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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nNovember 7 – First impressions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The day began with a peaceful morning walk to the bus station in Mu\u011fla, bathed in golden sunlight. The small bus to Izmir rocked me gently into one of those perfect travel naps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once in the city, we dove straight into the chaos and colors of Kemeralt\u0131 Bazaar. Narrow alleys bursting with life, the smell of spices and sweets in the air. I could have wandered there for hours. I tried s\u00fct \u00e7i\u00e7e\u011f<\/strong>i<\/a>, a soft milk dessert that melted in my mouth like a sweet cloud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With a take-away coffee from Pablo Cafe<\/a><\/strong>, we strolled toward the Izmir Clock Tower, surrounded by charming old streets and busy locals. Later, we made our way to Asans\u00f6r, the historic elevator that carried us to a breathtaking viewpoint over the city. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we wandered along Kordon Alsancak, the seaside promenade glowing in sunset colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dinner brought a brave culinary moment. I tasted kokore\u00e7, the famous Turkish street food made from intestines. One bite was enough, but honestly, it wasn\u2019t as scary as I thought! To sweeten the evening, we ended with warm, syrupy soaked baklava. Pure heaven.<\/p>\n\n\n November 8 – Sun, sea and making friends<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The morning began with a cozy breakfast and Turkish tea, lovingly prepared by our friend Tibo. Then we set off toward the coast, hoping to spot flamingos near Konak. The weather was perfect, bright blue skies, sunshine, and calm waves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We stopped for a flat white at Caribou Coffee<\/a><\/strong>, enjoying the view of ships gliding across the bay. Later, we took a ferry ride, my favorite kind of city escape. With music in my ears and wind in my hair, I felt completely at peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Bostanl\u0131, we found the most delicious Jungle Burgers<\/a><\/strong>, juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The Korean-style one was unforgettable. After a long seaside walk, we reached the flamingo viewpoint, though only a few birds greeted us this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The afternoon melted into evening as we explored Kar\u015f\u0131yaka, full of local shops and lively streets. We finished the day celebrating a Turkish friend\u2019s birthday and trying the famous lotus Izmir bomb from \u00c7elebi Unlu Mamuller<\/strong><\/a>. A rich, chocolatey dream, the sweetest ending possible.<\/p>\n\n\n November 9 – Goodbye beautiful Izmir<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Our last day was calm and slow. We started with breakfast in Buca, eating fresh simit and pastries from a tiny local bakery. The morning continued with a gentle walk through a park lined with tall palm trees, sipping milky flat whites while watching the world wake up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the afternoon, we climbed up to an ancient castle Kadifekale<\/strong><\/a>, where the ruins opened up to a magnificent view of the city. The clear blue sky made it one of the most memorable sights of the trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ania.popieko.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Projekt-bez-nazwy-1-1-682x1024.png\")
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