Captivating Cappadocia ooh what a Turkish Delight!

 Im just back from a very last minute trip to the Tantalising Turkey. I have visited Turkey over 100 times time after owning a property in the Fethiye region for the last 10 years, I decided to venture further afield and explore this beautiful country. The area has been hit badly in 2016 with the security issues and some customers have lost confidence in travelling to Turkey this year.

I started my journey with a £29 one way flight to Dalaman and had 3 nights in Paspatur area of Fethiye, visting the famous fish market ( prawns, Seabass & Calamari to die for) washed down with the local tipple Raki. Also did our own BBQ at Cinbal restaurant in Kayokoy( Ghost Town) what a super little village with loads of history and the most amazing places to eat either a village breakfast if you have time to relax in the day or have a lovely BBQ in the late afternoon or evening.

Then picked up a car and drove down to Antalya, Lara Beach and the Barut Lara did us proud, we spent 4 nights here, with 8 speciality restaurants and top shelf drinks such as JD, Malt Whiskey and Champagne all included in the price, needless to say cant remember to much about that part of my travels! Managed to catch up with some lovely friends and see their beautiful baby Elif and in true Turkish hospitality no visit is possible without a lovely meal and some Turkish tea ooh and of course more Raki!

Then it was time for the 8 hour drive through Manavgat, with amazing waterfalls and scenery, then on to Konya which has the best Pide ( turkish pizza) Ive ever tried! Then it was the bleak landscape of Aksaray (somewhere I wont be rushing back to in a hurry) then after 8 and half hours you hit Cappadocia WOW WOW WOW, this place should be one of the seven wonders of the world, it is unique and breathtaking. What a shame not near any port as this would be top of my list for a shore excursion!

I checked into my cave suite hotel complete with circular bed and sitting area and luxurious bathroom, with views to die for from the breakfast area.

The local food was both cheap and delicious( tried the testi kebab( claypot with lamb or beef) found a lovely little restaurant with amazing staff see you next time Bulent & team at Cappadocia Cuisine thanks for your hospitality and warm welcome, started as customers and left as friends.

The hot air balloons in the early hours are on everyones bucket list and the view is just awesome, everyone should try this, also some great places to horse ride, super for ramblers and quad bikes, and I was amazed at the amount of Chinese, American and various other visitors taking in the sights but hardly any English. I visited a Turkish bath and a lovely Wine house tried the home made wines such as pomegranate, melon and strawberry and one called sexy, wasnt brave enough to ask the ingredients!

Got an invite to a locals house for lunch white beans, soup, salad all washed down with a few glasses of çay ( turkish tea) and an impromptu birthday party, I just asked how old the little girl was in conversation and they realised it was her birthday they had forgotten( talk about laid back) Quick visit to local shop and a lovely birthday cake appeared!

All in all I did over 2000 kilometres, met some lovely people had some great food and have some fantastic memories!

So for now its (teşekkür ederim) Thank you Turkey it was a pleasure, I hope 2017 brings confidence and security for customers to return to experience your hospitality, warmth and culture.