Getting About

The first time we visiting the Bodrum Peninsula, we relied on a Shuttle Bus to get us from the Airport to our hotel, and then used the Dolmuş to navigate around during our stay.

But on each subsequent trip, we’ve hired a car because there is always so much running around I need to do.  I usually end up driving the length and breadth of the Peninsula numerous times to collect information needed to maintain my Bodrum website.

Driving in Turkey

Driving in Turkey can be a little bit daunting, but you just need to keep your wits about you, and try an anticipate situations you wouldn’t imagine happening back in your home town.

Here’s some scenarios we’ve encountered during our years of driving on the Bodrum Peninsula:

• Meeting on-coming traffic when you’re driving the right way down a one-way street
• Driving along a windy, narrow mountain road and suddenly being faced with on-coming traffic in both lanes, because one of them is over-taking on a bend
• Picking up or dropping off passengers in unexpected – like main highway entrance ramps, busy intersections, and along major highways
• Unexpected and rapid lane changes and stops by taxis and dolmuş

And if all this wasn’t enough…. there’s more to anticipate:

• Small herds of sheep hogging the road, and a lone cow with one of his front legs tied to one of his back legs, shuffling very slowly along the middle of the road
• Empty water containers filled with sand used as center-dividers
• Rocks used as markers to indicate up-coming hazards

Don’t let this put you off!  When in Turkey, you just need to remember to drive really defensively.

Checkpoints

Keep on the lookout for temporary checkpoints, especially at night, and if stopped, be prepared to show your passport and driver’s license.

Ramazan (aka Ramadan)

• During this 30-day holy month, practising Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset.
• Basically, no food or water can pass their lips between these hours.  (I don’t know about you – but when I don’t eat all day, I get really snappy and grumpy!)  Add into this formula; a nice blazing hot sunny day – and it’s likely you’ll encounter a few snappy, dehydrated drivers that aren’t as alert as they should be!  To say the least!

So if you’re driving in Turkey during this holy month, make sure you stay extra vigilant!

To sum it up:

Expect the unexpected and wear your seat belt: “Clunk-Click Every Trip”

© Source of Clunk-Click Photo