How long have you been living in Turkey?

Since 2000

What area of Turkey do you live?

Fethiye in Mugla

Why did you decide to live in Turkey?

I decided to live in Turkey because I was marrying a Turkish man and we were expecting a child at the same

time.

Staying in the UK was not an option.

What did your family and friends think about moving to Turkey?

Naturally they were concerned for me.

What were the biggest obstacles you had to overcome living in here in Turkey?

The biggest obstacle for me was initially adapting to a completely different way of life in all aspects.

What are the good things about living in Turkey?

Family unity, cleaner air, nice weather, good fresh local food and nice surroundings.

What do you miss the most from home?

Family and friends.

What is it like being a parent in Turkey?

I think it’s hard being a parent no matter where you live, but applying your own upbringings to your children in

Turkey, I find, often conflicts with the way most Turkish people bring up their children. I have found that they will

generally give you unsolicited advice with most things.

Have you found it easy to integrate into the community?

I tend to keep myself to myself, but I can easily talk to Turkish people. Being fluent in Turkish helps a lot.

In your opinion is Turkey a cheap or expensive place to live?

It used to be cheap, it is now getting very expensive. Prices rise but wages do not.

How do you find living with the difference in culture?

I find it eye opening. I believe one should always question everything and be open-minded.

Have you managed to learn Turkish, do you find Turkish easy or hard to learn?

I learnt it from speaking with the Turkish people. It was easy to learn.

Would you recommend others to come live here in Turkey?

Yes, if it suited them.

If you had to do it all over again would you do it all again, and what would you change if you would?

I try not to regret anything I have done. Everything good or bad that I’ve learnt and experienced along the way has

shaped me into the person I am today. I have two great kids.

For anyone who is planning to make the move to live in Turkey, what would your top 3 pieces of advice be

for them?

Be open-minded, patient and positive.

Do you have any other advice you would like to add?

‘Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will.’

If you would like to take part in the Turkish Life Interview Series please click this link  Interview Series Details

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