Photo credit: www.cntraveler.com
Exploring Bodrum: A Journey of Discovery
As the sun began to set over Bodrum Town on a serene September afternoon, I revisited my checklist, ensuring that each item had been accomplished. A leisurely stroll along the marina, accompanied by a video capture of the Turkish flags waving energetically in the breeze: done. Enjoying bites of kabak cicegi dolmasi and enginar kalbi at a terrace restaurant with stunning views of the harbor: delightful. Shopping for leather goods and handwoven towels amidst the vibrant chaos of the bazaar: corroborated by my credit card bill. With satisfaction, I turned to plot out our route back to the hotel, which included a visit to a highly recommended Turkish delight shop. Before I could guide my mother out of the bazaar, however, I noticed her pause and hesitate.
“Can you take a picture of me?” she asked, a shy smile lighting her face.
Embracing the opportunity for a photo in such a picturesque location, I quickly found an angle that showcased the sunlight shimmering across the water behind us, while scanning the crowd for someone to assist.
“No, this way,” she insisted, pointing toward the remnants of a crumbling stone castle to our side. “Make sure to get the entire view. And just me in the shot, please.”
In that moment, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia. It wasn’t just any ordinary photo; it marked a special connection during this trip to Turkey
During the pandemic, my mother developed a deep fascination with Turkish dramas, binge-watching countless episodes of historical series while exercising at home, and even mastering Turkish on Duolingo. The allure of a Byzantine fortress in Bodrum, reminiscent of those portrayed in her favorite shows Diriliş: Ertuğrul and Kuruluş: Osman, filled her with excitement. The joy she radiated as she posed for that photo was unparalleled—I might argue it was even greater than when my brother’s children visit or on my wedding day. I had never seen her, who is often hard to impress, request a picture before. Yet there we were, together on this mother-daughter getaway, witnessing a side of her energized by the language and history she had so passionately engaged with over the years. I snapped the picture and a few extra shots, aiming to do justice to the lovely setting. After a thorough review, she finally found them satisfactory, and off we went.
Those who have journeyed with me understand my meticulous planning style, reminiscent of a line leader in elementary school. Years later, I approach each trip with the same diligence I once used to ensure my classmates made it to recess. Typically, my friends trust my organizational skills, and my husband appreciates being able to unwind as I guide us through the latest eateries or unique experiences I’ve arranged. However, traveling with my parents presents a different dynamic—these are the very individuals who introduced me to the joys of exploration. When I embark on trips with my mother, I adapt to her pace, sacrificing my own preference for early mornings in favor of a more relaxed start. I often hire a car and driver rather than tackling subways or walking long distances, as I would when traveling solo. Yet, I also ensure I encourage her to step beyond her comfort zone—like the time I insisted she try all the sushi at Nobu aboard the Crystal Serenity on our Quebec City trip or coaxed her up the Charminar in our hometown of Hyderabad. “I lived here my entire life and never felt the urge to climb it, so why now?” she murmured, as we navigated the narrow medieval stairs. However, once we reached the summit and admired the sweeping views of the Mecca Masjid and Laad Bazaar, her frustration melted away.
Source
www.cntraveler.com