Together in Turkey: Vani’s Thrillophilia review for a trip to Turkey
Ah, Turkey!
My kids had always been intrigued by this fascinating country. They had heard all the stories on the TV about the magnificent architecture, the rich history, and the bustling markets. As someone who had been to Turkey before with my husband, I had always wanted to take the boys there myself. Finally, this summer in July 2023, we made it happen - just me and my boys, exploring Turkey together.
As we landed in Istanbul, the energy of the city surrounded us with a warm welcome. The airport buzzed with travelers, and I could see the excitement in my son’s eyes as we stepped outside.
The aroma of the street food glided towards us, and I suggested we take a stroll along the Bosphorus Strait to soak in the atmosphere. As soon as we started walking, a breathtaking blend of historic minarets and modern structures appeared before us.
“Look at that view! I cannot wait to take some pictures,” my younger son said while pulling out his phone as we walked along the waterfront.
Setting Sail to the Magic of Bosphorus
The next day was all about adventure. As we boarded the Bosphorus Cruise, I felt a mix of nostalgia and joy. I had visited this place with my husband before, and experiencing it with my boys added a new excitement to it. The boat glided across the shimmering waters and passed the Dolmabahçe Palace. My son shared stories of the Ottoman sultans who once ruled from these lavish halls, which he had once heard on Instagram reels.
We indulged in local snacks onboard while soaking in the panoramic views. The laughter and conversation flowed easily, which made the moment feel like an extension of the closeness we shared during our family dinners back home.
My younger son is a food lover, and he was already planning our next stop. “Next, we have to find the best kebabs in the city,” he said with his eyes glistening in anticipation.
Our journey continued with a visit to the Grand Bazaar. The bustling market felt like a sensory overload of colors, scents, and sounds as we wandered through the maze of stalls. We also explored many textiles, ceramics, and jewelry, bargaining for souvenirs with the shopkeepers.
After a long afternoon of exploring the market, we were starving and decided to indulge in Turkish cuisine. We found a lively restaurant where the enticing aroma of grilled meat filled the air.
“This place looks fantastic! I can already smell the kebabs,” my younger son practically dragged us inside.
The table was soon overflowing with plates of delicious kebabs, fresh salads, and warm pita bread. “This is what I am talking about!” my son exclaimed while savoring a bite of spicy kebab.
Now that we had explored the culinary expertise of the place, it was time to dive into the historical experiences. We went to the Hagia Sophia, which awe-struck us with its tall domes and intricate mosaics. Our guide narrated stories of its transformation over centuries, from a cathedral to a mosque, and then to a museum.
Next, we stepped into the Blue Mosque, where the blue tiles shimmered in the sunlight. “It is amazing to see something so beautiful that it makes you wonder if it is even real,” my older son whispered as we admired the majestic interior of the mosque.
An Adventurous Day in Cappadocia
After Istanbul, we traveled to Cappadocia. We checked into a cave hotel, which was unlike anything my boys had ever seen. Their eyes widened as we entered their unique room, which was surrounded by rock walls and vintage decor.
“This is so cool! I cannot believe we are actually sleeping in a cave,” my younger son's excitement was contagious.
The following morning, we woke before dawn for what would become one of the most memorable experiences of our trip:
A hot air balloon ride over the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia.
As we ascended into the sky, I felt a rush of adrenaline. The views were absolutely stunning - the fairy chimneys and valleys below looked like a scene from a fantasy novel.
“I never thought I would see something like this in real life,” my older son said as the sun cast a golden glow over the landscape.
After our balloon adventure, we explored Cappadocia on foot, visiting ancient cave dwellings and learning about the rich history of the region. We even walked barefoot on the travertine terraces of Pamukkale while letting the warm waters trickle between our toes. It was another magical moment that made you realize the beauty of nature and how it connects us in unexpected ways.
A Heartfelt Goodbye
Traveling through Turkey brought us closer together while igniting a sense of adventure and wonder in my sons. The excitement of discovering new places, tasting new foods, and immersing ourselves in the culture was truly remarkable.
On our last evening, we sat along the Bosphorus and watched the sunset over the shining waters. My younger son said, “I love you, Ma. This trip was beautiful.”
At that moment, I knew we had created something special - memories that would last a lifetime.
I realized that the true treasure of our journey was not just the stunning sights or delicious food, but the bond that had strengthened along the way.
Hoping to return. We smiled at the thought of future adventures together.
Read More: Thrillophilia Turkey Reviews