Vishal’s Romantic Turkish Odyssey with Thrillophilia
How strange it was that standing amidst the bustling Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, where every corner dazzled with vibrant colours, the only colour that truly captivated me was my partner’s deep eyes!
Where other people were busy finding the best souvenirs and chatting with the locals, I simply could not take my eyes off her. Her voice was like a sweet melody to my ears when she asked, “Should I get the blue stone earrings or the bronze ones?”
“You should get both”, I said, just to see the radiant smile that followed. By then, it became clear that Turkey’s magic had started to work on me. Suddenly, I was a lovestruck teenager once again.
Love Under the Turkish Skies!
My partner is pretty fond of Turkish rom-com television series. She never really liked those Indian dramas but let me tell you, when it comes to Turkish series, she could binge watch them the whole day. Thanks to her, I have even started liking them. Honestly, it was our shared love for those series and even Bollywood iconics like Ek Tha Tiger that inspired our trip to Turkey.
The moment we started planning for this trip she had decided that she wanted to recreate a few of the popular poses from her favourite Turkish rom-com, Hayat. The real task was that she insisted that I join her too. Of course, I said yes to her but being an introvert I was not very comfortable doing this.
The first location she selected was the dramatic Ihlara Valley. Contrary to the popular cities of Turkey, this valley showcases the rugged and rocky side of the region. But it is definitely a must-visit place, if you are someone who loves serenity, wildlife and nature in its raw form.
Now coming back to posing for our pictures, she kept explaining gracefully what I had to do. It all sounded very simple!
The only problem was that there were a dozen other travellers around which made me even more nervous. Several questions popped in my head like, “What if I look stupid?”, “What if I make her look stupid?”
While struggling with these thoughts, she said something in her sweet voice that calmed me down in an instant. She said, “What are you so nervous about? These people don’t even know you. You are in Turkey, no one cares what you are doing!”
I realised she was right and then- flipped back my hair, rolled up my sleeves, took her hand and gave the best possible filmy pose I could. In reality, it all happened in seconds and was much easier than I thought it would be.
After this, I started living by this mantra, “You are in Turkey, no one cares what you are doing!” And trust me, it was so much easier, it was almost as if I became a new person, all thanks to my beloved partner.From discovering the mysteries of the underground city in Cappadocia to chasing waterfalls in Antalya, soaring through the skies in Babadag to exploring the historic landmarks in Istanbul, I experienced every place with a new vigour and energy in me.
She got really surprised when I suggested another filmy pose at the stunning Cotton Castle. Firstly, the location was so gorgeous and dreamy that I couldn’t pass up this perfect photo opportunity. On top of that, I was loving my newly discovered self-confidence.
The catch? I didn’t reveal the pose. I simply asked her to face me and promised to take care of the rest. As soon as the photographer said, “3…2…1..go!” I lifted her in my arms and then she gave the most genuine smile ever that lit up her face. It was and will always be my favourite picture ever!
From Two to a Tribe!
One crucial aspect that really took our trip to a great level was travelling with a group. We got to meet so many new people from different corners of the world and it was a wholesome experience like no other.
Yes, we were enjoying the culture of Turkey but hand-in-hand we also got to learn so many new facts about other cultures from the people in our group. We all shared our food, went shopping together and clicked each others’ pictures. Some of us even got so close that we exchanged our numbers and promised for a reunion.
It is safe to say that we planned a couple’s trip but returned from a family/friends trip. Also, this was my first time travelling with a group of unknown people. At first, I was a little sceptical but after coming back from the trip I realised what I was missing out on.
Sailing into Romance!
I would like to end this review by talking about the most magical night we spent in Turkey- a romantic dinner cruise on the Bosphorus Strait.
To be honest, it was like living in a fairytale, with the moon glowing brightly above and the water sparkling in its reflection. She wore a beautiful dress and I got dressed up in a black tux. We had a candle light dinner right under the stars and then spent the night soaking in the stunning views around us.
Another highlight of the evening was the folk dance which was performed on the cruise by the local artists. It was a beautiful show that not only enhanced our overall experience but also gave us a glimpse into the local culture.
Our romantic getaway to Turkey was a dream come true, and the memories will last a lifetime. Going through the pictures, I wanted to write a review, firstly, to share my wonderful experience with the other travellers and secondly because I wanted to relive all those beautiful memories.
Read More: Thrillophilia Turkey Reviews