Where to?

Sercan Gönen
The hospitable local
Recently Istanbulite (again)

The next destination: Fethiye, Muğla

Reason for departing: In the year the pandemic started, I left my corporate life and moved to Fethiye for a different and unfamiliar experience. I lived there for about two and a half years. It was both incredibly scary and beautiful, but I can say, "I'm glad I went." That place holds a special meaning for me, so this is where I choose as my next destination. Even though I returned to Istanbul to live, a part of me will always belong to Fethiye.

On arrival, the first thing to do: Eat at Fethiye Yengeç, the marina where I worked for a year and a half. Swim in Boncuklu Koyu during sunset.

Must bring on return: While walking on the street, you can pick up lemons and oranges from the trees for free.

Who to meet? Meet the owner of the best marina, which includes an Airstream caravan and a trampoline, as well as the sailing school and the boat operating company, The Master of Masters: Captain Benhür. And there's also Selahattin, the gatekeeper of the places that serve fantastic meals, who is a close friend.

Ece Erel
The tea fairy
From: Teşvikiye, Istanbul

Next destination: Ostuni, Puglia

Curious about: This place was settled before the Common Era, and as a result, the structure of the city was built to protect against pirates. This idea excites me because the walls transform from their ordinary function and become fortifications when leaned on. With narrow tunnel-like streets and caves, these stories easily come to life in my imagination. Every street I walk on turns into a medieval fairy tale.

Reason for departing: I lived in Italy for years and traveled almost everywhere, but Puglia was a place I never got a chance to visit. Ostuni, in Puglia, is a small town filled with vineyards and olive groves. As someone who occasionally seeks refuge in Aegean villages, I feel like it's a place that is both familiar and waiting to be explored.

On arrival, the first thing to do: I'll be staying at a charming masseria(*)  and my first task will be to savor some wine and quality olive oil. Exploring sea caves and having prosecco on a boat will be the second priority. With childhood friends joining me, I can't think of anything better than the joy of exploration, relaxation, and delightful conversations.

In the search for: As a "tea fairy," I search for herbologist in every city. Despite its small population, I found one here. I’m keen on meeting them.

Who to meet? This question is vague for me too, as it's a very small town, but it's evident that it has some undiscovered charm. My goal is to meet locals in the olive groves.

(*) Editor's note: A masseria is a fortified farmhouse on an estate built around the 16th century.,