The People We've Met in Turkey
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This is a selection of photos of the folks we've run into. They have enriched our lives. I hope we've amused them a little too.
This man sold tea to hikers from a set of huts back on a trail in the Pigeon Valley near Goreme. While we were drinking he said he'd give us a prize if we could answer two questions: 1) Can you say two things in Turkish? 2) Can you name two countries that border Turkey? We got the prize, an evil eye that now protects my camera bag.
This man told us about his dream to build a hotel in a Cappadocia. His great grandfather made his home in this cave so he will make it the reception lobby for his hotel.
This girl and her sister were getting some early planting done in containers. She seemed to say, "You better not take my picture." I always take the picture. We both laughed.
I weathered a pelting rainstorm to get photos one afternoon. This guy waited too. He didn't have a camera. He just wanted to see the sunset.
We are an odd lot that gets up before sunrise to go looking for pictures. I have never regretted getting out of bed; there are always rewards.
This lady sold me some Turkish coffee on a cold morning after I had descended the hills of Cappadocia on a photo safari. We ran into her often in the days that followed and she always called me over to say hi and ask how I was. I recommend her restaurant, Cappadocian Cuisine, in Goreme.
Facing rejection a thousand times a day the indefatigable hawkers are on the street selling rugs, food, whatever. Always smiling.
Nice color match between the watermelons and her scarf.
Young Europeans sample some olives from a seller at the Fethiye market.
A guy came up to me while I was photographing this fish seller and said, "Please crop out the man and keep the fish in your photo. The fish is better looking."
We bought dates and dried fruit from her.
Dr. Can from the Caretta Apart Hotel in Fethiye is as close to a personal fixer as I may ever get to know. When Rick Steves or Anthony Bourdain visit a country they have someone to "fix" transportation, tours, personal experiences, restaurants etc. Dr. Can (pronounced John) worked with us every morning to be sure our stay at his hotel and our visits to the surrounding region were personally perfect. He is the best.
Using a straight razor this Fethiye barber gave me a very close shave. Twice. Then lit an alcohol dipped Q-Tip on fire and singed the little hairs of my cheeks and ears.