Danish’s Bold Solo Voyage Across Turkey’s Wonders
Hello Travellers,
I am Danish Irfan, a newbie solo traveller. Being a travel enthusiast, I have written several travel reviews before this. However, this one holds a special place in my heart. Why..?
Well, because it is about my first ever solo journey. How can it not be special to me? This trip made me realise my potential as an individual traveller, made me tackle situations on my own, taught me self-dependence and transformed me into a whole new person!
Like every other traveller, I had a dozen doubts before going on this trip. I was not sure if I am even ready for a solo journey to a different country. But it’s true what they say- sometimes, all you need is a leap of faith and everything will come in order.
And that’s exactly what I did- trusted myself and God!
So, whether you are planning a trip to Turkey or simply want to start travelling solo, you have landed at the right place. Join me in my journey as I share the best moments of my solo trip to Turkey…
Travelling Back in Time!
Honestly, my guide, Ahmed, became my best friend on this trip. Even though I was travelling solo, I found a great company to keep me entertained, to have a chat with and someone to take my pictures.
Wandering through the streets of Istanbul, I came across such marvellous landmarks that it was almost like stepping back into the time. I was amazed to see how well these ancient architectures are preserved and still standing strong. My top favourite has to be the Topkapi Palace. Starting from its architecture to its astonishing facts, this place completely left me speechless. Inside the palace, one section that I loved the most was the armoury where I could see numerous royal arms and weapons. Oh, and the museum also has a remarkable collection of around 380 clocks, some of them are also from the Ottoman Empire era.
My guide also took me to some of the most well-known sacred sites in the city like the Hagia Sophia and the Mosque of Suleyman, which is the largest one in Istanbul. While I was here, I made sure to seek blessings from the almighty for me and my family.
Two Continents, One Cruise!
Believe it or not, this one trip to Turkey made me visit two continents on a cruise. Even though it was for a brief moment, it still counts..!
I am talking about the famous cruise ride on the Bosphorus, the one that connects Europe and Asia. My excitement went sky-high when the captain announced, “Ladies Gentlemen, right now, we are in Europe, sailing on the Black Sea!” The crowd cheered and clapped with joy.
During the journey, we passed under the two iconic bridges that connect Europe and Asia: The Martyrs Bridge and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. I even got to spot some magnificent palaces of the sultans as well as the typical wooden houses of Turkey.
Relax, Refresh and Rejuvenate!
If you ask me what is the most unique experience I had there, it is, hands down, the fun mud bath!
I never imagined myself getting dipped into mud from head to toe, but trust me, it was such a refreshing and relaxing experience. It gave a soothing feeling to my body and all I did was lay down there with my eyes closed.
Honestly I was feeling a little weird and shy at first, however, the tourists who were already in the mud, encouraged me to join them. But once I was in, I really did not want to come out of it.
Right in that mud pool, we all gathered around in a circle and chatted with each other. We discussed where everybody came from, what all they have explored as of now and where they are heading next. It felt like a lively house party, except the pool wasn’t filled with water, but refreshing, cool mud.
Just after this, I went to enjoy a relaxing bath in a thermal spring. Another experience which was very new to me. I was surprised to see the wonder of nature as the water was perfectly lukewarm, as if someone had manually set the temperature of the lake.
It is believed that hot spring baths have medicinal properties. It cures your body pains and skin infections. Well, not sure, if anything was cured in me, but it definitely gave me a sense of peace and calmness.
A Tour of Katpatuka: the land of beautiful horses….
So, during my visit to Cappadocia, I learned an interesting fact that its actual Persian name was Katpatuka which means ‘the land of beautiful horses’.
Well, I was not lucky enough to see any beautiful horses there but the place was surely surreal. There were beautiful fairy chimneys, dramatic mountains, ancient structures and the hot air balloons added a pop of colour in the blue skies. It was a vibrant city with the most friendly and welcoming locals I had ever come across.
One attraction that truly amazed me was Kaymakli, the underground city! Can you believe there was an entire city built underground? I think this concept was simply extraordinary and way ahead of its time. My guide informed me that this underground city has a capacity of around 30,000 people.
My Cappadocia’s sightseeing tour also included Gumusler (an underground monastery), Uchisar, Goreme Valley and Ihlara Valley. After spending such amazing days in Cappadocia, I am truly convinced that your tour of Turkey is incomplete without exploring this gem.
Until We Meet Again, Turkey!
On my way back to India, a sudden realisation hit me- the trip was over, I finally did it!
I had always dreamed of going on a solo trip. I always thought it would be some nearby destination like the scenic hills of Himachal, serene valleys of Kashmir or maybe the sunny shores of Goa.
But never could I have dreamed that my first ever solo adventure would take me to Turkey and be this extraordinary!
I was on the seventh cloud and could not wait to go home to my family and tell them every detail about this amazing trip. I was happy and content that I did it all- I explored the vibrant cities, interacted with locals, shopped for souvenirs, tried unique activities and tasted the delicious local delicacies.
After such an electrifying adventure, I can't help but think about where my solo travels will take me next…!
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