antalya: humidity so thick you could slice it with a knife
woke up to the sound of waves slapping the shore like a drunk drummer trying to keep time. the weather app said 13.57°c but it felt like 13.49°c, which is basically the universe's way of saying 'you're gonna sweat anyway'. humidity was at 96%, pressure 1004, and the air tasted like salt and regret. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing.
anyway, i'm here in antalya, turkey, and let me tell you, this place is a mess in the best way possible. the old town, kaleiçi, is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets and Ottoman-era houses that look like they're about to collapse but somehow don't. i heard that the best kebab spot is a tiny place called *antalya kebabçı sokak where the owner yells at you in turkish if you don't finish your plate. someone told me that the dolmuş drivers here are either saints or maniacs, no in-between.
if you get bored, alanya and side are just a short drive away. both are worth the trip if you're into ruins or just want to pretend you're in a gladiator movie. i also overheard a local saying that the duden waterfalls are overrated unless you go at sunrise, which is when the mist makes everything look like a dream you can't quite remember.
"the best coffee in town is at kahve dünyası, but only if you like your espresso strong enough to wake the dead."
i spent an afternoon at konyaaltı beach, which is basically a long stretch of pebbles and sunburned tourists. the water was cold enough to make me question my life choices, but the view of the taurus mountains in the background was worth it. i also checked out the antalya museum, which is massive and filled with artifacts that make you feel like a tiny speck in the grand scheme of things. someone warned me that the gift shop is a trap, so i skipped it and bought a postcard instead.
for dinner, i went to 7 chefs restaurant, which is as fancy as it sounds. the food was great, but the real highlight was the view of the harbor at night. i also tried sardunya restaurant, which is more low-key but equally delicious. both places are worth a visit if you're into eating your feelings.
"don't trust the taxi drivers near the bus station. they'll quote you a price that's higher than the empire state building."
i also took a day trip to perge, an ancient city that's basically a playground for history nerds. the ruins are impressive, but the real gem is the aspendos theatre*, which is still used for concerts today. i heard that the acoustics are so good, you can hear a pin drop from the top row.
anyway, that's antalya for you. it's chaotic, humid, and full of surprises. if you're planning a trip, just remember to pack light, bring a sense of humor, and maybe a raincoat. because, you know, 96% humidity.
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