Comeback to Turkey, Exploring Datça
Hi guys,
It’s been a while since I was in Turkey. I took a step back and spent one month in Poland. I visited my family and spent beautiful time there.
Right now, I feel like I live in two different realities. One is my homeland, Poland, and the other one is in Muğla, Turkey. Where do I feel better? That is a good question. Actually, I do not know. Before my polish comeback, I really felt connected to Turkey, but somehow my perspective has changed a bit and now I am not so sure anymore.
This place is definitely unique and beautiful, with its nature, openness, and the hospitality of the people. But I feel like something is missing here.
But anyway, this post is not about existential thoughts. We are going to focus on a beautiful expedition to Datça. Let’s go!
Saturday
We started our expedition in the morning. We took a bus to Kötekli and next to the hospital we tried our luck. Together with the Polish girls and Eya, we caught our hitchhikes very quickly. First, we drove to Akyaka, then we took another car to Marmaris, and then another one straight to Datça. We were shocked because the whole journey took us only three hours. By bus it usually takes just one hour more. We are really lucky and we seem to attract good people here. We gave everyone small gifts, candies from our countries.
In Datça we spent time with our lovely host, whom one of us had met earlier during a hitchhiking journey. They were living in a unique, traditional fishermen’s house with a small garden full of flowers. We enjoyed the sun, conversations with people from all around the world, and delicious coffee.
We spent our evening on the road, looking at the beautiful seaside and little animals that made my heart beat faster. Our final destination was Knidos, an ancient city. It felt like we had come back in time, wandering around ancient sculptures and ruins. We saw them in the soft evening light, which made the place even more magical. On our way back, we stopped at one of the beaches. We swam, tasted some homemade wine, and enjoyed delicious cheeses.
We ended this beautiful day with new friends. We tasted amazing Uzbek food prepared by their housekeeper. Among the dishes were traditional specialties like plov – a fragrant rice dish with vegetables and meat, samsa – crispy pastries filled with meat and fresh salads with herbs and tomatoes. Everything was simple but incredibly delicious. Later we chatted for a long time, sharing stories and laughing together, until we finally fell asleep.
Sunday
The lazy sunday started with a ice latte on the balcony. Lazy breakfast, sharing food is one of the best part of turkish culture. We love it so much. This day was full on the beach, jumping threw the waves, reading newspapers and sunbathing. So amazing.
We ate our last Uzbek lunch and started our hitchhike back. Everything went very smoothly, and in just two cars we made it back to Muğla, almost right to our door. We were super lucky.
And now it’s time for the summary. It was an interesting and intercultural experience. Sometimes you can receive a lot not through money, but through the exchange of heart and kindness. Trusting people helps you understand the culture and fall in love with the places you visit. Do not be afraid, open your heart and your door to others. Share more than you take, and goodness will return to you.
