Anna--beautifully written and true "we didn’t need shared language then to make lifelong friends. We had eyes and smiles and we spoke to each other through the heart". Relationships and the human heart that creates and nourishes them--the meaning of life.
What a wonderful experience, and how beautifully you express it. You really capture the sights, scents and atmosphere. I was almost scared that your landlady might not be there anymore, so it was lovely to see that she is still there with her family. How lovely that you could reconnect.
I have been to Turkey, to Istanbul. Kusadasi, and Ephasus, among other places. It was ten years ago and I can't really remember it all—we saw so many stone ruins. But I didn't experience the real Turkey like you diid, Anna. I didn't experience the people, in their own homes, those—as you describe so vividly—'sugarcube houses'. I can't wait to read your novel!
I loved this, and you’ve captured those friendships so beautifully! So glad that you were able to return and reunite. I also lived in Turkey for several years as an EFL teacher (almost 30 years ago!) and absolutely loved it - still keep in touch with some amazing Turkish friends and their families there. Kalbim Turkiye’de!
Of course you’re right Anna - it must have been a piece of my heart that was left there, rather than the whole thing, as I wouldn’t have been able to live here in England for so many years without it! I was in Ankara for most of the time, with 2 years in Konya in between, so quite different (in some ways) from the coastal areas. Really looking forward to reading your novel when it comes out! 💖
Love this, Anna! I've been to Bodrum many times, in its modern, manic form, so it's lovely to hear about how it used to be. I think Turkey is one of my favourite places. You were so brave, and so lucky to end up there, among such lovely, friendly people. Can't wait to read the novel!
This is so lovely Anna. Really from the heart. I love how you capture that love for a place and its people, and your youth too. What a wonderful experience.
Ah. I smiled and smiled. Then smiled harder. Was Bakiye expecting you? What a gift either was, and surprise if she was not. Made me happy reading that, happy rest of your holidays, girls… x
What a wonderful evocation of place, people and the passion you have for it and them, Anna. I loved reading this and felt completely transported, having never been to Turkey. The way you express the passage of time and the way we move 'up' the generations to fill spots vacated by our elders to honour old traditions or create new ones feels resonant to me right now. Maybe it's a midlife with daughters thing?
And the shared language of eyes, gesture, facial expression... It does the job if you let it. I think we can be scared sometimes to allow ourselves to be the vulnerable poor communicator we can feel like when we're out of our comfort zone and forced to find ways other than words to connect. Sounds like your daughter is doing it just fine, though, and I'm sure she's come to understand just why this place has captivated your memories and your imagination for so long. Happy rest of holidays xx
How wonderful that you've been able to go back and take your daughter with you. I love and miss middle eastern culture. Enjoy your time. You've made me travel and adventure sick, reading this!
Not because I was sad but because it was so true and of course so beautiful like all your writing xx
Ann. I had goose bumps all the way through this. Then I cried!!! Love mum ❤️
Awww mum! ❤️
Anna--beautifully written and true "we didn’t need shared language then to make lifelong friends. We had eyes and smiles and we spoke to each other through the heart". Relationships and the human heart that creates and nourishes them--the meaning of life.
thank you so much for reading and for your lovely thoughts!
BEAUTIFUL! ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you! 🙏🏼🧿
It’s so nice to see someone love this country as much as I do.
This filled me with happy tears and I was there with you in those sacred reunions. 💛
Oh thank you Tansie! 🙏🏼🧿
What a wonderful experience, and how beautifully you express it. You really capture the sights, scents and atmosphere. I was almost scared that your landlady might not be there anymore, so it was lovely to see that she is still there with her family. How lovely that you could reconnect.
I have been to Turkey, to Istanbul. Kusadasi, and Ephasus, among other places. It was ten years ago and I can't really remember it all—we saw so many stone ruins. But I didn't experience the real Turkey like you diid, Anna. I didn't experience the people, in their own homes, those—as you describe so vividly—'sugarcube houses'. I can't wait to read your novel!
Oh thank you, Anita! There is so much history here, they really don’t make the most of it in terms of tourism. I hope to do that via my novel.
I loved this, and you’ve captured those friendships so beautifully! So glad that you were able to return and reunite. I also lived in Turkey for several years as an EFL teacher (almost 30 years ago!) and absolutely loved it - still keep in touch with some amazing Turkish friends and their families there. Kalbim Turkiye’de!
I thought I’d left my heart in Turkey too, Amy. But it turns out it travels with me. Where were you in Turkey? So pleased you enjoyed the piece. 🙏🏼❤️
Of course you’re right Anna - it must have been a piece of my heart that was left there, rather than the whole thing, as I wouldn’t have been able to live here in England for so many years without it! I was in Ankara for most of the time, with 2 years in Konya in between, so quite different (in some ways) from the coastal areas. Really looking forward to reading your novel when it comes out! 💖
Thank you Amy! X
This is such a beautiful piece - really poignant and moving. It’s has given me a glimpse into a side of Turkey I’ve never seen before
Thank you Naomi, I’m pleased to read this.
Love this, Anna! I've been to Bodrum many times, in its modern, manic form, so it's lovely to hear about how it used to be. I think Turkey is one of my favourite places. You were so brave, and so lucky to end up there, among such lovely, friendly people. Can't wait to read the novel!
Thanks Sue xx
This is so lovely Anna. Really from the heart. I love how you capture that love for a place and its people, and your youth too. What a wonderful experience.
Thanks Lily xx
Ah. I smiled and smiled. Then smiled harder. Was Bakiye expecting you? What a gift either was, and surprise if she was not. Made me happy reading that, happy rest of your holidays, girls… x
I had told her I was coming, yes. I tried to surprise her on the first night but she wasn’t home so I messaged her to make sure I wouldn’t miss her xx
What a wonderful evocation of place, people and the passion you have for it and them, Anna. I loved reading this and felt completely transported, having never been to Turkey. The way you express the passage of time and the way we move 'up' the generations to fill spots vacated by our elders to honour old traditions or create new ones feels resonant to me right now. Maybe it's a midlife with daughters thing?
And the shared language of eyes, gesture, facial expression... It does the job if you let it. I think we can be scared sometimes to allow ourselves to be the vulnerable poor communicator we can feel like when we're out of our comfort zone and forced to find ways other than words to connect. Sounds like your daughter is doing it just fine, though, and I'm sure she's come to understand just why this place has captivated your memories and your imagination for so long. Happy rest of holidays xx
Thank you Lindsay xx
Oh, this is lovely ❤️.
You are so lucky to live close enough to visit other countries without having to travel for days ☺️.
This is so true, Sarah
How wonderful that you've been able to go back and take your daughter with you. I love and miss middle eastern culture. Enjoy your time. You've made me travel and adventure sick, reading this!
Oh I’m so pleased, Faith! I’m glad it conjured up that sense of travel for you!