Kalkan Turkey
I snap thousands of travel photos.
Everything seems to come together for a few of them.
I preserved this image during one trip to Kalkan, Turkey. The Turquoise Coast is renowned for its sunset photos.
Being on the Western border of Turkey the only thing in that direction is the Mediterranean Sea dotted with some Greek Islands. As you might imagine the sunsets become spectacular on some evenings; especially during the rainy season with higher humidity levels.
The money shot above came together like a perfect storm. I snapped it a little before sunset. timing it properly allowed for enough sunlight to create a strong contrast between the sky and terra firma. note the billowy-like clouds reflecting the setting sun with the beautiful blue backdrop slowly fading into gray.
Kalkan sits alongside a bay. note the land to the left backed up by the scenic island.
I feel like the roof makes the shot because the bricks caught enough of the sunset to really make the entire image pop. Brilliant contrast there.
Making matters even more interesting is the fact that I snapped this with my very basic phone. Usually I record the eye-popping images with the camera.
Kalkan is part of the Turkish Riviera. Mild winters make it a popular off-season tourist destination. Blistering summers do not stop massive throngs of British travelers from descending on this typically sleepy little town sitting in the southwest region of Turkey.
Locals estimate that 95% of tourists in this town are from England. Most Kalkan expats hail from there.
Typical Day in Kalkan
Our typical day involves caring for the pooches in the morning. I walk the beasts before feeding these impressive Turkish dogs.
After doing some blogging work I engage in cardio. I bring the phone – or camera – to snap interesting shots.
Evening is for dinner, streaming and yoga along with meditating.
Once in a while we do the tourist thing. Add eating out or hopping a bus to a local hot spot as potential things to do.
What Makes Kalkan Attractive?
Travelers can easily fly to either Dalaman or Antalya. Both sit 2-3 hours away from Kalkan. Take a bus to travel on the cheap.
The USD is strong against the Turkish Lira. Groceries for the week usually cost less than $50 for the two of us.
Produce is inexpensive, delicious and satiating. We buy 2 bag’s worth for about $15 USD each week. Both bags burn my forearms via the sheer weight.
Temperatures during the winter range from the mid 40’s F at night to 70 F during the day time from January to February at least. Things heat up a bit in May.
Rainfall is relatively low during the winter. Expect ample sunshine.
Note that temperatures reach 110 F or higher during busy summer months. Factor in elevated humidity levels for slightly (or severely) oppressive conditions.
I love this region during the winter because everything empties out. Kelli and I never wait in lines. We are about the only tourists in town. Booking hotels is easy. Getting a dolmus or bus is even easier. Service is instant. Nothing flies off of the shelves. We share everything with locals, a few expats and ourselves.
Turkish people are kind, engaging individuals who may even strike up a chat with you. A fair percentage speak fluent or at least passing English to hold a conversation. I met someone last week who lived in Northern NJ for a few years before coming back home to Turkey.
Turkish food is world class from my non-foodie perspective. Kelli and I enjoy some of the better vegetarian fare here; ample breads, savory vegetable dishes and divine desserts warm your cockles. Of course, kebab is legendary.
I enjoy a stiff cup of Turkish coffee here and there. Sometimes I sip Turkish tea. Both come served in a tiny cup or glass.
Stroll by a coffee shop to see Turkish men:
- sipping their favorite beverage
- smoking
- playing cards or tile games
Conclusion
I wanted to give you a little glimpse of Kalkan along with my rooftop photo above.
Until next time…..enjoy paradise all.
