Travel Series: Turkey

Jan 21, 2017
6 min read

Before traveling to Turkey, I really hadn't thought much about the country nor did I have the desire to visit. I played a year of professional tennis, and there were some tournaments that took my husband and I to Antalya, Turkey for about a month. Boy am I glad we got the chance to visit such a beautiful country, especially during such a controversial time. I felt safe the entire time we were there, and the people were friendly despite the language barrier. They were curious just like we were, as we walked around snapping pictures and gawking at the different cultural exchanges taking place all around us. I will never forget walking around the quaint town, in shorts and being stared at like I was some kind of specimen under a microscope. I learned a lot of valuable lessons in Turkey..

I got to play a lot of tennis and my husband Levi got to wrestle too ironically. He wrestled for Boise State and was one of the best 141 pounders in the nation. Wrestlers are known for their cauliflower ear and they are easily spotted. We were walking on the beach in Antalya after practice was done for the day, and just like that we were surrounded by men motioning for Levi to "wrestle" one of them on the beach. He automatically waved his hand, and said no, no its okay. He was being modest and did not want to hurt anyone, plus he doesn't like to wrestle around with strangers.. Well they insisted, and would NOT leave us alone.. so he squared up with a guy and threw him to his back in what felt like a half second. They cheered, and motioned for more.......

He said no. They thanked him, and we were on our way. Until the next morning at breakfast, Levi felt a tap on his shoulder at the cafeteria we were eating at in our hotel. He turned around to a handheld video camera in his face and a HUGE wrestler wanting him and I to "come with him." My first instinct was to RUN, haha. After my fight or flight urge left me, we tried to communicate with a translator and hand signals. Sure enough he wanted Levi to come and wrestle with his "Team" at a different hotel about 45 minutes from ours. Well.... when in Rome? We went with him, because he really did look like a legit wrestler.

We jumped in their Eurovan, and drove to the hotel that the team was practicing at. After handing over our passports to the hotel, we were let in. I was so nervous about letting my passport go ( I do not advise it). Lo and behold there is a team of wrestlers practicing in a piping hot room, when it dawned on Levi. He had been invited to wrestle with Turkey's Olympic Team. It was an absolute blast, and he had a great workout with all of the guys. That team went onto the London Olympics in 2012 not too long after that. What a great experience it was. We were welcomed into Turkey that day. Below is a picture of Levi and his partner that day.

Tips and Basics

Get A Visa

You will need to apply for a 30-day visa before you go to Turkey, and to get one simply visit this website. You will not even get to baggage claim without a Visa, so it is a very important first step!

Dress Formally

Don't wear shorts or a tank top in public unless you want to get treated like a foreigner and stared at. Cover up, wear long pants and a long sleeve out of respect to their culture and religious beliefs. It also gives you a chance to shop locally, and purchase a few clothing items native to the country. You don't have to cover your head (unless you plan to visit a mosque) , but try and fit in if at all possible. It was hot when we were there, and I was playing a lot of tennis so I was constantly in my workout clothing at the tennis club. This tip is for when you are out in their towns and cities, especially if you are visiting tourist sites. By showing more respect to their culture, you will get respect in return.

Tone It Down

In the USA, it is socially acceptable to run up to someone and give them a hug. You can raise your voice, and be very eccentric without people thinking twice. Over in Turkey, it is best to be a little more socially conservative. Do not smile at men (if you are a woman), and only shake their hands if you meet them for the first time. Again, respect the culture. It is much different than in the United States. I am not saying to "not be yourself" just tone it down a little, and show respect to their culture.

Pack Your Own Toilet Paper

Sounds gross, I'm sorry. You will really thank me later for this one though. Here in the USA, toilet paper usually is in every public restroom. In Turkey, you will not find that luxury. Pack Wet Wipes, or a few packs of Kleenex in your purse/day pack and that will get you through with no problems!

Learn Some Turkish Words

Have fun with this one, and give it your best shot. We bought a book, and had it on hand to try and speak with the locals. It was pretty funny, but we tried and they appreciated us for it.

Hello: Merhaba (Mehr-hah-ba)

Good Morning/Good Day: Günaydın (gew-nahy-Duhn)

Good Evening: İyi akşamlar (EE ahk-shahm-LAHR)

Goodbye: Allaha ısmarladık (ah-LAHS-mahr-lah-duhk)

Please: Lütfen (Lewt-fehn)

Thank You: Mersi (Mer-see)

Be Smart

You are in a foreign country, and you are being watched whether you like it or not. I don't mean to scare you, but watch your personal belongings, and your back. Be aware of your surroundings, and do not get into vehicles, buses, or trains if you have a bad feeling or are uncomfortable. There will be other means of transportation. Do not assume everything and everyone is safe. World politics are happening, and there are real world issues going on beyond the TV screen. Be aware of any political unrest going on in the cities around you, especially if you are traveling to the Middle East.

The Currency

No, they do not have dollars and cents. They have Turkish Lira! To find out the conversion rates, click here. Whenever I go to another country, I always get my currency at my local bank in the city I reside. I have mentioned this in other travel series posts, and will keep on saying it because it is important! Keep some of the currency as a souvenir for when you get home. Foreign money is a great keepsake!

What To Do In ISTANBUL

-Hagia Sophia

Museum with glittering mosaics of Biblical scenes in vast, domed former Byzantine church and mosque.

-Grand Bazaar

Historic sprawling network of indoor souks & market streets peddling leather, jewelry & gifts.

-Sultan Ahmed Mosque

Well-known site, also known as the Blue Mosque, built in 1616 & containing its founder's tomb.

-Topkapı Palace

Huge, opulent 15th-century palace, occupied by sultans for 400 years, housing Ottoman treasures.

-Blue Mosque

-Taksim Square

What To Eat

I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious the food in Turkey was. The meat that they served with rice and different spices has me wishing I could transport myself there now. Below is a list of foods that you need to try if you venture to Turkey!

Turkish Delight- Real authentic Turkish delight will dominate any sugary fake imitations you have experienced elsewhere. We were hooked.
İskender Kebab- Thinly sliced meat with spices from heaven. I can smell it now. It is usually served with yogurt, and pita style bread.
Manti- Turkish Ravioli
Mezze- Pretty much a combination of meatballs, rice, salad, and yogurt on the side naturally.
Baklava- Need I say more?
Shish-Kebab: The original Kebab- they were so yummy. Usually either lamb, beef, or chicken.
Gözleme: They are similar to quesadillas. You can have them with spinach, cheese, potatoes, or meat. We had some with cinnamon, sugar, and butter too!
Dondurma: TURKISH Icecream. I must confess we ate this daily.

Overall, just have fun and be ready to explore. Hit all of the musts above when you are in Istanbul, and then get with locals that you trust. You can really learn a lot about a culture by just being around the people who live there on a daily basis! Embrace Turkey for everything it offers!

Go See The World!

xoxo Lauren Nicole