Rain, hidden rooms and unexpected detours
Konya
Rainy mornings have their own rhythm. They slow you down and somehow invite quiet moments, perfect for self-care and small resets. Wednesday started exactly like that.
Hair coloring, refined to perfection, followed by finishing the book. Then we hit the road toward Konya. Along the way, we stopped at roadside stalls to buy oranges, figs, and raisins. The flavor was intense, aromatic, unforgettable, proof that the simplest things are often the best. Lunch at Yusuf Köfteci was cheap and disappointing.
In the evening, we arrived in Konya and checked into Araf Hotel, a place that feels like it was designed by someone who loves surrealism. The interiors were creative, whimsical, and entering our room through a wardrobe felt like stepping into Alice in Wonderland.
We ended the day with a walk through the old town, admiring the illuminated Mevlana Meydanı Mosque. A warming salep at Mystiq Caffe and a first encounter with dondurmalı antep fıstık helva, a surprisingly interesting mix of halva and ice cream. I went to sleep hoping for sunshine the next day.
Konya and Göreme
Early morning walks through a sleepy city feel almost secret, like the streets belong only to you. Thursday in Konya began exactly like that.
After a wonderful hotel breakfast and coffee at Yeshill Coffee, my mum casually found me a husband and tried to set me up. Sweet intentions, funny conversations, and long chats about Erasmus experiences followed.
We visited the Mevlana Museum and Mosque, accompanied by beautiful traditional melodies playing softly in the background. We also planned to visit the Konya Tropical Butterfly Garden, but renovation plans had other ideas.
Instead, we drove toward Cappadocia. On the way, we tried the regional specialty, testi kebab. Thankfully, we managed to find gluten-free options for my mum and Michał, which is often challenging in Turkey. Vegetarian and vegan options can be just as tricky.
In the evening, we arrived at Rustic Caves Hotel. A walk through Göreme, sunset at Günbatımı Seyir Noktası and finally a long jacuzzi bath with gentle bubbles. I ended the day full of curiosity for what was coming next.
