So Blue…

It’s not fair to make comparisons, but….. when one has traveled to Turkey and Greece back-to-back, like we did a few weeks ago, it’s hard not to.  We spent 3 weeks in each country, touring their interiors, coastlines, ancient sites and metropolitan cities.  To sum it up, Greece has charm, Turkey has amazingly warm people, and they both have the bluest of blue water of the Mediterranean.

As we look back on the pictures we took, it’s hard to tell the difference between the coastal towns of Turkey and Greece.  Greece is probably a tad more sophisticated and maybe a bit more refined, but we fell in love with the kind and friendly Turkish people and want to explore more of their fabulous country.  We’re sure Greece has nice people too.  It’s just that, for the most part, they come across depressed and indifferent.  We guess that it has to do with the current financial problems the country has.  Maybe their grumpiness also can be attributed to seeing one too many tourists.  Whereas Turks seem happy-go-lucky and sincerely go out of their way to make visitors feel welcome.  To us, Turkey seems to be on the up swing and Greece seems tired.  

The sea in each country is amazing.  It was impossible not to be mesmerized by it. (And take lots of pictures!)  And, by the way, the olives and yogurt are the best as well.  We never knew that yogurt could be so thick and rich.  Is it sinful to eat it EVERY morning? 

We’re very glad we went to Greece.  The ancient ruins, themselves, make it a worthwhile trip. (More on the ancient stuff later.)  We don’t feel the need to go back though.  Turkey, on the other hand, made us want more of their culture, history, coastline and generosity. 

Whether in Turkey or Greece, life doesn’t get much better when staring at the bluest blue of the Mediterranean coastline.  Devouring a bowlful of yogurt and honey, after slurping up a freshly picked orange just makes the sea a deeper shade of beautiful.