It seems like yesterday, when I have arrived to Antalya at the end of summer. Slept the first night out to save money, only to find out that a taxi ride to city center costs as much as night in hostel, could have spared me one night in hammock, would I have taken a bus to center instead :)...
Somewhat sketchy start, but it taught me a lesson. Next thing was to find a base. I found an Iranian guy to share apartment with. Decent fella he was. He had great connections and helped me with anything I needed. His friends were also lot of fun. And he worked long hours, so I had the apartment for myself, almost like an office. Awesome...
He also happened to have a scooter, so we cruised around and about. Grilled meat on Sundays and enjoyed vibes of this ancient city (or at least the old town seems ancient).
Even though it was coldest winter in twenty plus years, it was very livable and I have survived without investing into a snowboard jacked, not to freeze out. My first winter ever.
This picture was taken in the middle of January, unbelievable... Antalya has interesting cliffs formation, guarding the city from potential invaders or alike. Right in the middle of it there is an old harbour, the gateway to the old town. I have spend my last days mostly there, as it is the most lively area and once knowing I would be leaving I kinda wanted to enjoy it as much as possible. There are lot of bars and pubs, which makes you feel like your not even in Turkey.
Halloween night was one of the first visits I payed to this fun park...
After finding a cheap flight ticket out of Turkey, it was time to get some souvenirs and other gadgets much needed in the near future. Certain products are more than half the price cheaper. Souvenir shopping can be than interesting activity on it's own.
Of course the free space in my luggage is limited, but I did my best to find small things to put between my old socks :)
Shopping is exhausting activity for me and a cold one on the cliff, watching the bay and sun going slowly down was always a great retreat.
Because of the warm weather, southern Turkey has variety of exotic species. Like these parrots. At other places you would pay entry fee to see them. And let me assure you they are much funnier in nature than any zoo...
Now, in the middle of February, it seems like some more tourists are taking advantage of one of the easiest restrictions out there and locals are looking forward the upcoming season. "insha'Allah" they will have a good one.
All the best,
Global Local