8 Things I've Learned
from Turkey
My father is a captain. He traveled all over the world and came home with the most beautiful stories. “But you don't really know such a country, do you?” the birthday circle would ask when my father talked about the Mexicans. “You only go to the port.” He skillfully swallowed the answer “No, you, who only watches the news and thinks that paints the perfect picture.”.
Why am I telling this? Well, because I really know that after three times in Turkey, you can't capture the country in a few words. And please, don't let it be up to me to outline the political situation. I can't say anything sensible about that, nothing, nada, not more than you can. But I have met Turkish women very often, talked to them, laughed with them, and looked at them. And there are many things that are different than I thought and that I want to share with you. Because this is also Turkey.
1. They are beautiful
Goodness, they are beautiful. Slim in a non-gym-like way, with beautiful skin and thick hair. The women AND the men. We were quite giggly from the boys at the water ski school.
2. They are well-dressed
Now I am of course talking about the privileged people. Because here you only find the really rich Turks. But man oh man, what outfits do I see here. It's Chanel and Dolce all over the place; in a subtle way, but just a bit more festive and exuberant than we would do. An asymmetrical bikini or a golden edge left and right, for example.
‘It's Chanel and Dolce all over the place; in a subtle way, but just a bit more festive and exuberant than we would do.’
3. They have nannies
As soon as they get pregnant, a nanny comes into the house. And if there are more children, another one comes along calmly. You see the parents and further away the nannies with the children. They like it, and the children immediately learn English from their teachers. “So clever how you Dutch do that. Both work and take care of your children.”
4. Men and women are very equal
Again: in this layer of the country. They have studied together and hang out as a friend group, going away for weekends. Where you sometimes see a division between boys and girls with us, here it is one big, colorful group. Together on the beds, enjoying smoking and drinking together.
5. They smoke, so
That's why they are so thin. Yes, I can say it that way too.
6. The food
What delicious Mediterranean food. Hummus, salads, peppers, the perfect steaks, and yes, also the best wines.
7. The service
Turks offer great service in a pleasant, equal way. They pat you on the shoulder, make small talk and a joke, but you really get scolded if you refill your own glass or want to turn your bed. That's what they are there for.
8. Wikipedia
That must be said, of course. Because I find myself in a gold-trimmed spot, far away from the ‘real’ Turkey. What is happening there, I can say just as little about as you can. I can say that Wikipedia really doesn't work here. And yes, I have my opinions about that.
9. Little bucket of water
This is a Turkish custom. When you drive away and are waved off, ‘the waver’ throws a little bucket of water against your car. For a good journey and warm memories.
In short, Turkey, I am on you. And I will come back. Oh no, I stayed.
