By: Yeimy Enciso
I have always been enthusiastic about the beauty of our planet, and having been born in one of the most beautiful countries in Latin America put me in a privileged position that I could not waste… so I embarked on my personal journey, to get to know my country as much as I could, to marvel at its history, nature and gastronomy.
And no one can deny it…Colombia has it all!
But I wanted to go further, it was like surpassing my own limits, flying over the ocean and getting to know new cultures, delving into the work of getting to know myself through the eyes of people I never thought I would meet.
So three years ago, I made one of the best decisions of my life: traveling to Turkey. Being a history enthusiast, I felt an inexplicable attraction to this country full of history, culture and beauty. The idea of getting lost in the streets of Istanbul, a city I already loved for no reason, exploring the landscapes of Cappadocia and immersing myself in the rich heritage of the Ottoman Empire filled me with excitement and anticipation.
Travel Planning
Planning the trip was an adventure in itself. I started by researching the most iconic places and the lesser-known corners that I wanted to visit. I spent hours reading blogs, watching videos, and asking friends living in Turkey for recommendations. I decided that my trip would last two weeks, just enough time to thoroughly explore some of the wonders that this country has to offer.
Many people plan their trip a few months in advance, but I did it a year in advance because I decided I was going alone after a friend abandoned me on the idea of venturing out together.
Preparations and Emotions
The next step was financing. I saved up hard for a whole year, setting aside a little money each month for this dream trip. I made several quotes with agencies that offered very affordable plans with flights, good hotels, meals and tours. It was incredible how affordable it was to travel there.
On blogs, many people told me that it was better to go on my own, and the truth is, I have always liked organic tourism, but this time I opted for a tour because I was going to be alone in an unknown country for the first time.
During the preparation, I experienced a roller coaster of emotions. The excitement and anticipation were overwhelming, but there were also moments of doubt and nervousness. Would I be able to communicate? How will I adapt to such a different culture? What is the weather like? I researched everything!! I chose dates that suited my needs, the outfits, and even what things I would like to bring back from there…
I had a few days free from tours where I was going to be able to do what I like, walk and explore on my own, so I armed myself with Google Maps to mark my desired routes, downloaded Turkish packages on Google Translate and filled my suitcases with my dreams and plans.
The experience in Türkiye
Finally, the day of departure arrived. From the first moment I set foot on Turkish soil, I knew I had made the right decision. Every day in Turkey was an unforgettable experience. I marveled at the majesty of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, the sight of the minarets touching the blue sky and the sunsets that accompanied me throughout the trip never disappointed me, I enjoyed a balloon ride over the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, and I let myself be carried away by the bustle and vibrant life of the bazaars.
The people I met were incredibly kind and hospitable, and the food was delicious! From the baklava to the kebab, every bite was an explosion of flavour. I felt completely immersed in Turkish culture, it was like being born there, it’s amazing how similar their culture is to ours, I felt at home, but I was immersed, amazed by their history and culture.
Memories and the desire to return
Now, two years later, I still remember my trip with great fondness and nostalgia. Every time I look at the photos or think about the experiences I had, it is true that you experience a trip three times: when you plan it, when you live it, and when you remember it… I am overcome with a deep desire to return. Turkey left an indelible mark on my heart, and I know that one day I will return to continue exploring and discovering more of this fascinating country.
I fall short in words about what this experience was like, this adventure opened my wings to want to know other countries and prove to myself that, although I feel that I left a little piece of my soul in that place, Turkey is not my love at first sight.
Source: https://alanxelmundo.com/mi-inolvidable-viaje-a-turquia-un-sueno-hecho-realidad/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mi-inolvidable-viaje-a-turquia-un-sueno-hecho-realidad