everybody must have a reason...

I never wanted to go abroad for my holidays-I always liked to explore the places in the UK that are beautiful-Cornwall, Welsh mountains, Scottish Highlands etc. Then after much nagging from my teenage daughter I asked in a local travel agents for reccomendations of a place abroad where there is natural beauty. I wanted no McDonalds or Burger King, no English bars and fish and chip shops and no tacky amusement parks. He stated that he thought oludeniz would be just what I was looking for. So with trepidation in May 2002 I boarded the plane to Dalaman with my children and indeed oludeniz was incredibly beautiful. We loved it so much that we cried all the way back to the airport and when I got home I immediately booked for September 2002. I have been now six times in four years.The place is beautiful the people are respectful and friendly and it has been very safe for my teenage children as once people got to know us they would look out for my children and if any man was hazzling my girls the guys we have become friendly with sent them packing.
We have been invited to sit and eat with the families who run the shops in the resorts and treated so well-Turkish hospitality !!!
I am waiting now for Spring 2006 to get back there!

I have been to many places around the world. My friend Angela has holidays in Turkey every year, and always comes back to tell me what a fantastic time that she has had. This year was her 40th birthday, she said her one wish was for me to go to Turkey with her and a few of our other friends to celebrate. How could I refuse

I had never been to Turkey, and to be honest it had never crossed my mind to go, I am sure that I would have got around to it at some point as I want to see as much of the world as I can.

Within a day of arriving I was totally in love with the country, culture and the people! By the time I was due to go home I was really upset I didn't want to leave. Within 12 weeks I was back on the plane again for another holiday!
You may think that maybe there was a man involved somewhere along the line, but this wasn't the case. I did get close to someone after I got back, but he is not the reason for me wanting to learn about the culture.

When I got home I did lot's of research on Turkey, and then started to learn the language. When I went back in October the locals were amazed that I was able to talk to them a little. I was able to look at signs and read them, listen to people talk and pick up some of what they were saying, and even ask for things in restaurants in Turkish.

I made many friends while I was there, and really feel at home. I am now thinking of buying myself an appartment out there. Turkey is a wonderful place. I'm really looking forward to going back

Well, Linda, I could put my signature under your post