Antalya, Turkey

Vocabulary

Video

Transcript

A scenic drive south from Konya takes us over more of the Taurus Mountains toward the Mediterranean coast. And sprawling out from those mountains spreads the metropolis of Antalya.

Antalya, with two million people, has long been an important port. Its idyllic harbor was founded in ancient Roman times. These days it deals mostly in good living as tourism is the town’s main industry.

A once-imposing wall fortifies the old town. Today, a gate dedicated to the Emperor Hadrian still leads into a delightful collection of Ottoman era houses that cater to the tourists — shops and boutique hotels that fill the historic center.

And above it all is a thriving modern Turkish city. Its people-friendly promenade, like so many public spaces here, comes complete with the requisite statue of the father of the Turkish Republic, Ataturk.

Strolling here, it feels to me like anywhere else in Mediterranean Europe. The people just seem to be in love with life.

A popular excursion from Antalya is a cruise on a gulet, the traditional Turkish sailboat. These boats, which are designed to suit all tastes, keep the harbor busy.

After so much sightseeing, simply luxuriating for a day at sea puts me truly on vacation. Meeting the captain and crew, I know I’m in for a wonderful and relaxing experience.

Sailing away, we marvel at the dramatic shoreline under snow-capped peaks. Resorts . . . party-like beaches . . . and ancient ruins clinging to cliffs are all tucked into this rugged yet accessible Riviera playground.

While the rowdier party boats take one side of the bay…we drop the hook in a more peaceful corner. Ya! Even in April the water is inviting, and our boat serves as a handy swimming platform. While the crew is busy putting together an impressive feast for lunch, we enjoy an invigorating swim.

Having worked up an appetite, we’re served a feast. Enjoying our meal at sea provides a great chance to both eat some fresh fish and get to know the crew. Well-fed, refreshed from our swim, and peacefully anchored in this scenic corner of Turkey, we take a moment to appreciate what traveling here offers.

Questions

Turkey. The presenter flew to Antalya on an airplane. True or false?

Cyprus. Is Antalya a small, new city in the center of Turkey?

Greece. Antalya’s economy consists mostly of factories, iron, steel, banks and high-tech. Is this right or wrong?

France. Are there mostly skyscrapers and office buildings in the city center?

Lebanon. In the video, they featured a statue of a sultan. Is this correct or incorrect?

Israel. Did the host go on a skiing tour? Did they go on a sleigh ride? They did go skiing?

Egypt. At the end of the video, the guests and crew ate doner kebab (shawarma) and pizza. Do you agree?
 
 
 
Italy. I have visited Turkey. I have been to Turkey. Yes or no?

Spain. Have you been to beaches and shorelines (coastlines)?

Tunisia. What do you associate with Turkey? What comes to mind when you think of Turkey?

Algeria. What might happen in the future?

Morocco. Should people only visit beaches and seaside resorts, or should they go to museums, castles, palaces, villages, nature reserves?