Turkey is receiving a lot of negative attention lately as the poster child for the issues (e.g., terrorism, refugee crisis) that the entire world are currently facing. These are real issues and certainly deserve the media's attention. However, all of the negative attention takes its toll on the country's reputation, thus decreasing tourism, which accounts for about 5% of the economy (source). Seeing Turkey in the news more frequently has me reminiscing about my incredible 9 day trip there in May 2012. With our Turkey flights, we were only able to hit Istanbul and the Bodrum area while we were there, but Turkey definitely put on a spectacular show and I would love to return to Turkey to further explore what this diverse nation has to offer (and let's get real, to eat more delicious food).

Food

Of course food is my number 1 reason to go to Turkey, as it is pretty much my number 1 reason to travel anywhere. Turkish cuisine is just a flavor lover's paradise. For starters, there is the typical Turkish breakfast of cheeses, olives, bread, egg, tomato, cucumber, and spreads. Then, if you love meat, you can get it all in several delicious forms for lunch or dinner: from beef and chicken to goat and lamb and don't the miss fish and mussels on the coast. It is always served up with delicious grilled vegetables like eggplant and bell pepper and let's not forget the bread that always accompanies the meals. On top of all this food-baby-inducing goodness, there are usually cheeses and spreads to accompany your meal, too. Finally, let's not forget to satisfy our sweet tooth with none other than Baklava for dessert.

People

[caption id="attachment_8842" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] these two brothers managed the beach hotel we stayed at in Bodrum and would drive us to town every night[/caption]

There is something special about travel destinations where the people sincerely want to get to know you and talk to you. Turkey is one of these special places. I was shocked how many people were surprised that two American girls would be traveling Turkey. Why wouldn't we be? The people were so accommodating and welcoming. Everyone you meet is an instant friend (even if they may be trying to sell you something). The people of Turkey are what make it so special. Fair warning: you will be drinking a lot of complementary tea during your time there.

Shopping

[caption id="attachment_8841" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] A display of knock-off shoes at a store inside the Grand Bazaar[/caption]

Turkey opens up an entirely new shopping world and I am serious with my recommendation that you should probably show up with a near-empty suitcase. There are of course your normal brand stores, but then you have the markets and the markets are game changing. Many tourists know of Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, but what you might not know is that these markets are every where across the country. You may also not expect that the shop owners will treat you like a guest, offering you tea and even food. In one leather store offering incredible purses and shoes, we were served mussels and cocktails on the beach behind the store, I kid you not. Turkey offers knock-offs of any brand you can possibly imagine and although the quality of the imitations varies, if you shop around you can find exact replicas. There are even entire independent stores dedicated to this cause. Before going shopping in Turkey, I suggest practicing your bargaining and always having a walk away point. The bargaining can be exhausting, but after a week in Turkey, we decided to turn it into a game. If the salesperson was not mad when you left, you did not get a good deal.

Landscape

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When it comes to landscape, Turkey has it all: the Mediterranean Coast, international city life in Istanbul, the Black Sea, and the unique landscapes of Cappodocia, mountains, and hot springs at Pamukkale. The country is a large country, twice the size of California, spanning two continents. You could spend a month and just skim the surface of what this country has to offer (but a month is a great place to start ;-))

History

[caption id="attachment_8853" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] inside the Blue Mosque, Istanbul[/caption]

Finally, Turkey is packed with history. In Istanbul alone, you have the Blue Mosque (est. 1609), Topkapi Palace (seat of the Ottoman Empire), and the Hagia Sophia (6th century). Then, once you venture outside of Istanbul, you encounter the ancient world with Ephesus, which was at its peak within the Roman Empire in 1 A.D. and is home to one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. Heck, someone even thinks they found Noah's Ark near Mount Ararat.

What do you (would you) love about Turkey?

Over four years after living in Germany, it is pretty wild to look back on how different things are today. This weekend, I had to privilege of seeing two great friends from Karlsruhe who were in Munich for various things. These friends just know me in a different way (relaxed & carefree) than my friends in Munich (overachiever & on-the-go) and it was nostalgic reminiscing over all the great times we had together. In Karlsruhe, I had a lot of free time and spent at least three days per month in another city or country. Oh how times have changed: Three weeks ago I had to cancel my trip to Warsaw because too many conflicts arose here in Munich. Anyway, before I get too carried away on now and then (this would require a novel), I will get to the point.

