Day 4: Moving Day – A Fresh Start Near the Airport

Weather Update: Cloudy. High 9°C

Elevation Above Sea Level: 68 Metres

Choosing the Quick Flight Over a Long Bus Ride

Today, I moved closer to the airport in preparation for my early morning flight to Istanbul on Wednesday. The flight is only a few dollars more than the bus, but the bus ride would take 15 hours, whereas the flight is a quick 2-hour journey. After weighing the pros and cons, I decided to splurge a little and take the flight. I relocated to the Pelit Park Hotel, which boasts a stellar 9.4 rating on both Agoda and Booking.com. It felt like a treat, and the hotel is only a short 3.3 km from the airport, so it should be a quick stroll there on Wednesday.

The Scenic, Yet Unexpectedly Long Minibus Ride

I originally planned to take a later flight, but it would have landed in Istanbul around midnight, meaning I would have to book another night near the airport. So, I chose the earlier flight to avoid the hassle. But before I could settle into the hotel, I encountered a little travel mishap. The minibus ride was supposed to drop me off near my destination, but somehow, I ended up going 3 km past my stop. It was my fault, though. When I realized I had missed my turn, I thought the driver would turn back, but he just kept going. Eventually, I had to get off and walk the rest of the way. In the end, I walked a total of 11.35 km today!

Settling In and Making New Discoveries

I finally arrived at my hotel, tired but in good spirits. The receptionist, who was incredibly kind and very attractive, gave me some tips on what to do around the area. I asked her about places to explore, and she pointed me towards the Forum, an enormous shopping complex that would rival anything we have in New Zealand. Honestly, it was overwhelming—massive, confusing, and a labyrinth of shops. I had to ask how to exit the building because the signs were all in Turkish, and I couldn't make sense of them. It felt like I was trapped in a maze, with levels and streets branching off in every direction.

Big Yellow Taxi:

Outside the Forum, I found a lively spot called the Big Yellow Taxi Benim, which, during the summer, must be filled with holidaymakers and young people having a blast. I treated myself to a cold beer there, enjoying the atmosphere.

A Simple Pleasure: Kebabs and Peaceful Moments

On my way back to the hotel, I couldn’t resist grabbing a delicious kebab for just 100 Turkish Lira (around NZD 4.83). It was the perfect ending to my day. Once back in my room, I settled in for the night, reflecting on the whirlwind of today’s adventures.

Reflections on Trabzon

So far, my experience in Trabzon hasn’t been all that great. To be honest, I wouldn’t recommend it as a top destination to visit. The toughest part of being here has been dealing with indoor smoking—something that’s very common in restaurants and cafes. I can’t stand the toxic fumes while trying to eat or relax, and it’s been a downside of my stay.

That’s a Wrap for Today

I haven’t taken many photos because, honestly, Trabzon hasn’t been the most photogenic city I’ve visited. But the experiences I’ve had here—despite the few challenges—have still made it worthwhile. I hope you’re enjoying following my journey as much as I enjoy sharing it with you.