As I get older, a curious kind of panic has taken hold—there’s just so much of the world I haven’t seen yet! It’s like a ticking clock, except instead of seconds, it’s counting missed destinations.
In my younger, more “efficient” days, I’d land at a place, finish work, and leave—no detours, no time for adventure, just the job. The thought of tacking on an extra day or two for sightseeing was scandalously indulgent. But now? I’ve decided to chill.
After attending a destination
wedding in Istanbul at the Uber luxurious Ciragqn Palace Hotel (which deserves its own post, but we’ll save that for later), I joined a like-minded friend, and we flew off to Cappadocia for a couple of days.
Now, let’s set the scene: I was completely unprepared for this trip because my friend took the reins. I hopped off the plane with zero expectations and a slight existential shrug. And guess what? Our room was in a cave. Yep, a bona fide, Flintstones-style cave—but with Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and every modern convenience you could think of. Romantic, right? Except it was a couples-only resort, and I had to share a bed. Still, not the worst roommate situation I’ve had.
Cappadocia is… something else. It’s ancient, steeped in history, and has a landscape so dramatic it could audition for “Game of Thrones.” The architecture? Let’s just say “unusual” feels like an understatement. It’s like Earth decided to throw a pottery class for giants. The weather? A perfect 11 degrees Celsius, a climate us Indians consider pure luxury.
Last night, we ventured into the local market—a labyrinth of overpriced trinkets and souvenirs that will probably end up on someone’s fridge or in a drawer labelled “Why did I buy this?” After a modest local meal and a seemingly innocent nine-minute walk back to the hotel, we collapsed in bed like overworked mules. Only later did we realize why a friend had advised us to take a cab—because that uphill climb was vertical. I’m pretty sure we climbed the equivalent of Mount Everest in hotel slippers.
Now, about Turkey’s charm: the animals. Dogs and cats are everywhere, blending into the scenery as if they’ve always been there. One shop had a single chair, and it was monopolized by a snoozing cat who refused to budge. I tried to gently negotiate with it, and in return, it scratched my jeans—rude, but adorable. Meanwhile, the hotel lobby was a whole other vibe. Three cocker spaniels lounged on the sofas like they owned the place and even joined us for breakfast.
The stray animals here are surprisingly well-cared for, even pampered. They’re clean, friendly, and clearly accustomed to VIP treatment. They may not have owners, but the entire country seems to have adopted them as furry citizens.
As for today’s agenda: sightseeing, dinner, and the pièce de resistance—a two-hour massage and hammam session that costs as much as a night at the hotel. But honestly, who’s counting? A woman’s got to indulge every now and then!
