ve decided to go live in Turkey for awhile.
And I’m moving there because…
1. I love where it is on a map of the world.
It’s in the middle of everything. I’m fascinated by how it’s situated at the crossroads of three different continents. Europe to the northwest, Asia to the east, Africa to the southwest. Not to mention the Middle East as a close neighbour.
Turkey is actually bordered by eight countries: Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, and Syria. Of the eight, I’ve only been to one. So you know what that means! More inspiration to travel around (as if I needed another reason!).
It’s surrounded by water. The Mediterranean Sea and Cyprus are to the south. The Aegean Sea is to the west. The Black Sea is to the north. The Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus, and the Dardanelles, combined together to create the Turkish Straits, separate Europe from Asia. I like water. Water in mysterious far-off lands is even higher on my scale of “like”. Way high.
2. I have a small obsession with Turkish Kebabs.
And I want to find out if they really exist in the motherland. If they do, I will probably never leave.
Turkish Kebabs in Seoul
3. I found a job.
I struggled with this for a bit, because I’m taking a serious pay cut moving here. I’ve been working in South Korea, and the wages here as an English teacher are excellent. But money comes and goes. I don’t need to make a fortune. If I can make enough to get by and, at the same time, experience a rad new culture, why wouldn’t I go?
4. I’ve never been.
The closest I’ve been to Turkey is Greece. And that for sure doesn’t count.
5. I’m going to be in England anyway.
One of my best friends is getting married in England at the beginning of September. So I’m leaving Korea on the weekend and making my way to Europe for this festive occasion. In terms of distance from Korea and distance back to Vancouver, Turkey is a lot closer. I’ll basically be there already. ^^
6. I am fascinated by the culture and the history (and am profoundly impressed by this guy’s moustache).
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
Turkey is one of the oldest continuously inhabited regions in the world. The earliest Neolithic settlements are considered to be among the earliest human settlements in the whole world. That’s rad. And the country has a very diverse culture that blends elements of Oguz Turkic, Anatolian, Ottoman and Western culture, which I see as sort-of an “East meets West” type thing.
But mostly because this man is responsible for founding the country. And how can you not want to be in a country whose founder had a marvelously hairy and exceedingly striking upper lip decoration?
7. I’ve never lived in a Muslim country.
I have lived inside a Christian church. I have lived in the attic of a farmhouse. I have never lived in a Muslim country. And, damnit, it’s about time I do.
Yongin, South Korea
8. I’m about ready to leave Korea.
Not because I don’t love it here. Because I do. The food, the people, my amazing students. But as much as I love a monsoon season that lasts for 3 months in the summer, and as much as I rejoice in the humidity as I sweat through my fourth shower of the day, I’m ready for a change. I’ll miss it – I always do. And I’ll come back again, I’m sure. But life is short, and a new adventure is nigh. =^.^=
9. I can.
I’m moving to Turkey. I’m moving to Turkey because I can. And do I really need a better reason than that? ^^
Soon to be new home. :)
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Amazing amazing amazing! I’m greatly looking forward to your continued adventures, as you have time to write about them.
Have a wonderful time!
It should be a fun new experience. ^^ Thanks for the comment! Happy adventuring :)
Woo hoo, more adventure. I spent 4 or 5 weeks there, 10 years ago, during my first big trip overseas and it still ranks as one of my Top 3 destination (along with Nepal & Vietnam). Turkey is truly an outstanding place; the beautiful architecture, the colourful history, the flavordul food, the people, oooh the people…ok, actually the people can be a bit annoying, but, for the most part they mean well. You’re going to wind up asking yourself, “Honestly, why can’t they just take no for an answer and how many times do these people expect me to drink tea in one day?!”. It’s not just about tea, remember to try the turkish coffee as well; THAT will put hair your chest. Guaranteed!
Coffee or no coffee, we’re all looking forward to seeing your Turkish updates. Gooood luck!
PS. You know what the scariest thing about the Siberian wilderness is? No, not that there is a nomadic tribe of half-man-half-yak hybrids on loose. It’s that apparently there is little or no internet access, which means I wouldn’t be able to check facebook on my iPhone, which means I’d be toootally screwed, which means I should probably enter a 12 step program as soon as possible.
