In early April, Carla and I had planned to spend three weeks in Turkey, with time in Istanbul, Cappadocia, and the coastal town of Alaçatı. It was one of the parts of this journey we were most excited about. Turkey offers so much history, culture, and beauty, and we were eager to experience more of it. But over the past several days, we made the difficult decision to cancel that part of our trip. The reason is the war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

The scenery along Türkiye’s Turquoise Coast is breathtaking, and even that feels like an understatement. The name "Turquoise Coast" is well-earned. The water truly is that color, so vivid it almost dares you to jump in. And then there are the mountains, rising dramatically, often appearing to emerge straight from the sea.

We spent two weeks in Antalya, Türkiye, and the mountains alone made the trip worthwhile. These were not ordinary mountains. They rose straight up from the sea with a strength that was impossible to ignore. Powerful, yet calm at the same time, they carried a presence that stayed with you. Being near them reminded me how much beauty and mystery still exist in this world when we slow down long enough to notice.

A traditional Turkish breakfast isn’t a single plate set in front of you. It arrives more like a small celebration. The table slowly fills with small dishes, each with its own color and texture, until the table feels warm, abundant, and inviting. Nothing is piled high. Everything is meant to be shared, tasted, and enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

Southwest Turkey is home to some of the world’s best-preserved Greek and Roman architecture.