Today’s “Waxing Lyrical” Top 5 is a guest post from Sedef.  I recently discovered her Zesty Moments blog over on Blogger, and devoured her multiple posts about the Bodrum area, especially her descriptions of local eateries.

She’s just got back from a trip to Turkey, and below she waxes lyrical about her most recent memories and experiences on the Peninsula.

Two Cultures

by Sedef at Zesty Moments

I must have gotten the travel bug when I took my first transatlantic flight from New York to Istanbul at the ripe age of one month old.  Ever since then, traveling between America and Turkey has been a natural part of my life.

I’m currently living in New Jersey and can only get to Turkey for about one month during the summer.  My husband and I love to travel and indulge our curious and demanding palates.

Renting a house in Bodrum for our extended family the past two summers, has given us the opportunity to revel in all the treasures that Bodrum has to offer in regards to food, shopping and an amazing geography.

Break of Dawn

Break of dawn – watching the sun break through the sky and colors play across the water till it is the perfect combination of deep blues, white and fuschia that we call BODRUM.

Early morning in Gümüşlük, drinking tea at the belediye cay bahcesi by the water and contemplating the little town as it slowly comes to life – fishermen coming back from their early morning catch, locals taking their morning walks and the random store or cafe opening up to serve the early birds.

Going for a swim when the beach totally belongs to us and there is not a single ripple on the water.

Lingering at the Table

Having breakfast at our balcony looking out over the most amazing view that takes my breath away every single morning.

Sitting at a table on the beach at Korfez in Kadikalesi or Palavra in Ortakent and enjoying their wonderful mezes and fish, accompanied with Raki.

Gathering with family and friends in Ana Ogul Restaurant in Turgutreis for some of the best Turkish homecooking we have ever tasted.

Discovering secluded beaches, or fish restaurants right on the water that will make you tea, and let you sit in the shade and enjoy the breeze that is passing through their shore, during a road trip to Torba.

Backroads

Driving through country roads from Yahşi to Ortakent, or Derekoy to Gümüşlük, and discovering lovely stone cottages in the middle of untouched tangerine fields.

Wandering aimlessly around Bodrum center, running into little back alleys with beautiful homes, or old rundown churches and mosques waiting to be discovered.

Just being in this beautiful geography, enjoying the unbelievable view and breathing this lovely air.

Shopping

Walking around the pazar at Ortakent and talking to the villagers and fellow shoppers, connecting…

Shopping for fruits, vegetables as well as ‘pestamals’ at Turgutreis pazar on Saturdays (feature photo)

Sunsets

Sitting at Geriş at twilight watching the moon rise as the sun sets over Yalikavak.

Watching the sunset from a different bay each evening and not being able to decide which is better – Gümüşlük, Bitez, Bodrum, Turgutreis or Yalikavak.

 

 

Why not visit Sedef’s Zesty Moments blog and read about her recent adventures on the Bodrum Peninsula.