Exploring the Best of Turkey: A Lighthearted Trip to Izmir and Ankara.

Hello there! Today, I'm going to take you on a little trip to two of my favorite cities in Turkey - Izmir and Ankara. Now, you might be thinking "Why would I want to go to Turkey?" Well, let me tell you, these two cities are absolutely amazing and have so much to offer.

Let's start with Izmir. Located on the western coast of Turkey, Izmir is known for its beautiful coastline and sunny beaches. But that's not all there is to it. The city has a rich history and culture that is sure to impress you. You can visit the ancient Roman city of Ephesus, which is just a short drive away from the city. Ephesus is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world and it's a must-see for any history buff.

But let's not forget about the food. Oh boy, the food in Izmir is something else. You can find some of the freshest seafood in the world here. The grilled octopus and calamari are to die for. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can try the kokoreç, which is a traditional Turkish dish made from lamb intestines. Trust me, it's better than it sounds.

Now let's move on to Ankara. Ankara is the capital city of Turkey and it's a little different from Izmir. It's more of a business city, but it still has a lot to offer. The city is known for its museums and historical sites. You can visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which is one of the best museums in Turkey. It has a large collection of artifacts from the Hittite, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires.

But let's talk about the nightlife. Ankara has some of the best bars in Turkey. You can find everything from trendy rooftop bars to underground jazz clubs. And the best part? The drinks are super cheap. You can get a beer for less than $2!

So, what did I do while I was in Izmir and Ankara? Well, I visited my family, of course. But I also spent a lot of time just walking around and exploring the cities. I visited some of my favorite restaurants and bars and caught up with old friends. It was so nice to be back in Turkey after being away for so long.

One of the highlights of my trip was visiting the Kızılay Square in Ankara. It's the heart of the city and there's always something going on there. You can find street performers, food vendors, and even political rallies. It's a great place to people watch and soak up the culture.

Overall, my trip to Izmir and Ankara was a huge success. I had a great time catching up with family and friends and exploring the cities. Turkey is such a beautiful country with so much to offer. If you ever have the chance to visit, I highly recommend it. Just be sure to bring your appetite and your dancing shoes!