The Turkey Eleven.

#theturkeyeleven at Ephesus

#theturkeyeleven started out as a fun hashtag to group all of our photos together while on a two week trip through (you guessed it) Turkey, but the phrase has taken on a robust self-identity and now reflects amazing friendships created. (For those that need a refresher course on what a hashtag is.)

On September 2nd, eleven of us met at the Portland International Airport to embark on a life changing adventure together. Some of us knew a handful of the others on the trip and others not a soul, but it was obvious once we were all stuffed in the back of the A330 and wine was flowing like water (we literally were drinking it like it was the only way possible to hydrate our bones) that we all were there for a reason and had something unique to bring to the table. 

The Assessment.

I am still awestruck that Rachel and I tricked people into thinking we could lead a tour through Turkey and come out the other side unscathed. Well let's be honest, I can't believe I tricked myself into believing that, but by golly it actually worked. Like, really worked. The route we planned was one we had done 15 months ago where we met the most amazing people along the way. All those things considered, we felt comfortable we could replicate it and make it go even smoother. Happy to say that every connection was made, every reservation accounted for and no girl left behind along the way. High five. 

To be honest, I was a little nervous taking such a large group back to Turkey with me. These were a few of the questions that were floating around in my head (and I'm sure a lot of people were thinking too when they found out my master plan of leading this trip): 

Our route and modes of transport.

1. Could traveling with 10 girls make for a drama filled vacation?
2. I've got a love affair with this country and have talked it up so much, what if it isn't as magical for the girls we've convinced to come along with us?
3. Will traveling with such a big group take away the possibility for spontaneous moments?

I thought I would have a lot of critical things to say in response to these questions, but in short the answers are: no, even more magical, not a chance. [1] Traveling with a group of 11 dynamic women made for constant entertainment. There was always someone to split off with who was interested in the same things you were and there were enough people that you never felt things getting cliquey (or if things did, it wasn't rubbed in your face and it really didn't matter). Plus, there was always someone around to laugh at you if you tripped on absolutely nothing on the sidewalk. [2] Everyone walked away (or flew away) from Turkey just as in love with the country as we were after our first, second and now third visit. They must put something in their water. [3] Eleven American women definitely caused for some attention to be thrown our way, but whether we were split off in smaller groups or traveling in our wolf pack, we had some of the most beautiful moments with the locals that maybe we would've missed out on if we were traveling in pairs or solo. Two moments come to mind in Cappadocia that I would love to share more of later. 

The highlight reel.

The Blue Mosque

In Istanbul, we wandered the streets and bathed in the history the mysterious metropolis has to offer. From the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to the alleys and layers of merchants in the Grand Bazaar. Baklava and icecream to kahvaltı and Turkish coffee, we made the absolute most out of our three days in the city. Highly recommend Cheers Hostel for a centrally located and affordable place to park yourself while you are there! 

Balloon ride over Cappadocia

You cannot go to Turkey without going to Cappadocia. I repeat. You CANNOT go to Turkey without going to Cappadocia. A part of my heart lives there and forever it will stay. Stay in a cave (love the guys here). Rise before the sun with a hot air balloon ride. Ride wild horses with a real Turkish cowboy through the valleys and have your breath be taken away by the incomparable and dream-like landscape. And a shit ton more.

View of Kaş from the boat

Take a Blue Cruise. Four days/three nights is a perfect amount of time to enjoy the luxury of relaxation, sprinkled with small coastal town visits, fabulous food and refreshing jumps into the water. We've used Alaturka Cruises in the past and have had great experiences! They have a few different itineraries to choose from so you really can't go wrong. Treat yourself and don't forget a good book! 

The Library at Ephesus

We rounded out our trip with three nights in Selçuk  A great place to base yourself to visit the ancient Greek (and later Roman) city of Ephesus. The ruins of this once booming city of the ancient world will leave your jaw hanging on the floor. Don't be shy and get a guide, because there are so many great stories tucked into the nooks and crannies of what is left standing (and many more in what is no longer visible to the eye). Paired with a visit to the House of Virgin Mary, we made all of our history teachers proud with the amount of information we soaked in. From Selçuk you also have easy access to destinations such as Pamukkale, Şirince and Camel Wresting (if you go the right time of year). To guarantee yourself a good time, stay at Atilla's Getaway!

Wrap it up.

I have a million more things to say about this trip but I'm going to save it for later. This isn't to exclude you and leave out some of the juicy details, but as bait for me to take in efforts to get my ass to blog more and write shit down. So there you have it. #theturkeyeleven took on Turkey and I would humbly say, we dominated! We all came out with a few more friends than when we left, have a few more laughs under our belt and a few more stories to share with our children to make them think we were cool at one point in our lives. Can't wait to see what's in store the next go around....

Smile,
Courtney