Finding My Wings: My First Solo Adventure in Turkey

So I finally did it! After years of dreaming about solo travel, I took the plunge and chose Turkey as my first destination. And oh my god, what a perfect choice it turned out to be.

Why Turkey?

I'll be honest - I was apprehensive at first. Going international solo for the first time isn't exactly a walk in the park (a solo trip to Goa definitely doesn't count as proper solo travel!). But Turkey had been calling me for ages with its stunning landscapes, ancient history, and of course, the legendary Turkish hospitality I'd heard so much about.

The planning was surprisingly simple. Flight booked, hotels reserved through booking.com, and the rest? Well, I figured I'd work it out when I got there. Sometimes the best adventures start with the sketchiest plans, right?

The Turkey That Stole My Heart

From the moment I landed, I was enchanted. Turkey is a photographer's paradise - a blend of surreal landscapes in Cappadocia, ancient Roman ruins in Ephesus, the pristine white travertines of Pamukkale, Mediterranean beaches in Antalya, and the bustling cultural melting pot that is Istanbul.

But beyond the postcard-perfect views, it was the Turkish people who truly made my trip unforgettable. Every shop you walk past, you'll hear a cheerful "Marhaba!" followed by an offer of çay (Turkish tea). And before you know it, you're sitting down having the most beautiful conversation with locals who are genuinely interested in learning about you.

The first question is always "Where are you from?" When I'd say "India," their faces would light up with surprise and excitement. Many times in restaurants and on flights, people would just start speaking to me in Turkish, assuming I was a local. I'd break their bubble with "Sorry, no Turkish, only English," and they'd laugh, but the warmth never disappeared.

The Simple Joys of Turkish Life

One thing that struck me throughout my journey was how people in Turkey seem to actually live their lives, compared to those of us caught in the corporate jungle. Locals would randomly stop their cars along bridges, pull out little picnic baskets, and throw fishing lines into the Bosphorus. People are free to catch their own meal for the day - how amazing is that?

During Ramadan, I witnessed families laying out carpets in public spaces at sunset, spreading their food baskets, waiting for the mosque call to break their fast. There was something beautiful and communal about it that made me realize how disconnected we often are in our urban lives.

The Flavors of Turkey

Turkish cuisine deserves its own love letter. From the clay pot kebabs (testi kebab) of Cappadocia to the freshly caught fish in Istanbul, every meal was a delight. Don't even get me started on the simple joy of freshly squeezed orange juice (and I mean actually squeezed right in front of you) or the peculiar delight of Turkish ice cream that never seems to melt.

The tomatoes are massive, watermelons are gigantic, and both are served generously after almost every meal. And the Turkish pizza (pide)? Nothing like regular pizza - thin crust with minced meat that you add salad to, squeeze lime over, fold and eat. Divine!

From Apprehensive to Confident

My journey through Turkey took me from being nervous about traveling alone to feeling completely at ease and even confident. It taught me that the most meaningful experiences come when you step out of your comfort zone.

I realized how much we miss in our day-to-day lives - appreciating natural beauty, taking endless walks with no purpose, and truly spending time with ourselves. It's unfortunate that in our urban jungles, breathing pollution, we forget these simple pleasures.

As I returned to a home and regular job, I couldn't help but think about how this trip had changed me. It wasn't just about exploring a destination; it was a journey of self-discovery.

And as I sign off, I hope this is just the first of many more solo adventures to come!

XOXOXO

P.S. Stay tuned for detailed guides on each city I visited - Cappadocia, Selcuk, Antalya, and Istanbul - with all my favorite spots and tips!