Paul from Antalya

Tell us about yourself.
I am 56 years old and married and we moved to Turkey 2 years ago

What made you come to Turkey?
After having some good holidays here and met lots of friendly people, we decided to buy a villa in Fethiye. The plan was to use it as a holiday home and then to eventually retire and live there. I used to work for a company in the UK which buys flowers from all over the world. I was talking to our Turkish supplier about life and banks etc and he offered me a job here in Antalya.
We took the chance, sold everything and moved here. We could not have moved here without an income.

What do you do in your daily life?
My job is to make the link between the company and all of our European customers. We export flowers, cherries grapes and apricots. This involves setting up quality control procedures and documentation to satisfy or customers which include AsDa, Tesco, Marks and Spencer and Sainsbury. My wife Pat has been able to stop working and find the time to relax and enjoy life with our circle of Turkish and expat friends in both Antalya and Fethiye

Family?
We have four grown up daughters and 6 grand children who are all living in the UK. We obviously get lots of visits during the summer.

Can you compare your first days here with today?
The first few weeks were hard, trying to learn our way about and work out what is going on. (We still don't know what is going on but who cares) Where do the dolmus's go to, banks, shopping etc. We believe we have cracked this now and life is a lot easier. Fortunately most Turkish people are only too pleased to help. We can now buy most things at Turkish and not tourist or yabanci prices. We bought a car a few months ago, which has given us more freedom

Has living in Turkey influenced your approach to life?
I think we have learnt to relax and to take things a bit easier. Although it can be frustrating as hours pass into days or weeks.

Turkish language?
Unfortunately I am very lazy and my language is poor. At work I rely on our IT manger who is almost fluent English. My boss was educated in England.

Let's talk about the region you are living in?
Antalya is a busy city with a big tourist industry. The authorities are spending a lot of money improving parks and gardens, road drainage, roadside central reservations and verges. Investment has been made in beach facilities on the sandy Lara beach this now rivals the established pebble beach of Konyaalti. The coastline is not as interesting as the Aegean coast. There are many cultural events held through the year and of course the summer programmes at Aspendos, a roman amphitheatre.
Away from the city agriculture is a major industry.

Have you traveled in Turkey? Tell us your discoveries
My work has allowed me to travel a lot in agricultural regions and villages. I have been to Kemal Pasa close to Izmir Denizli, Afyon, Civril and Uluborlu close to Isparta Trabzon and Malatya. The people I have met have been very hospitable and keen to learn. Visits not related to work we have been to Sumela monastery near to Trabzon the visit was good but we were surprised to be the centre of attention when walking through Trabzon. We have also been to Mt Nemrut near Malatya this was also a good visit the scenery was spectacular. Cappadocia was unbelievable an area which has to be seen to be believed.
Every where people were friendly and keen to help.

What is your preferred characteristic trait of Turks?
The importance of family life and traditions.

What was the annoying one?
Inshallah. And the reluctance to challenge the status quo.

Turkish Cuisine?
We have eaten a wide range of dishes in many different establishments and have enjoyed everything. We do not have a favourite dish.

Any suggestion to new comers to Turkey?
Make sure all paperwork is completed before coming and be patient. Try and make contact with an expat who will have some idea what needs to be done and where to go. Different areas interpret laws differently, for example you can get a residence permit in 2 or 3 days. In Fethiye your passport is taken away from you and it takes three months .

Latest comments about this article

 By swillsea  13.12.2007

we have received the christmas card, by magic we think, thought we would google you just in case we could get in touch and there you where in all your glory!!!!! email me, sorry us, andrew has now asked me to marry him, only taken 12 and a half years...... susan.willsea@virgin.net it´s great to read about you it´s like i´ve met you somewhere before!

 By boomberg  7.12.2006

hi Paul, It was great to read your story ..My respect ! Do you want to learn TURKİSH? private courses . ncicekci@yahoo.com Nick

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