I am glad I ignored politics and took that trip

I went to on a trip to Turkey a couple of months ago. In a time when politics hit all time highs and presidents are called dictators a lot of people tell you not to go and call you crazy. I am still alive and didn't get arrested. The passport check in the airport was usual, expect for the double checking, once in the entrance and second time after check in.

I am from Europe and live in Germany right now, my mom and brother lives in Ireland, I don't see them often, so once a year we have decided to go on a vacation together. My mother is a free spirit and doesn't take politics or terrorists in consideration, she lives with the notion that our time comes when it comes. I don't really trust media and politics that much either.

And I am glad I don't, because we had an amazing trip to Antalya in all kinds of ways. Our hotel was an isolated resort that we spent most of our time in, it had everything a person needs with an all inclusive buffet. Yes, I did pack a couple of extra kilos on the trip, the food was amazing. They had an indoor and outdoor pools. My brother frequented both, because he didn't mind the chilly water in the late spring, but I settled for the indoors that was equipped with a juice bar and jacuzzi. The sauna was a charming addition.

We did all the outdoor activities in the last days, and those were amazing days indeed, the car we rented took as all the way to ancient Myra, a mountain top and local waterfalls that had incredible view and atmosphere. We got to stand under falling water, we rode a cable car that took us 2000 meters high in the clouds, and explored ancient tombs in the evening. To top it all off, the road we were using was providing us a sea view all the 400 kilometers to Myra.

And on the last day we finally visited Antalya, it turns out it is one of the nicest and friendliest cities I have ever been to. Of course in the markets they are trying to sell you anything, maybe even their own mother, but we learned to show no interest and most would not try to start trowing sales pitches. They have amazing street food and it is very affordable. Being a European brought us a positive surprise when we learned that everybody accepts euro.

We had an amazing lunch at the waterfront and there were cats walking around all the time, nobody seemed to mind. Then there were dogs without leashes that were laying in the shadow next to their owners and again, nobody seemed to mind, it really left an impression of harmony and peace, only the buzzing streets reminded us of the huge city we were in.

The tourism industry in Turkey has suffered, but we enjoyed our time there, it was a different culture I was excited to learn about, and turns out the Antalya is much like so many other cities, buzzing with people and various establishments like restaurants , mosques and markets.

Best of wishes to you and your family, and of course have a great day, week and most importantly, life.
Linda