Amazing! I’ve heard that about the people – I’ve also heard they’re very charismatic. And EEP! The coffee? I’m a little afraid, haha.
So did you have a favourite place in Turkey? Anything you would recommend seeing/doing for someone who’s never been?
And the Siberian wilderness, man, I couldn’t agree more! I went for months without my laptop, and the time I spent in Siberia was the worst for internet connection. I should have eased myself into it with a 12 step program too, haha. Good luck with that! ;)
after reading this post I’m growing a mustache.
Kev, that’s all I could ever hope for. ;)
Just amazing! Too bad we couldnt meet up in Europe when i went there!! your travels sound soo amazing…might need to get my next destination off of your brain!!
I agree! We’ll have to swing something soon. Maybe we can find a place neither of us have been yet! ;)
Awesome! Such a cool decision. I visited Istanbul last year and it was a pretty darn good time. Very cosmopolitan. Looking forward to your updates!
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Thanks Claire! I can’t wait for the new change! Glad to hear you liked it :) I might have to pick your brain for some advice on things to do/see while I’m there!
That’s so awesome! Congratulations on the job! (even if it is a paycut). Turkey-that’s so exciting! I look forward to reading about it :)
Thanks Faith! It should be fun. A new adventure at any rate, and what’s better than that, right? ;) Thanks for the comment!
Welcome! I moved here a year ago, and for many of the same reasons! Love your list. Are you living in Istanbul or somewhere else? I am teaching English in Izmir, if you are coming this way make sure and say hi!
Oh that’s excellent! I’ll have to pick your brain for sure!! I’m moving to Yalova – I guess it’s about an hour ferry ride from Istanbul? Like I said, I’ve never been – I only hear it’s a small city. I’m looking forward to a change of pace from Seoul’s city of 23 million people ;)
Are you flying there from Korea? Any chance you found an awesomely cheap flight? I’d love to visit a friend of mine in Istanbul this winter, but all of the airfare is so expensive…!!
Excited to read about your new adventures :)
Hey Naomi! I’ve not flown direct to Istanbul… I had a friend’s wedding to attend on the 4th of September in England, and now I’m spending 2 weeks hiking across the country with my parents. My flight cost from Korea-London was $600 (I used kayak.com), and my flight from Manchester-Istanbul was about $150 (again, kayak.com). Prices are one-way. Good luck, and I hope you get a chance to visit your friend!! Enjoy Korea… I miss it already!! :)
Hey there,
I am teaching (my second year) in Seoul as well, and have been thinking about teaching in Turkey next as well. If you don’t mind me asking, did you find your job on Dave’s? How did you check out the school you signed on with? Compared to Korea, it seems there is a dearth of travel blogs, etc about Turkey. Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Ahimsa
Ahimsa recently posted… Why I want to travel to Norway right now
Hey! I agree, there’s definitely a dearth of information about teaching in Turkey. I found my job on eslemployment.com, but verified it with other sources etc., before signing on. It’s a pay cut from Korea, mind. But I’m excited for a change of scenery!! And I’ll try to blog a lot about what it’s like, once I’m there, too. ;) Thanks for the comment!
Thanks! I’m looking forward to hearing about how things go there.
Cheers!
Ahimsa recently posted… Photo of the Week: In the Town, Where I was Born….
Thanks Ahimsa! I’ll do my best to post often!! :)
Hi VagoBlond. Just come across your blog and stoked to hear you are joining us here in Turkey. You are going to love it here and the kebabs are even better!
Natalie recently posted… Altinkum Boat Trips – A Lazy Day Cruising
Hi Natalie! I’m afraid you’re absolutely right. I’ve just arrived in Turkey and the food is exactly as good as I was afraid it would be! Whereabouts are you living? This place is some sort of incredible, isn’t it. :)
Good for you! Do it while you can and enjoy it. I spent a long weekend in Istanbul and loved it-would love to spend more time in the rest of the country though.
Claire recently posted… Philadelphia, I Love You
I’ve been reading your blog for the last 4 days. Its like reading a book.
Ha ha, really? Thanks? ;)
Hi! I’m moving to Turkey (Gaziantep) in August. Any tips on what to pack?