Kars: Cold Nights, Warm Stories, and a Bit of History
it's freezing in kars right now-like, 1.79°c freezing-and the humidity's at 97%, so you're basically walking through a cloud. if you're into crisp mountain air and bundling up like a russian nesting doll, you'll love it here. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing.
kars is one of those places that feels like it's been pulled straight out of a novel. the architecture is a weird mix of russian and ottoman, thanks to its location near the armenian border. the city's famous for its cheese (yes, cheese) and honey, and if you're into medieval ruins, the nearby ani ruins are a must-see. someone told me that the best way to experience kars is to wander around at dusk when the light hits the stone buildings just right-it's like the whole city sighs.
"don't trust the taxi drivers at the bus station," a local warned me. "they'll charge you double just because you're not from around here."
if you get bored, erzurum and artvin are just a short drive away. erzurum's got a cool fortress and some great ski resorts if you're into winter sports. artvin, on the other hand, is all about lush green valleys and waterfalls-perfect for when you need a break from the cold.
i heard that the best place to eat in kars is a little spot called *karsı çiğırı (kars-style meat). it's not fancy, but the flavors are out of this world. for something sweet, try the local honey-it's like tasting the mountains themselves. and if you're into coffee, the karsı kahvesi is a must-try. it's strong, black, and will keep you warm for hours.
"the cheese here? it's like nothing you've ever tasted," a drunk guy at a bar told me. "it's got this earthy, tangy flavor that sticks with you."
here's a quick list of things to do in kars:
- visit the kars castle for panoramic views of the city.
- explore the rıçk bridge, a stunning example of ottoman architecture.
- take a day trip to the ani ruins and feel like you've stepped back in time.
- warm up with a bowl of karsı mantı* (dumplings) at a local eatery.
kars isn't for everyone-it's cold, quiet, and a little off the beaten path. but if you're into history, good food, and a slower pace of life, it's worth the trip. just don't forget your coat. and maybe a scarf. and gloves. seriously, it's cold.
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