The landscape in Turkey is beautiful. I experienced the sense of humor, likened to my own sense of humor, in Istanbul. People are very stressed out because of the economy that creates anger within the cultural of Turkey. However, Turkey is a hassle free country and people are honest about the price of food and transportation, and willing to help you with directions if needed.
I did meet some very nice, pleasant people, in Turkey, along with meeting some people that were very angry about life. In low season the hotels are willing to bargain, except for in Istanbul. I found that people in Turkey listen much better than people in Egypt, although there are many people that have not inquired a listening ear—a common quality all over the world. The details of traveling Turkey as follows… Arriving in Antakya from Aleppo, I stayed at the Yeral Hotel for 30 Turkish Lira a night without a fan, although a private bathroom—I stayed two nights.
From Antakya I traveled on a Dolmus midsize bus to Gaziantep for 18 YTL, no air conditioning, only the fan work, the trip was bearable. I arrived in Gaziantep, the trip from Antakya is three hours. The Bus station for Gaziantep is far out of town, I took a city bus for 1 pound to the city center and stayed at the Evin Hotel for. I stayed in Gaziantep for two nights. This guest house was nice to stay at, breakfast and dinner is included in the price at 35 YTL.
Their hospitality was a little strange because of their religious judgments, although for two nights its a nice place. I arrived in Mardin mid-morning and stayed one night at 40 YTL at the only budget hotel in town. Mardin is a wonderful little town. The hotel is tolerable for one night with a shared slightly grubby bathroom. The mosque loud speakers are an arm length away. Up to this point this was the best hotel, I did my laundry in the room. The town of Van can be noisy, although the room was comfortable with a private shower and sink, the squat toilet was outside of the room.
The person that speaks English at the hotel expresses a handful of judgments. In Dogubayazit I stayed at the Tahran Hotel. This is a wonderful hotel with very friendly staff. I stayed three nights at 45YTL a night, private bathroom with breakfast and free wireless Internet. Their panorama roof top is very relaxing with an awesome view of Mount Ararat. The hotels in Kars are at a higher price. While I was in Kars I visited the wonderful area of Ani with a group at a lower cost then going myself.