I have not been to Berlin since moving to Germany. Munich and I always clicked better than Berlin. I spent three days there on a trip pre-move, but now that I know so much more about Germany, I am eager to get back to the Hauptstadt for one of those epic Berlin breaks to see what all the fuss is about.

Eat a Döner Kebab at Mustafa's

Döner and Berlin go hand-in-hand and from everything I hear, there's no better place to enjoy these delicious pitas. There's something perfect about these cheap eats that always seem to have a perfect bread-meat-sauce-veggie ratio and I can't help adding all sorts of chili to mine. There is also a variant that comes in a wrap, which I often refer to as the "Turkish Burrito"; if you know my love for burrito's this is nothing short of a pet name.

Let's just say this would not be my only must-eat food stop on the trip as I would look way too forward to all the deliciousness Berlin has to offer.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="2250"] Source[/caption]

Club der Visionäre

When I was last in Berlin, I was there staying in a 10 person hostel room with some other friends from university. Wherever we tried to go out, our group was immediately turned down. We later learned that bouncers often don't let large groups in, so we eventually started going in places in twos or threes. Club der Visionäre was near our hostel and we stumbled upon it exploring Görlitzer Park.  Since it was summer, it was the perfect place to hangout and we were envious seeing everyone spend time there from the pedestrian bridge that overlooked the backside. Nevertheless, the doormen were not having it with us, but next time Visionäre, I'm coming for ya.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Source[/caption]

Badeschiff

Also near Club der Visionäre is the Badeschiff. Somehow, none of us had swimsuits, so this experience was knocked off the list, but it was this pool and party located in the Spree is just too cool. Badeschiff also hosts lots of events to create a lively poolside atmosphere (i.e., party). I don't want to hear about it from the Berlin snobs. I much rather spend a day there and see for myself.

Karaoke in Mauerpark

This open air Karaoke next in Mauerpark that takes place on fair weather Sundays was by far my favorite experience in Berlin. People from all over the world performed and watched the various performances. There ranged from extraordinary to really, really, drunk and all were extremely fun to watch while munching on snacks from the flea market next door. I will make sure my next trip goes through a Sunday just for another Bear Pit Karaoke experience.

Drink coffee

Berlin has a massive Third Wave Coffee movement and although I will drink actually any coffee you give me, I still love going to a well-designed cafe with friendly people who serve up a cup of coffee that my Nespresso and Aeroccino just can't match. I would even spend a day going on a coffee tour and exploring all of the different neighborhoods in the city.

 

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source[/caption]

See a concert at Mercedes-Benz Arena (formerly o2 World)

In Germany, I've missed attending the big arena concert I was lucky to always attend growing up in Houston. The Mercedes-Benz Arena is also right next to the East Side Gallery, which is always worth another visit. Adele concert in May anyone?

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="5906"] Source[/caption]

Ok Berlin fans, what else should I add to my list?

I remember my first time in Europe like it was yesterday. It was July 10, 2010 and I landed in Barcelona with my friend, Anne, where we met our other travel buddy, Deborah, to kick off a three week, ten country whirlwind Eurotrip. As a first time international traveler, I'd done little research outside of organizing our transportation and accommodations. I remember following Deborah around the Catalonian capital in complete awe of the hustle and bustle, the ornate Gaudi styles, and European living. The other awe-factors came from Debs. How did she know where she was going? What methodology could there possibly be to this underground Metro system? After living there one summer, Deborah could navigate Barcelona without a second glance and speak to the locals in her much-improved Spanish. To me, the total newb on the European continent, every thing appeared complex and foreign; it scared me a little, but the excitement of it all was more than enough to compensate for my fears.

There are a few things every one does there first time in Europe. It's nothing to be ashamed of (ok, maybe the tennis shoes my American friends), it's just all a learning experience and we first time international travelers like to learn the hardway.

Things Everyone Does Their First Time Abroad

The following photos are all from my first trip abroad in July 2010.

