The ancient Derinkuyu underground city stands as a remarkable example of human ingenuity when lives were at risk. Located in Turkey’s Cappadocia region, this vast network of tunnels and chambers extends roughly 100 meters below the surface. Centuries ago, when invaders threatened the area, residents retreated underground and remained there until it was safe to … Read more

Last week I discovered Expedia’s World on a Plate Challenge and decided to take part. Every month the challenge highlights a different country and invites bloggers to prepare a dish from that destination. For April the featured country was Turkey, so I chose to try making Turkish pide. I don’t usually cook much. As a … Read more

During my time in Turkey I became accustomed to seeing women wearing headscarves. Many younger women wear scarves that show the face while covering the hair, and some have even turned this into a fashionable look often described as “Islamic chic.” It is so common that I rarely give it a second thought, and on … Read more

I love caffeine. I drink it often and sometimes have more than six cups of Nescafe in a day. I’ll top that off with a can of Red Bull on occasion, and when I overdo it I sometimes have to lie down with a caffeine headache. I once tried to quit caffeine and found I … Read more

Many visitors to Turkey head straight to Istanbul or the sun-soaked resorts of the Turquoise Coast. Both are wonderful, but there is much more to discover for travelers who want deeper cultural and historical experiences beyond the main tourist sites. From Roman ruins to preserved Ottoman towns, Turkey is rich in heritage architecture and intriguing … Read more

If one phrase sums up Amasra, it’s “a hidden gem.” That may sound like a cliché, but Amasra genuinely surprises visitors with its charm once you arrive. Amasra is a small coastal town in Bartın Province on Turkey’s Black Sea coast. It makes a delightful and convenient stop on a Black Sea road trip. Because … Read more

Istanbul is Turkey’s most visited city, a place of deep history and vibrant contemporary life. Its streets reveal layers of cultures, art, cuisine and architecture, making it an endlessly rewarding destination for repeat visitors and first-timers alike. While many guides focus on classic attractions—the Grand Bazaar, the Ottoman palaces, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque—there’s … Read more

Thirty-three villages in the Beypazari district of Turkey are included in a large government-led rural tourism program. The initiative highlights the region’s natural scenery and traditional rural life, aimed at travelers who prefer something other than a beach holiday—culture seekers, photographers, hikers and those who enjoy slow travel and authentic experiences. One of the mapped … Read more

Travel guides often call the burning flames of Chimaera “fascinating” and list the eternal fire of Lycia as a must-see when visiting Antalya. Some writers describe a mystical atmosphere that captivated them; others emphasize the historical and natural intrigue of the site. The flames emerge from fissures in the rocks of the Cirali mountains and … Read more

Lately I’ve been spending more time reading than traveling. I can’t fully explain why, but I feel a need to refresh my energy, my travel style and my writing, and books have been supplying the ideas I was missing. Where once my shelves held only travel guides and maps, I now find myself drawn to … Read more