We have been in Türkiye nearly two months now and really feel like we have settled into the local way of life.
It was a big transition from Thailand. There is so much that is different between both places — weather, people, language, culture, and food, to name a few.
Our first shock was the weather. We knew it was “heading into spring” when we arrived, as we wanted to get here pre-tourist season to score affordable long-term accommodation and car rental. But when we landed in Istanbul in March, it was freezing. Thailand was warm, humid, sweaty, and swimming weather. Istanbul was 3 degrees and it was a shock to the system.
Istanbul was also busy, loud, and chaotic. We anticipated it before we came and we tend not to visit big cities for that reason, but we had to check it out as we were flying into SAW anyway. It was far more expensive than I thought from our research before arriving (more on that here), but we only stayed 5 nights before flying to Antalya.
Once we arrived in Antalya, it was still cool, but slightly warmer and down on the coast. Now (end of April), it’s mid 20s and in two months we have only had two or three days with rain. It’s nice to climb and not feel like you’re constantly going to slip off with sweaty hands — but I do miss the warm air and daily swims in Thailand.
Adjusting to Real Life Abroad
Life in general has been an adjustment. Thailand felt like a holiday, whereas Türkiye feels like “real life.” In Thailand we were eating out much more (it was cheaper/easier and we didn’t have a kitchen), went everywhere on the scooter (so convenient and fun), and stayed at a small resort with other tourists — so you felt like a tourist too. Our room was cleaned once a week and our laundry was done for us at little to no cost.
In Türkiye, we have our flat with a kitchen and washer, and we do our own cooking and cleaning. It’s considerably cheaper to prepare our meals so we’ve only been eating out once a week. It’s nice having more space and for Kaia to nap or sleep while Jacob and I still exist — get up, make a coffee, stay up at night and watch Reel Rock. In Thailand, when she was asleep, we were either outside on the balcony (getting eaten by mozzies) or in the room in silence and darkness.
Culture Shock and Connection
Thailand has more of a chill vibe — fewer rules, common sense prevails, everyone is kind and friendly, and most people speak at least a little English. Here, life feels more “sophisticated.” We’re in a car rather than on a scooter (don’t even get me started on the roads here — madness!) and there’s more structure and routine.
The people here are friendly (surprisingly so, compared to what I’d heard), but no one speaks any English, especially in the little neighbourhood we’re staying in. We get by with Google Translate but sometimes people get frustrated when you can’t communicate. I miss being able to connect and chat with someone other than Jacob.
Religion-wise, it’s interesting. Both Thailand and Türkiye are Muslim cultures, but Thailand is more accommodating of tourists and non-religious people. The mosques are plentiful in both and the call to prayer happens 5 times a day. But Türkiye feels more traditional.
Budgeting and Food Culture
Financially we are more strained in Türkiye. Everything costs more, but we’re also spending less in some ways — like not eating out. We love the Friday Market and the fresh produce is incredible, something we missed in Thailand. I love Thai food, but my god it’s nice to have a fresh Greek salad and not be living off chicken and rice or spicy Thai basil and omelette.
The Turkish economy has seen huge inflation and grocery shopping is pricey. While we win at the markets for fresh produce, meat (especially red meat) is expensive. We’ve mostly been eating veggie, with some chicken and Turkish sausage, the occasional red meat and no seafood (yet) — which I want to reintroduce for Kaia’s allergen exposure.
We’re more cautious with spending here, which can be anxiety-provoking. Sometimes I wish we could just go out and order whatever. In Thailand, that kind of splurge cost us $30 — here, it’s likely double.
Climbing, Mountains, and the Daily Rhythm
Every second we get, we jump in the car and head up to Geyikbayırı to climb and explore. It’s honestly so beautiful up there and by far the highlight of Türkiye for us (with the fresh produce a close second). The mountains, cliffs, and climbing are just incredible — the views really do take your breath away. There are so many climbing options we could never see them all.
On mornings we don’t climb, Jacob usually works for a few hours and Kaia and I go for walks. We love stopping at the little bakeries for pastries and picking mulberries from the trees around the block.
Reflecting on the Experience
I keep reminding myself how lucky we are to be all the way here — to experience a new place, culture, language (which I’m enjoying learning a little of), and all this time as a family. I try not to worry about money but I know that’s how I’m wired.
Someone once told me something that’s stuck with me:
You can have it all — just not all at the same time.
So if that means we get to be here, climbing every second day and soaking up this quality time with Kaia that we’ll never get back… if that means living a bit more frugally, then it’s totally worth it.
I love it here — I really do. But I think I miss Southeast Asia a little. Towards the end of the year as the seasons change, we’ll likely head back — maybe to Laos or Vietnam instead of Thailand. Maybe Thailand again. I’m looking forward to seeing what that experience brings.
For now, we continue to explore and enjoy Türkiye before heading to Bulgaria in June, Italy in July, and Serbia in August.
Til next time,
R