Take Pictures of Everything

Buildings, statues, street performers, and local vendors, no one is safe from being captured by your camera lens. While documenting your journey is important, especially for us bloggers, it's more important to take in your surroundings without a camera or phone hindering your view. See, taste, hear, feel, and communicate with the people and the surroundings and take notes later on the train or plane. You simply won't look at the photos of statues and landscapes later. Use your camera to capture the moments with your travel mates and the wonderful people you meet along the way. Save the people-less snaps for the art and lanscapes that inspire you. And please, for the love of God, stop taking pictures with your iPad, tablet, etc.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="764"] Good thing I took a picture of this nondescript building and parking lot in Prague. As a Euro-newb, I found this building beautiful. Anyone that's been around the block in Europe knows it's standard. I guess that's the appeal of the European first-timers, we love every thing![/caption]

Eat at Tourist Traps

You say you won't do it, but I guarantee you you'll find yourself tired, hungry, thirsty, and not caring about prices and food quality because "whatever, it's a pretty place to sit". Well, let me remind you that exhaustion is clouding your judgment and you do not really want to eat there. Walk those three extra blocks to find a quieter street, with equally wonderful outdoor seating, with better food at a better price. How to spot the good places?

How to Spot a Tourist Trap

- Photographs of the food on display in front of the restaurant

- Employees on the street attempting to lure you into eat

- Menu offered in three or more different languages, which is also displayed outside

- Patrons speaking languages other than the local dialect

- Restaurant located directly on main square

- Named "Hard Rock Cafe"

[caption id="attachment_8669" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Guilty.[/caption]

 Overpay

Whether it's buying food at the train station or dining at a tourist trap off the city's main square, you will be overpaying. This does not just happen for food, but bottled water, train and bus tickets, accommodation prices, and souvenirs. It is worth the effort to walk a couple blocks away from the main tourist areas to save a few bucks. Thirsty? Walk in the nearest grocery store. If you have a kitchen where you're staying (even many hostels do), purchase some goodies at a local supermarket for a cheap, healthy meal or grab some local beer or wine for a little pre-drinking to save money on wild nights out. For souvenirs, buy them away from the main tourist sites as well. For example, the Hofbräu mugs cost over €10 at the Hofbräuhaus, but cost just €2 at the Chinese Tower in the English Garden. Often, dollar/Euro/Pound stores have little items, too. For guided tours, check online and at your hotel for coupons. If you are traveling by train or budget airline, book in advance. For inner-city transportation, check for daily group tickets if traveling with companions as they offer heavy price cuts. Taking a few extra steps and doing some research can save you more money than you realize; when traveling for weeks, €4 bottled water adds up when you could buy a large one for €0.50 at the super market.

[caption id="attachment_8672" align="aligncenter" width="549"] Anne buying a hat right in front of the Colosseum[/caption]

Suffer from Mobile Phone Withdrawals

You arrive abroad and don't know where to go. Oh no, the airport does not have Wi-Fi! What is a human being to do? Instead of scrambling for the next Starbucks for free Wi-Fi access, look around. Where are people walking? Is there an information desk? Speak with people around you. Your Internet access will come at your hotel, but until then, use your common sense to find your way to your destination. More and more people are upgrading to international plans or purchasing local SIM cards, but that Instagram can wait to be uploaded at the hotel and your mom can stand a few more hours without an email response. I'm the first one to admit to my Internet addiction. However, I love the rush of freedom I feel in a new country and I don't need my Android interfering.  A cell phone is important to carry in case of emergency, but don't let your smartphone that steals your attention on a daily basis distract you from your new surroundings abroad. Use the free map from your hostel and ask questions to get around; its a fun way to discover a new destination!

[caption id="attachment_8668" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Anne reading our free map like a pro.[/caption]

Board the Wrong Train or Underground, Miss a Train, and Every Other Train Mishap

It's bound to happen, and hopefully it's a subway and not a long-distance train, but you will miss or board the wrong train. It's best to relax because once you've committed the foul, there's no going back and best to think clearly about your next steps rather than freak out. In fact, these moments make for the most fun stories to tell back home. When it happens, ask for help; figure out which direction you are headed and how you can most quickly remedy the situation. Most often, the train workers are sympathetic to your situation and you could not even have to pay for a new ticket. If you're traveling long term, these things happen and they are not worth getting worked up about.

