Showing Brittany our home on one of our private tours was a privilege. So, when she offered to write a blogpost about her experience with Hidden Wonders, we were very excited! We hope you enjoy her post as much as we did.
I’d learned years ago that Turkey was an amazing country, with a long, interesting history, and a beautiful culture. I’d lived in Istanbul for a few short months after university and had gone back to visit years later. Each time I visited, I learned and experienced something new and always left wanting to return for more. When planning this third trip, I knew I wanted to explore the Eastern Black Sea Region. I’d heard about its breathtaking beauty and unique culture over the years and wanted to experience it for myself—and I can say now that it did not disappoint! Here are a few things I learned along the way:
1. Black Sea Food Is Incredible
When I came back from my tour with Hidden Wonders, I’d tell people, “Go to the Black Sea, even if it’s just for the food!” Fresh and homemade, trying out various Black Sea specialties was one the highlights of my trip. There was muhlama – a savory mix of cheese and cornmeal – for breakfast, pide for lunch, and hearty soups that warmed chill autumn nights for dinner. I was also surprised to learn that kara lahana (kale or collard greens) and corn bread are staples in the Black Sea Region just as they are staples in my own African American culture. Though cooked differently, I loved being able to make those culinary cultural connections!
2. Take Time to Appreciate Natural Wonders
I must admit that I’m not much of an outdoors person. Prior to this adventure with Hidden Wonders, most of the trips I planned revolved around historical sites or cultural events. But this tour really allowed me to experience what it means to appreciate earth’s breathtaking beauty. From the verdant and whimsical rolling hills of Rize to the vibrant autumn colors of Karagol, I was wholly taken in by the landscape. My favorite though, was seeing the sea of clouds on the Huser Plateau as the sun set – a surreal experience hard to capture in words and something that I’ll remember for the rest of my life!
3. Turkish Hospitality Is Unmatched
Having been to Turkey twice before, I knew how hospitable Turkish culture was and this trip only served to reinforce that notion. Coming from the East Coast of the United States, which is notorious for its abrasive, fast paced culture, experiencing Turkish hospitality has always been so refreshing for me. On several occasions, we were invited in for coffee, tea, or a chat where we could rest before heading off to the next stop. I was gifted apples and hazelnuts from passersby, welcomed by strangers with kind smiles who graciously encouraged me when I tried to speak a little Turkish. It’s a beautiful thing to be treated with that type of hospitality – the type based on the idea that “As another human being, you deserve to be treated with kindness.”
4. Embrace the Black Sea Culture
One of the things I love about Turkey is that it is culturally diverse. And prior to my trip, I had only ever spent time in larger, western cities like Istanbul or Izmir. I was excited to immerse myself in a part of Turkish culture that I knew little about. So, during the trip, any chance I had to learn or explore more, I took it!
I suited up and learned about the beekeeping and honey making process, put on my chef hat and learned how to make local corn bread, and visited a tea factory to learn how its processed after the harvest season. Sitting down with a local man to learn about the tulum—a bagpipe that’s at the center of local musical culture- was my favorite. He answered my questions about the history of the instrument, its importance to the Black Sea Culture, and his efforts to keep his cultural heritage alive.
5. Boutique Tour Companies Are the Way to Go
For the vast majority of the trips I’ve taken, I’ve traveled solo and without tours. From what I’ve seen, most tour companies don’t offer the authentic experiences I’m looking for and have you traveling in large groups—so you feel like you’re on a grade school field trip.
Hidden Wonders helped change my view of what it’s like to travel with a curated tour. From the moment I sent the first email inquiring about travel dates through the end of the trip, I always felt I was in good hands. It was clear to me that the folks on the other end truly cared about my experience. It was also clear that my guides not only knew the region well, but that they loved sharing their piece of the world with other people.
With Hidden Wonders, I visited places, learned things and met people I wouldn’t have had I gone with a larger company. For me, this experience has definitely changed how I’ll approach travel in the future!