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In mid-November, just before my conference, I found myself on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Turkey, a land steeped in history, myth, and legend. The Çanakkale region, with its ancient ruins and battle-scarred landscapes, called out to me like a siren’s song. As someone who had spent years writing about war, particularly in my WWII book, this trip was personal. Visiting the beaches of Gallipoli, where so many sacrifices were made, and walking through Troy, where gods and men clashed in epic tales, I knew I was about to step into history—and perhaps even lose myself in daydreams of the past.
Day 1: Arrival in Tekirdağ – Daydreams Among the Vines
The flight into Istanbul was smooth, but my mind was already racing ahead, filled with visions of what was to come. Arriving at the airport, I spotted the SATW Conference logo and joined my group. Soon, we were on our way to Tekirdağ, a two-hour drive through the countryside that allowed my imagination to take flight. As the vineyards of Tekirdağ came into view, I couldn’t help but picture the ancient traders who may have passed through these same lands centuries before.
That evening, after checking into the Ramada Tekirdağ, we made our way to Barbare Vineyard for a dinner that I had been eagerly anticipating. As someone who loves to immerse myself in local culture, I couldn’t wait to taste authentic Turkish food. The air was crisp, the sun was setting over the vines, and the wine flowed as easily as the conversation.
I found myself daydreaming about the past, imagining traders from centuries ago sipping wine by firelight. At the same time, I savored the modern-day luxuries of incredible cuisine and the comfort of knowing that I was just beginning to unlock the secrets of this ancient land.
Day 2: From Alexandria Troas to Troy – Walking with Legends
After a restful night, I awoke with a sense of anticipation. We checked out of the hotel and began our journey toward Alexandria Troas. As we drove, I found myself lost in thought, wondering what it would have been like to walk through these ancient lands with Apostle Paul. How incredible it must have been to hear his voice preaching to early Christians, the sea breeze carrying his words through the port city.
When we arrived at the site, it was like stepping back in time. The ruins, though silent now, once buzzed with life and energy. I tried to imagine Paul’s footsteps beside me, his deep, resonant voice echoing through the stone streets as he spoke of faith and hope.
Next, we ventured to Troy—the city immortalized in Homer’s Iliad, a place where gods and mortals waged war for love. As we wandered through the ancient walls, I couldn’t help but think of Helen of Troy—the face that launched a thousand ships. How beautiful must she have been to inspire such chaos and passion?
The ruins whispered stories of the past, and I found myself daydreaming about the legendary battles fought here. Could I have heard the distant clashing of swords, or was it just the wind in the olive trees? The weight of history was palpable, and every step made me feel more connected to the epic events that had once taken place here.
Our visit to the Troia Museum brought these tales to life even more vividly. Surrounded by artifacts, I marveled at how these remnants of history had endured, telling stories of a time when myth and reality intertwined. That evening, over dinner at Hayati Şef, I allowed myself to bask in the richness of the day—feasting on Turkish dishes as I daydreamed about the characters of Troy, wondering if their passions and struggles had been so different from our own.
Day 3: Gallipoli – Remembering the Fallen
The next morning, we set off for Gallipoli, a site I had longed to visit, knowing its history was tied to both World War I and my own family. As we drove, my thoughts drifted to my husband’s family—his grandfather had fought in the trenches during the war. I tried to picture him as just a young man, thrust into the chaos of trench warfare. The mud, the cold, the constant danger—how could he have endured it? I imagined him looking out across the battlefield, wondering if he would ever see his home again.
As we arrived at the Gallipoli Peninsula, the silence of the cemeteries and trenches echoed my thoughts, and it was impossible not to feel the weight of those sacrifices.
Walking through the memorials and trenches was both sobering and awe-inspiring. I found myself drifting into thoughts of what it must have been like during those harrowing days of battle. The clamor of artillery, the cries of soldiers, the smoke rising from the horizon—how had they managed to keep going, day after day? Standing there, I was overcome by the courage of those who fought on this blood-stained ground. The cemeteries, rows upon rows of white crosses, were a stark reminder of the lives lost in the fight for freedom.
That afternoon, as we made our way to Istanbul, I found myself reflecting on the resilience of the human spirit. Over dinner at Giritli Restaurant, we shared stories of the day’s emotions, but in my heart, I was still walking those trenches, feeling the presence of those who had come before us. I imagined my husband’s grandfather standing beside me, his spirit lingering on this battlefield of memory and sacrifice.
Day 4: A New Adventure Begins – From History to the Future
Our final morning in Istanbul wasn’t the end of my Turkish journey—it was the beginning of another chapter. As I sat down to breakfast at the Motto Hotel, I found myself reflecting on the profound experiences of the past few days.
This pre-conference adventure took me through the ruins of Troy, immersed me in the bravery of Gallipoli, and allowed me to experience the rich layers of Turkey’s culture and history. But now, I was switching gears and stepping into a new world—the Society of American Travel Writers Conference awaited.
The excitement of the upcoming discussions with fellow writers, the exchange of ideas, and the inspiration I knew I’d draw from them felt like an evolution of the journey I’d just begun. This wasn’t the end of my adventure—it was simply moving forward in a new direction. As I packed up and headed to the conference hotel, I realized that Turkey had already given me so much, and the days ahead would only deepen my understanding and passion for travel writing.
Final Thoughts on Daydreams of Troy and Gallipoli
As I transitioned from my pre-conference Turkish adventure to the vibrant world of the Society of American Travel Writers Conference, I found myself reflecting on the incredible depth of experience Turkey had offered. From walking the storied ruins of Troy to standing on the battle-scarred land of Gallipoli, the journey had been both emotional and inspiring.
Each place I visited connected me to the past in ways that made me imagine walking beside Apostle Paul in Alexandria Troas, pondering the beauty of Helen of Troy, and picturing my husband’s grandfather enduring the cold, muddy trenches of World War I.
Turkey had revealed itself to be more than just a destination—it was a living storybook of history, culture, and resilience. The warmth of its people, the richness of its food, and the weight of its stories will stay with me long after my return home. Yet, I knew this was only the beginning of my connection to this incredible country, especially Troy and Gallipoli.
With the conference ahead, the journey was far from over. I anticipated the new ideas, conversations, and experiences that would inspire my future work as a travel writer. This pre-conference trip hadn’t just been an excursion—it was a spark, igniting fresh insights and a deeper understanding of the world around me.
As I stood on the cusp of this new adventure, I realized that Turkey had given me something unexpected: Troy and Gallipoli, an inspiration I would carry forward into my writing, my work, and my life. For that, I felt deeply grateful, knowing the best stories were still waiting to be told.
