Among the many delightful experiences we’ve had, Turkey’s love for picnics, outdoor dining, and the heartwarming embrace of Turkish tea has left an indelible mark on us because we LOVE to picnic!
In our last post, we talked about the Turkish Breakfast and in this blog post, I want to share with you the captivating world of Turkish picnics, because not only do these guys rock breakfasts they rock picnics too!
So we LOVE to picnic, to grab our cool bag and throw a few bits in and head off for a day of exploring, or maybe it’s a ‘chips on the beach’ kind of affair, but frankly speaking, we are an insult to the world of alfresco eating.
One thing I have learned in Turkey when it comes to food is that it is an experience not a scheduled act. It is something to truly be enjoyed.
And yes, we love a picnic, grabbing the picnic blanket and chilling for a bit whilst we nosh on our sarnies and crisps but when I look at it on reflection, I can see that it’s more of a means to an end. It’s a quick refuel.
So we could be exploring a really lovely place and the kids are getting hangry or Ian (with his unlimited appetite!) is needing food and it’s more of a decision to sit and refuel so that we can continue exploring without the words ‘mum I’m hungry’ or ‘is it lunchtime yet’.
But when it’s lunchtime or picnic time in Turkey it’s actually PART of the day. It’s not rushed, it’s savoured and enjoyed.
We are often driving along a motorway or a busy main road and there in the layby is a car pulled over, with a table and chairs set out, a table cloth, maybe a rug, with a full spread laid out including of course the Turkish kettle filled with the ever popular Turkish tea (which having had plenty now, is actually exactly the same as English black tea!)
We were recently pitched up on a site near Egidir Lake and every morning families would arrive to spend the day at the beach and whilst we would have a little cool bag, these guys practically moved onto the beach! There would be carpets and rugs, more food than you can imagine, and even log-burning stoves for cooking on and getting the kettle on.
It really is a spectacle to see and has made me realise that whilst we would say we love to picnic we really have not embraced the true ‘experience’ of just being in the now. I would definitely say that it’s been ‘refuel’ over experience and it is something I will definitely change moving forward!
Don’t get me wrong, if we are out and about and what we need is just a quick refuel then that’s cool, but what I mean is that maybe sometimes, we will make a bit more of an effort to make it more of a ‘spread’ rather than some squashed sandwiches!
The Turkish picnic experience, like the breakfast, is indeed a feast for the eyes and the senses!
So let’s delve into the heart of Turkish picnics, where all your senses are awakened:
Sight: Imagine a vibrant, handwoven carpet spread beneath the shade of a tree, a low table adorned with mouthwatering dishes, and families or friends gathered in joyful camaraderie. Turkish picnics are a visual feast that celebrates the art of outdoor dining.
Taste: The culinary journey at a Turkish picnic is a highlight. From pide, the Turkish pizza, to köfte, succulent grilled meatballs, the flavors are diverse and tantalizing. It’s a feast fit for food enthusiasts and families alike.
Smell: The aroma of grilled meats (ok Laanii and I are veggie, but Ian, loves the smells!), fresh bread, and the unmistakable scent of Turkish tea brewing is nothing short of intoxicating.
Sound: Laughter, conversations, and the gentle clinking of tea glasses create an enchanting symphony. It’s the sound of connection and shared joy.
Turkey’s dedication to picnicking is evident in its well-maintained parks and beachside picnic spots. These areas are equipped with picnic benches, outdoor BBQ spaces, and playgrounds for the little ones. They are kid-friendly destinations that offer not just a place to eat but also room to run and play.
The video below is just one example! This is in Konya, Turkey in a park right next to the municipal caravan park.
I mean seriously! We got to experience it at 6.30 am in the morning, can you imagine the sheer social gathering experience when this place is full of families???
So why did I want to post about this?
Well firstly to celebrate the people of Turkey and to congratulate them on literally embracing the alfresco dining experience and to say thanks to them for teaching me to sometimes embrace our love of picnics as an experience to be savoured, a chance to just be in the moment and not just a quick stop for a refuel.
Not quite sure I’m ready to rock up with the tablecloth and wood stove yet, but definitely my first improvement is going to be the content of my cool box and creating the time to just be.
