Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mcgeezer]

hey all....
I'm planning to go to Turkey in January, whose been there?

what kind of accomidation did you use?
is daily travel relatively expensive?
what are some good cities to visit?
how's there use of english? should i learn athe basic turkish before i go?

any suggestions help!
thanks guys

[Gamecock]

Yes, I've been to Turkey! However, it was nearly ten years ago, so I can't vouch for expenses now. At that time the dollar was strong compared to the local currency, so everything was VERY reasonable.

I flew into Antalya on the southern coast (such a beautiful town!) and traveled by bus up the western coast to Istanbul (plan on spending several days exploring this city!!!). The buses are good and very reasonaable, and they give you a handful of cologne to freshen up with (You'll understand if you experience it). If you have an interest in ancient or biblical history there are plenty of great stops there in western Turkey (like ancient Ephesus). I stayed in pensions, which were inexpensive but very nice.

In my experience, it was hard to find people who spoke English. It seems German is the most common second language. So getting some basics in Turkish, and a quality phrase book will be helpful. Despite the language barrier, I found the people among the warmest and most hospitable you will find anywhere. I was travelling alone and OFTEN invited out for dinner or even home for dinner by kind strangers I met. If you're a drinker, watch out for Raki, the national drink. It will knock you on your a$$.

I'm jealous...I can't wait to go back! Have a great time.

[tzechuk]

PM a poster named Woland. He's lived in Turkey for a number of years.

[huffdaddy]

Search for Turkey in the travel forum. I believe Woland has given the run down a few times.

[pugwall]

Went there in the summer for three weeks. Depends on what you are looking for as Turkey has every type of terrain from culture to mountains to beaches etc. The favourite place we went was Bursa just outside of Istanbul and the home of the famous Iskender kebab. Seemed to have a lot of traditional Turkish life and culture there and totally awesome markets. Turkey is a truly excellent place and the food is some of the best in the world.

If you are backpacking don't miss Olympos on the mediterranian coast. Stay in a treehouse there and hit the beach.

[Tiger Beer]

I'll third the Woland response. I'm sure he'll see this soon enough.

I was there in 1996 for three weeks. Istanbul, Cappodochia and Ephesus. I almost signed a one-year contract in Istanbul to teach English while there.