Celebrating Life In Konakli, Turkey
In the south of the Turkish Mediterranean Sea, there is a small town named Konakli. The town that has been connecting me physically and emotionally for the last 23 years, ever since I said “YES!” to a young Dutchman.
Konakli is located between the famous cities of Antalya and Alanya,
which are popular destinations amongst the sun and beach lovers for their summer holiday due to the climate and the blue sea. It’s about 25 minutes
from Alanya and approximately 2,5 hours from Antalya.
Thanks to my Dutch in-laws who owned a house in Club Villa Konak 1, I got to experience Turkey’s fascinating cultures, remarkable histories and amazing nature where the water flows through the mountain creeks and the lakes are as green as an emerald, while the seas are as blue as a sapphire. The people are hospitable, and love to help each other, especially the tourists who come to enjoy the holidays in their county. Whenever you are in Alanya or Antalya, take a visit to this small city Konakli or book your hotel and spend your holiday there. Konakli city offers a range of amazing hotels, restaurants, apartments, and activities for children of all ages as well as for adults and a variety of sightseeing tours. If you prefer to go sightseeing and explore the city and its surrounding areas in your comfort with family,
Rent a car and go up to the mountain, you will be amazed by these amazing views. The green lakes that flow from the Taurus mountains around the region prosper the agriculture of the country. I can sit here for hours and pay my gratitude to the mother of nature. The photo was taken somewhere during our trip to Green Canyon.
Nothing beats a cold beer and fresh orange juice, on a sunny and hot day while listening to the serenade of the waterfall and waiting for your dish to be served.
During these 23 years, I became familiar with the city of Konakli and its community such as the butchers, barbers, shopkeepers, restaurants, and of course the bakery. The strangers became familiar with us and our sons maintain a great relationship with the children living around the park since the age of two.
Every year we spend four weeks on summer holidays, a week in spring and autumn while my parents in -laws spend 8 weeks in spring and 6 weeks in autumn as the temperature in summer could reach above 40 degrees making it unbearable for them to enjoy their holiday. For the rest of the year, the house would be empty as my in-laws are very concerned about the privacy of our family.
The swimming pool is a playground for the kids. This is the place where they gather and make friends while the parents relax and watch the little kids in the swimming pool. Most of the time, we would have a summer party such as a BBQ with the friends and families here. The photo of my husband and our son swimming and my mom is about to leave the pool.
About 200 meters from our house you will find this gorgeous Konakli Beach where I jog every morning at 5:00 a.m. while my boys still laying in bed in their dream world under the air conditioning. This morning routine brings so much joy, happiness, and gratitude to my life as I smell the sea while jogging early in the morning.
This beach is a paradise for those who love the sun, sailing, and parasailing. The happy smiles of the kids swimming on the beach with their fathers while the mothers read a book and take pictures of their lovely family as I do.
This house was bought in 1999 by my in-laws for their recreation and also for their children and grandchildren to enjoy the holidays as comfortably as possible. Unfortunately, my brother-in-law passed away 7 years ago, and his children are not interested in having a holiday in Turkey because the temperature is too hot for them to enjoy. They prefer to go to the same place in Switzerland each year.
From the rooftop, it’s amusing to see people sunbathe and listen to their conversations in German, Dutch, English, but also Turkish. In the last couple of years, many people from Russia have settled or married the local people, therefore, you will find a lot of local people speak Russian as well.
The gardener is doing a great job by taking care of the park and the banana tree is one of my favorites. Thanks to him I can use the leaves for wrapping my fish for the BBQ and the fruit will be enjoyed by us.
My youngest son is one of this barber’s regular customers. This is when he was 6 years old. He loved that car back then, but now he is grown up he would laugh when he sees this picture again.
Every evening we will watch the sunset, hold hands together and say good night to Konakli and thank you for the day. Smile at life because life is good when you know how to treat people with kindness and respect as it will come to you in many different ways. To be continued.
Debby J Tumanduk , Konakli, Turkey
@copyright
“A Taste for Life: Monthly Challenge — July 2022,” with the theme
“Life is Good” and Gratitude, Happiness words prompted
Thank you, Jason Edmunds, my followers, and my subscribers for your support.
