Travertine pools & sunlit hues!

 

For the rest of the 9 nine days we were in Turkey, our mornings were crazy! The climate being moderately cool to chilly, curling up under the covers be it in our cozy hotel at Istanbul, the cave hotel at Cappadocia, the flirty Ramada at Antalya or while at peaceful Pamukkale was especially appealing with it being a dream vacation. But were we going to go spend the best hours of the day under the covers? Nooooooooo! 

The break of every dawn saw us wake up groggy from the previous late night, craving a few more winks but with absolutely no lack of zest for the day that lay before us. Seeing each other every morning was a reminder that we were doing something incredible that would remain with us for life.  

The one time I woke up first, I tried to crawl back into my warm sheets after switching off the alarm hoping I wasn't spotted but the alarm was too loud! So while I began to get ready first (or was forced to rather!), they got a few extra minutes to shut-eye! Hmphhh!

Merhaba Türkiye!

“Ladies and gentlemen, Air Arabia G9321 welcomes you to Istanbul. The local time is 2:40pm. and for  your safety and the safety of those around you, please remain seated with your seat belt fastened and keep the aisle(s) clear until we are parked at the gate. The Captain will then turn off the “Fasten Seat Belt” sign, indicating it is safe to stand. Please use caution when opening the overhead compartments and removing items, since articles may have shifted during flight. Thank you for choosing Air Arabia. We hope you have had a pleasant flight and wish you a wonderful time in Istanbul. Eid Mubarak!”

44 hours after I received my ironed wardrobe, I am in Istanbul, Turkey, the land of amazing history, fingerlicking delicacies & delights, and breathtaking experiences! I sit still, savoring the moment and thank my Almighty Father for bringing me this far. It's quite overwhelming considering the (for the lack of a better word) stress I had, for this journey. A smooth flight via a 3 hour stop over at Sharjah with clear, bright skies to swim through! 

Nearly there!!

 

So what made me write again? After 5 years since my last post, the world having seen a pandemic and everyone's life being turned around by just around 360° since the past 2 years, I am back here and I would like to narrate one of the exceptional stories of my life. A journey that I ventured out entirely on my own (I still cannot believe it!), which would have never happened if it wasn't for the persistent wisdom, courage & favor from above that opened the right doors at the right time.  

I'm no perfectionist and neither are my blog posts, and with that disclaimer, I would like to take you on a trip with me. A trip that took around 4 years of dreaming and wishing, 2 years to shape up, give or take 3-4 months to plan out, which took me by an absolutely delightful surprise. Distanced at approximately 5.634km north west of Bangalore, this trip quite literally took me 20-24 years back in time. Phew! that's quite a bit isnt it? So get your popcorn, nachos or shawarma (whatever works for you!), fasten your seatbelts as we are about to take off!