Turkey - The east of the west and the west of the east

Turkey is truly the east of the west and the west of the east. It is ancient yet modern, European yet Asian, it is exciting, pulsating and thrilling yet there is a calmness to it that is baffling.

Some of my observations of Turkey:

• It is a safe country especially for women travellers. Of course, you will have men trying to chat you up but they are harmless if you know how to take care of yourself.
• It is quite clean.
• Toilets are easily available everywhere even if they are squat toilets.
• The food is awesome and cheap. Lots of options for vegetarians. Very healthy food.
• Infrastructure is quite good. Many airports for the same city / town thus offering options to travellers.
• Lots of history, natural beauty and culture.
• People seemed happy in general. 

My trip included a visit to the following cities:

• Istanbul - the commercial capital of Turkey located on the mighty Bosphorus. It used to be called Constantinople. Is a vibrant metropolis that is very large. 3 days is the minimum required to get an essence of this city as there is lots to see and do. And it is one that you will want to return to.

The beautiful Hagia Sofia

• Cappadocia - a unique geographic area with its volcanic rock formations. A refuge for the early Christians who fled here and thrived.

The fairy chimneys

• A hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is a "must do" and a once in a lifetime experience.

• Pamukkale which are the limestone terraces in the ancient city of Hierapolis.

The limestone terraces of Pamukkale

The ancient ruins of Hierapolis

• Ephesus where the remnants of one of the ancient wonders of the world - The Temple of Artemis - remains as well as the House of the Virgin Mary, special to the Christians.

The ancient library at Ephesus which was the 3rd largest at the time.

The ruins of the Temple of Artemis

• The seaside town of Kusadasi where one can take a sunset cruise in the bay or soak up the sun on the beach or party till dusk at the many pubs.

The beautiful coastline

The freedom monument

Turkey is a country I will definitely return to as I would like to visit....

• Troy which was a legendary city that flourished until the establishment of Constantinople and declined gradually during the Byzantine era.
• Pergamon which was the capital city during the Hellinistic period.
• Bodrum was the site of one of the ancient wonders of the world - the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus and is now famous for a 15th century castle built by the Crusaders.
• The Aegean coast because it is so beautiful.