Agnes from Gümüşlük

Thanks to Agnes for sharing her experience in Turkey with us.

- Tell us about yourself
I am French and I was born in Paris (Bastille area). I am  married to a Turk originally from Mersin. We have a son aged 10 (counting European way) and we opened our Hotel / Sailing Club in Gümüşlük, Bodrum in April 2009. What else ? A PhD in Economics in Paris, totally obsessed by, and involved in, environmental issues. A (pre)history in triathlon and cross countryskying competition. Very French, I can't do without good food and wine, French music, fashion, perfumes ...I love my family, my French cat and Gumusluk.

- What made you come to Turkey?
A man of course ! This is a bit a shortcut since we got married in Paris and lived there a few years. Second factor then : my origins. My mother is also French, but my father was originally from Iraq. Then the fact of being tired to live in a big city (Paris) with a child, and the dream of living by the sea, somewhere on the Mediterranean (whatever the country ?).
 
- What do you do in your daily life?
Working as co-General Manager of the Hotel : marketing, decoration, getting the business being an Environmentally friendly one (staff training, local participation, cooperation with WWF & Responsible Travel, starting the Turkish Tourism Ministry ‘Green Stars’ Programme), checking the Quality Policy. Raising my son, and making sure he keeps a good level of French language. Swimming as much as I can, or fast walk in the fall and winter. Meeting great people through my job, but on the other hand struggling with the staff. Internet whenever I can : Facebook, Myspace, politics online (really good for an expat living in a remote place), shopping.

- Family.
Husband and one son (10). One cat (French !).
 
- Can you compare your first days here with today?
Difficult one ! I would say I am now totally aware of the advantages and disadvantages of living in Turkey (and in a sea side resort). I remember the first couple of years was like a dream : nice weather, big garden, the sea just there all the time. It is not a dream anymore, it has become a true life with a true reality coming with it. Now I also see my home country (France) with a distance, and I think I am more able to analyze what’s going on there.

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