Luxuries.

Transportation through Turkey is remarkable and I’m getting used to this way of travel. I’ve slowly become acclimated to the comforts that have been returned to me, but, it still catches me off-guard.

The first longer bus I grabbed was from Hopa to Erzurum. It was a smaller bus, but they served my traveling companion, Jessica, and I cold drinks. We were in shock. This was the first luxury thrown at us in this foreign land. Surprisingly, to me, though, it got better. From Erzurum we caught a bus to Kayseri to eventually go to Goreme. It was on this bus we were also served hot beverages, including coffee. I can barely drink anything on transportation in Azerbaijan, much less an open cup of coffee. The next ride from Kayseri to Goreme brought the new addition of snacks! It seemed as if each leg of my journey was bringing me a bit more West. After holing up in Goreme for a couple days, I got on a bus and headed to Ankara. This bus brought something I couldn’t even imagine… a personal touchscreen monitor. This monitor is on the backs of every seat and you have the selection of a variety of music, movies, TV channels and games. I’m currently on my last bus for Turkey and it’s to Istanbul. I have all of the above amenities plus wireless internet.

According to my new Ankara friend, Carrie, there are cheap flights throughout Turkey, so buses are in competition for customers. So, to compete properly, buses come equipped with a steward, beverages, snacks, entertainment, and, on some, wireless internet. Even with all these comforts, I’m not going to lie, my favorite part has been the paved and smooth roads throughout the entirety of the country. The simple things…

It’s a good thing I land-routed through this trip before I head out to the UK. I shouldn’t be as awkward as I might have been otherwise.