Rosalind from Alanya

An interview with Rosalind Smith.

Tell us about yourself
I first came to Alanya nine years ago to the day almost. Like many others I have spoken with I was a little skeptical about what I may find when I arrived. The holiday was a birthday surprise from my closest friend and she declared it such brilliant value for money that it was too good to miss.

What made you come to Turkey?
My first visit was interesting and we made all the usual visits with the holiday tour company and if I am honest I found the attention of Turkish men in particular a little bit scary....

When I stepped off the plane for my second visit some seven months later I knew I had come home. I think really it is as simple as that....I think we all know that after an initial visit a person will either love Turkey or hate it.....

After several years of coming and going, sometimes a week, sometimes two and slowly the length of time escalated to a month then two until eventually I decided to take the plunge...

What do you do in your daily life?
I am a writer so once I had established myself in an apartment the most important thing was to get working. Initially I was concerned about having the internet in my home so I started to use my local cafe and it just became a way of life and to be truthful that is where you will find me almost seven days a week... Of course I do go to the beach and other things, but I really prefer to reserve these pleasures for when there are fewer tourists. Sounds dreadful when you consider that for the vast majority of people in Alanya, tourism is their livelihood.

Family?
My family in UK were inclined to think I had gone completely mad to come here alone but I felt confident and certain that I could make a life.

Can you compare your first days here with today?
Alanya has changed in the last ten years an awful lot and I am not altogether sure that it is for the better. It has spread in both directions along the coast bringing more hotels, thus more markets, boutiques etc. which of course means more competitions for the traders. Not a good thing.

Has living in Turkey influenced your approach to life?
My approach to life has altered a great deal. I have learned to slow down and live at a more lowly life. By that I mean that I have come to realise that life is not about money and the things you have in your home. Quite simply it is about having enough to survive and having good friends who help and support you as you do them.

Turkish language?
I am pleased to say that my grasp of Turkish is improving daily and I can manage a reasonable conversation now. I don't find it difficult to learn, it is more a case of having time to concentrate. I am very good with words but my grammatical approach needs attention....

Let's talk about the region you are living in?
Alanya is a fabulous place. Two hours from the airport at Antalya and within reasonable reach of wonderful sights such as Kappadocia and Pummakale. Alanya itself has a magnificent castle and beautiful harbour. There are caves, waterfalls and ancient ruins. Dımçay ıs less than 15 minutes away and in the summer you can swim in the river in water from the mountains, shelter under the wonderful trees and eat fish fresh from the river.

Have you traveled in Turkey? Tell us your discoveries
Because I am so in love with Alanya my travels have been brief. I have visited Mersin which really is like any other city. Whilst there I stayed for a few days in a village in the mountains, Kusaçubelen and the way of life is to be envied. The people are poor but they are united. I also spend a little time in Ankara but am not inclined to rush back.

What is your preferred characteristic trait of Turks?
The greatest thing about Turks is the hand of friendship they extend to everyone regardless of age , race or ability and I am afraid to say that (in my experience) the worst is the number of men who approach women for companionship who are of married status and lie about it. Apparently it is normal to have a wife, a girlfriend and a lover but I am sure I am not alone as a European women in wholeheartedly disagreeing with this.

Turkish Cuisine?
Turkish cuisine is magnificent and anyone who visits Alanya and eats burger and chips should be ashamed. One of the first things I did was to buy a cook book and my abilities have impressed even me.

Any suggestion to new comers to Turkey?
So you want to live in Turkey. The most important thing to remember is that it cannot be an permanent extension of your holiday. How can you be in a restaurant every night or drink every night? You will kill yourself in six months... Do not make any hasty or rash decisions and speak to other nationals from your home country. Turkey is beautiful but you must remember that in all walks of life there are bad people... Try to learn the language at least a little, it is appreciated. Really..

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