[caption id="attachment_8667" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] This post Tour de France evening out in Paris resulted in missing our very expensive Chunnel to London.[/caption]

Wear the Wrong Shoes

If there is one article you should pay close attention to while packing, it's your shoes. Unlike daily life, you will be walking all the time and you won't be walking on smooth sidewalks, but damaged concrete and cobblestone roads. Those shoes you think are comfortable? Think again. Then remember, you'll be wearing them and another pair every single day. Go for decent looking shoes (that would not be tennis shoes, but sneakers are OK) with good support that are transitional from day to evening. Be sure they are broken in before arriving and you know they can endure all the walking. Just when I think shoes are comfortable, I go on a trip and am rudely reminded by blisters and a sore lower back that they are in fact not comfortable. I'm still searching for the perfect travel shoe, so if anyone has suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

[caption id="attachment_8671" align="aligncenter" width="558"] Tennis shoes in Venice, oh me...[/caption]

Overpack

Cramming all of your favorite outfits and toiletries into your backpack or suitcase may seem worthwhile at the time, but until you're hauling that bag from the plane, onto the local transport, and then trekking to your hotel, over and over again, you won't realize the enormity of your mistake. Add in a couple shopping trips at H&M and the market later, and you're purchasing another bag to hold your crap (true story: I did this). Pack comfortable shoes basics you can wear again and again, buy your shampoo at a local drugstore upon arrival to share with your travel mates, and only the essential electronics (for me, smartphone, Kindle, camera). Your back and feet will thank you for packing light and you'll have more room for purchases along the way.

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What silly things did you do your first time abroad?

My first time to set foot on European soil was in Barcelona, Spain on July 10, 2010. Looking back, it boggles my mind, since Europe is now a second home. A lot has changed since that fateful trip nearly four years ago that ensured my return to the continent and ultimate move to Germany. I recall feeling lost 100 percent of the time, but not giving a hoot about my whereabouts because my surroundings were so spectacular, I never cared about a destination. In reality, I could have been in the worst part of Barcelona and still thought the architecture was something scholarly. I also took photos of everything - I mean every thing! That statue looks important; who is it? Oh well, I'll take a photo and look it up later (spoiler alert: I did not research photos post-destination). As cheesy as it sounds, I learned a lot my first time in Europe. There's something to be said for being able to successfully refold a hostel-issued paper map, and even more to be said if you can actually navigate your way through a city using said map.

my first ever day in Europe, exploring Barcelona

Before I traveled to Europe, never had I ever....

Traveled by Train

This stuns me since it is now easily my favorite form of transportation. From Barcelona, we had an overnight train ride planned to Rome to meet our fourth travel mate. Upon arrival at the train station, we looked at the departures board for the platform number and instead saw "BUS" written where a number should be. With some choppy Spanish, we learned that the Italian trains were on strike and indeed there was a bus as a substitute. 14 hours, 44,000 Rupees stolen from my bank account, and several restroom stops later (yep, there were no facilities on the bus), we arrived in Milan and I was able to board my first ever train to Rome. Ever since then, I can speak highly of train travel and fear the bus, since I've now been on a few in different European countries that lacked toilet.

And there's the story of how I learned to be a flexible traveler and take things as they come.

French train in Cerbere, France on the Spanish border

Stayed in a Hostel

In fact, until I really immersed myself in the blogosphere, I thought hostels were just a Europe thing. Ha! Little did I know there were hostels all over the world, even in my hometown. Now, I've stayed in more hostels than I can count and although I am a huge advocate of the backpacking + hostel travel style, I can firmly state that I'm looking forward to the day I can afford more private accommodations.

My worst hostel memory definitely comes from Florence, Italy. We stayed in a room of 8 girls during a couple of blistering hot July days. There were two standing fans and a silent war throughout the nights of these fans being moved around the poorly ventilated room.

My best hostel memory... well, I cannot even decide in this moment, which makes me rethink my earlier statement on hostels because I've had many fun times. There's nothing quite like having all your friends bunked up in a hostel together.

weekend at Generator Hostel in Hamburg, Germany

Navigated a Subway System (or a Continent)

You'd think I am from a small town, but alas, I am from a city of 5 million inhabitants and no practical public transportation system. In Houston's defense, it is all sorts of expansive. To further explain how this happened, I'd never traveled (and still have not traveled) to a U.S. city with an underground system. I remember following around my friends who were studying in Barcelona and being so impressed how easily they moved about the long tunnels between metro lines.

