Tag: languages

Turkey Remains A Top Holiday Hotspot

Advice For FreedUp Travellers There

Turkey is a top holiday hotspot, according to tourism reports. It has a rich historical and cultural background and unspoilt beaches. It is sunny for over 6 months of the year. And in winter, there are always the ski resorts to go to.

So, what advice can I offer you if you are going to Turkey?

Do not assume that Turkey will be hot and sunny. We are told this (see above) but this is simply to lull you into a false sense of security so that you only equip yourself with light clothing, a pair of sandals and no raincoat. When the downpour starts, as it does most days you will have no protection.

Travel in Turkey’s capital is easy, if you have nerves of finest steel. The taxi drivers have only two speeds 100 mph and BRAKE! And there are unlikely to be seat belts that you can use. The best you can do is cling to the handle above the window.

Learn a little Turkish. You won’t need much. A little goes a long way. I tried “Thank you very much”  “Teşekkűr ederim”, pronounced  ‘teshkweredereem’ or something similar. It made people smile when I used it (in fact, the cleaner nearly collapsed laughing when I first tried it), although I am a little concerned that I may be putting the emphasis in the wrong place and I am actually telling people, “I am leaving you all my money when I die”.

Maybe that will do for a first lesson.