Over The Fence: Turkey
Julie Sykes, 38, swapped Edinburgh for Marmaris, Turkey. Local girl Ayse Ebru Aksoy, 39, agrees it’s more comfortable in a sarong than a kilt
JULIE
THE NEW GIRL
Where do you live?
Icmeler, in the southern resort of Marmaris.
How long have you been living in Turkey?
14 years.
What do you do for a living?
I’m self-employed, in the international currency trade.
What brought you to Turkey?
The laidback lifestyle – I was desperate to get out of the commute-office-bed trap. Plus, I thought it was a beautiful place to bring up children. Relocating here is easy and buying a home is very straightforward and a good investment.
Do you enjoy a better lifestyle in Turkey?
Without a doubt. You’re not faced with the constant race against time. There’s much less pollution because we’re surrounded by nature and greenery.
Our lifestyle is much more outdoors-y and significantly healthier. It’s so hot that you eat lots of fruit and salad, and the food is more organic here anyway.
Would you say your life has changed for the better?
Definitely, and especially since I‘ve had children, because it is a much safer environment for them and I worry less. I could only have dreamt of having childhood memories like theirs. Turkish people really love children and it’s a very close-knit community. If our neighbours are having a BBQ or have cooked a special dish you can guarantee they will knock on the door with a plate for us – and these plates go back and forth all day!
So no regrets then?
Absolutely not! I count myself very fortunate to live this life.
AYSE
THE LOCAL
What do you do for a living?
I’m the area manager for a tour operator. I’ve visited 40 countries in my lifetime.
Where do you live?
In Sariana, Marmaris, where there is the aptly named Bar Street, which is literally a street full of bars and discos.
What is it you love about life in Turkey?
I love the weather, the low cost of living (Turkey’s non-eurozone, so it’s much cheaper to live here), the laidback and hospitable people and, of course, the sun and sea.
So what are the hottest spots to visit in Marmaris?
Well, La Fontane by Netsel Marina does the best doner kebab in Marmaris, while Çinar restaurant is famous for its Turkish breakfasts – they even grow all the produce on site. A bit more “out there” are the fortune telling exploits of Asen. She does coffee cup readings and is very well known in Marmaris for her spookily accurate predictions.
Where’s your favourite place to spend time?
I love Selimiye. It’s a peaceful, relaxing village with stunning views and some fabulous fish restaurants.
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