Eurail timetable and map for journey planning

Drank Energy Drinks

I always thought energy drinks smelled terrible. Then, I arrived in Barcelona on the day of the 2010 World Cup Semifinal game and I had no choice but to stay up and party all night, enter Vodka + Red Bull. The effects of Red Bull (or The Horny Leprechauns, as we drank that night) were magical, and although I've weened myself off, I still indulge myself when exhaustion sets in but an important night out calls.

my first-ever energy drink in Barcelona

What "firsts" did you encounter traveling overseas?

Karlsruhe might not be the most fabulous European city on the map, but its location is smack dab in the middle of Europe and makes for some easily accessible and super special day trip options. Our friends had been wanting to do something new for a while, and finally marvelous Martin pulled it together and offered to plan a day trip to France, where he would rent a car for the day and drive us. With only 9 seats available in the car, we all jumped at the opportunity and gathered at noon to begin our adventure. Fortunately, this day fell on Shayla's arrival, so after an international flight, she arrived in Karlsruhe and we hurried to meet the gang and head to France - no time for jet lag when you only have a 6 nights in Germany!

Quick Stop at the Rhine River

The trip began with a brief stop along the Rhine River. I immediately recognized it was the location of the ferry crossing we took with our bikes on our bike trip to Lauterbourg, France last May Day.

That awful moment when you snap an adorable group shot and are not in it.

Fleckenstein Castle

Our next destination was Fleckenstein Castle, where I could not help but think of Ashley a zillion times. When Ashley, a fellow former au pair and blogger, visited Karlsruhe, she was dying to visit her distance ancestors' namesake castle. Unfortunately, it is no accessible without a car, so it did not work out.

I do not want to make Ashley too jealous, but it really was one of the cooler castles I've visited. The castle is very much in ruins compared to the original structure, but it has so many platforms and nooks and crannies to discover. So many castles offerextravagant restorations and guided tours, but Fleckenstein Castle shines amongst the others with its authenticity and self-exploration. The top platforms offer fantastic views of the rolling hills around the region and a couple other castles in the distance, while the narrow, curvy, dark staircases create fantasies of life in the 16th century.

Château du Fleckenstein in all its previous glory

Hohenburg Castle

After Fleckenstein Castle, we left the car behind and began a 30-40 minute hike to a nearby castle, Hohenburg. Castles like Hohenburg, which began construction in the 13th century, reminds me that the United States is still the baby of the world. The founding fathers were not even a glimmer in their great, great grandparent's eyes.

At this point in the trip, some of us ladies were already getting a little tired of hiking and being cold. The sun was trying to poke its head out, but light rain was winning over and the paths were becoming slick. About midway to Hohenburg Castle, the guys began hiking off-path because it "was shorter". We know them better than that and knew they were taking a longer detour, so the group split in two. Of course, I was apart of Team Girl and we continued the original route, beating the others by about twenty minutes and scoring some Kirschwasser (cherry schnapps) off some friendly Germany hikers along the way. Although we whined a bit on the hike, the views from the top of Hohenburg were even better than that of Fleckenstein. At the top of the castle, they had a map point directions of cities both near and far. Karlsruhe is so flat, I forget that I have gorgeous, rolling green hills surrounding me in every direction (Alsace, Black Forest, Rhine Valley).

The afternoon began coming to a close and our appetites started revving up. We decided it was time to begin heading back to the car, which was left below Fleckenstein Castle. Not far into the hike, it began to rain - great, the one day I don't bring my waterproof coat with me! I also immediately kicked myself for not wearing my hiking boots as the tread on my Nikes no longer sufficed with the wet leaves and I fell ~6 times on the way down. The rain soon subsided and marble-sized hail stones took its place! We could not believe it. Luckily, they were soft enough and we could enjoy the spontaneity and resemblance of snow.

I finally got to put one of my favorite Christmas gifts to use, a Gorilla Pod! It supports the weight of my SLR and you can set it up almost anywhere. I was not concerned a bit as it hung on the edge of this high castle's railing.

After the hike, we rewarded ourselves with a warm coffee and pastry, followed by a fantastic dinner at an Alsatian restaurant in Haguenau. I went for a pretty German option of Fleischkuechle, little meatball patties, and sauce, while some of the others went more French with escargot, steak with Pommes Frites.

I am constantly amazed by the sheer number of castles throughout the region; we only visited two of the seventeen castles in the area. It looks like I have some more hiking to do! Although, I think I'll wait for it to warm up a bit more before my next outing. For more information on castles in the region, click here.

What day trips does your region offer?