From Istanbul’s bustling ferries to the rocky valleys of Cappadocia, my solo journey across Turkey wasn’t just about beautiful landscapes — it was the countless moments of kindness from strangers that truly shaped the experience.Here’s the story of how Turkey opened its heart to me.
1. Welcomed Like a Friend in Anadolu Kavağı
After multiple ferry rides from Istanbul, I finally reached Anadolu Kavağı, the gateway to Yoros Castle. With 30 minutes to spare before my return ferry, I wandered into a small souvenir shop. No sooner had I entered than three gentlemen greeted me with a heartfelt “Hoşgeldiniz!” — welcome. Their warmth was overwhelming. I browsed like a celebrity while they smiled encouragingly. When I asked for a phone charger, one of them swiftly produced one and even let me test it before paying. Unlike other places where locals asked me where I “really” came from, here I was simply treated as a guest, no questions asked.
2. An Airport Bus Ride to Trabzon
Flying from Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Trabzon, I hopped on a Havaş bus. While most passengers requested a drop-off at the city center, I asked — with the help of Google Translate — to be dropped near my hotel.Surprisingly, the staff accommodated my request without hesitation. They even informed me gently that I would need to walk a little from the drop-off point. Coming from a place where public transport is cold and transactional, this small act of care felt almost VIP-like.
3. The Good Samaritan Who Negotiated My Taxi Fare
En route to the remote Sümela Monastery, I found myself struggling with language barriers. As I tried to communicate with a Dolmuş driver, a local woman approached and offered help.Not only did she negotiate the correct fare for me from Trabzon to Maçka, but once we arrived, she walked me to the taxi stand and secured the most fair ever round-trip deal: 800 TL, including a one-hour wait at the monastery. Thanks to her, I had a scam-free, safe, and unforgettable visit.
4. Above and Beyond in Çamlıhemşin
In Çamlıhemşin, I asked a Dolmuş driver for a ride outside his working hours — he agreed with a small extra fee. But the kindness didn’t stop there: during our ride, he phoned a colleague to arrange a seamless connection to Rize, sparing me from hailing an expensive taxi.The result? I stepped off one Dolmuş and directly into another, all thanks to a spontaneous chain of generosity.
5. Midnight Arrival and Heartfelt Hospitality in Pamukkale
Arriving at Pamukkale well past midnight after a long bus journey, I was greeted by the hotelier waiting patiently at the entrance. When I realized I lacked cash for the taxi fare, he offered to lend me money on trust alone — no questions asked.The next morning, already weak from a bad case of food poisoning, he fetched me water, carried my luggage to the bus stop, and chatted with me to lift my spirits. Even strangers across the street, noticing my pale face, offered me a chair to sit on.Pamukkale’s hospitality became the most touching memory of my trip.
6. Kindness on the Metro in Izmir
Sometimes, a simple act can mean the world. At a metro station in Izmir, confused about which train to catch to the airport, a metro staff member saw me hesitating and quickly directed me to the right train.Back home, I’m used to being treated like a bother when confused — but here, a stranger’s brief kindness reminded me how much stress I’d been carrying before this trip.
7. Göreme: Caring Strangers and New Friendships
My food poisoning symptoms lingered as I arrived in Göreme, Cappadocia. After visiting the Open-Air Museum, I collapsed onto a sidewalk from exhaustion. A group of taxi drivers noticed and came over to check if I was okay. “We thought you were dead,” one joked warmly, “Have you called for help?”The next days, as I regained strength with powdered soup, I ventured on a Green Tour where I met another solo female traveler. She photographed me among the stunning landscapes and later sent me the pictures, along with uplifting words: “You are purposeful. You are capable of handling anything.”Final Reflections: Traveling Solo, But Never AloneThese two weeks in Turkey taught me that kindness often comes when you least expect it — and that solo travel doesn’t mean lonely travel. It means being open to the world and the people who step into your story, even if just for a moment.From ferry captains to taxi drivers, hotel keepers to metro staff, and fellow travelers on the road — I met Turkey through its people. And for that, I will always be grateful.
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