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Turkey is a country that completely captivated my soul and stimulated my senses. Out of the some odd 25 foreign countries that I have been to in my life, Turkey is by far and away my favorite. Within its borders lie everything a traveler could want. The west is full of beautiful beaches, amazing archaeological sites, and plenty of opportunities to party the night away. As you cross over to the eastern part of the country you discover an undiscovered treasure full of a very rich and exotic middle eastern culture (Turkey boarders Syria, Iraq, and Iran). However, the area is void of any type of tourism and tourist leaving the culture and daily interactions real and the traveling a true experience. I have never had such an authentic experience . . . i was seeing the real turkey not the tourist version . . . absolutely amazing.

Turkey : The Wildest Place I Have Ever Been

Andy Wunder
2007-04-19 22:57:13

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people that I have met on my trip. First there is Lucy, a very special girl that I met on the blue cruise, later visited in Sweden (next blog), and who is planning on travel with me for a month or so in South America. Then there is Dawid, a Polish guy on his honeymoon, who clicked with me like a brother.

Below are some excerpts out of an email I sent to some friends about my adventures in Turkey. If you are to read any of my blogs make it this one. It was some of the craziest experiences of my life. Also, please don't get bogged down by the writing, the pictures really tell a story themselves.

¨a four day "blue cruise" on the Turkish Mediterranean with Nic, the Aussie. it was really awesome. 16 backpackers drinking beer and having a good time. we would spend our afternoons having jump and splash contests of the deck of the boat, playing cards, talking shit and drinking beer.¨

¨eastern turkey is by far the coolest place that i have ever been. first off, up until recently, it has been a dangerous place to visit. there has been a lot of Kurdish terrorist activity (they want more rights and ultimately a sovereign nation). yet, in the last five years it has become much safer. however, the state department still issues strict warnings of travel . . . all enough to scare most tourist and travelers away. so, in a weird way, the area is everything a traveler could hope for . . . towns unspoiled by commercialism and just enough other travelers to keep a lone traveller company.¨

¨the bazaar was wild with huge bags of spices, carpets, water pipes, and bowls with decapitated goats heads piled up (goats head soup . . . for you stones fans). one guy in the bazaar, after treating me to tea, told me "not George Bush, George Petrol." it was pretty funny. another thing is people wouldn't let me pay for stuff . . . i would use the internet and the guy wouldn't let me pay. or i would try to buy some water and they would give it ...