The unplanned detour to Izmir

The day began with a moment of confusion. I was supposed to be heading to Antalya this afternoon - my bag was packed, the hotel was checking me out, and I had memorized the bus schedule. But something didn't feel right. Maybe it was the weather forecast showing rain for the coastal region, or perhaps just that familiar restlessness that occasionally grips me on this journey.

As I sat in the hotel lobby waiting for my transport to the bus station (arriving 15 minutes early, naturally), I pulled out my phone and began looking at alternatives. The coastal regions were calling, but Antalya suddenly felt... predictable? Too touristy? I'm not entirely sure what prompted the change of heart.

There was a bus to Izmir leaving just an hour after my scheduled Antalya departure. I'd heard good things about this city - Turkey's third largest, with a beautiful coastline along the Aegean Sea, ancient ruins, and a reputation for being more progressive than other parts of the country.

A quick calculation: 173 days into my journey, 327 remaining. Plenty of time to be spontaneous.

"Excuse me," I asked the receptionist. "Is it possible to change my bus ticket from Antalya to Izmir?"

An hour later, I was boarding a different bus heading northwest instead of south. The journey took longer than expected - nearly 5 hours with a brief stop at a roadside restaurant where I had a simple but satisfying köfte sandwich.

First impressions

Izmir greeted me with a cool evening breeze off the water as we pulled into the bus station around 4:30 pm. The city sprawls along a large bay, with mountains creating a dramatic backdrop. It feels immediately different from the inland regions of Turkey I've been exploring - there's something about coastal cities that gives them their own rhythm.

I found a modest hotel near Konak Square, dropped my bag, and immediately set out to explore before sunset. The famous Kordon promenade was my first destination - a wide waterfront walkway lined with cafés, restaurants, and parks.

The afternoon light cast a golden glow across the bay as locals strolled, jogged, and cycled along the waterfront. Families sat on benches sharing snacks, and young couples walked hand in hand. Several magnificent palm trees lined the walkway, their fronds rustling gently in the breeze. I noticed a few other tree species I couldn't immediately identify - something to research later.

I walked for nearly an hour, watching the sky shift from blue to pink to deep purple as the sun disappeared behind the mountains across the bay. The temperature dropped noticeably, and I zipped up my jacket as I continued exploring.

An unexpected encounter

As dusk settled over the city, I found myself drawn to a small café along the promenade where patrons sat outside despite the cooling temperature. The menu posted outside featured both Turkish coffee and various international brewing methods - perfect.

I ordered a simple Turkish coffee and was pleasantly surprised when it arrived with a small glass of water and a piece of lokum (Turkish delight) on the side. As I savored the strong, unfiltered coffee, I overheard an English conversation at the next table - two women discussing their travel plans in frustrated tones.

"I just don't understand why the website won't accept my credit card," one was saying. "And now we can't book the tour for tomorrow."

I hesitated for a moment before turning to them. "Excuse me, I couldn't help overhearing. Are you having trouble with a booking site?"

Twenty minutes later, I had helped them troubleshoot a payment processing issue on a local tour company's website. It turned out to be a common problem with international cards and Turkish payment systems - the solution involved using a different browser and clearing the cache. They were grateful and insisted on buying me another coffee.

Sarah and Emma were from Australia, traveling together for three weeks through Greece and Turkey. They invited me to join their day trip tomorrow to Ephesus - one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean region. I hadn't planned that far ahead yet, but the idea was appealing.

"The tour leaves at 8:30," Sarah said. "We could meet here at 8:15?"

I smiled and agreed to join them. It would be nice to have company, and Ephesus was definitely on my list of places to see while in this region.

Evening reflections

It's just past 6 pm now as I sit in my hotel room, planning the days ahead. The unexpected turn to Izmir feels right somehow. The city has an energy that appeals to me - less touristy than I imagine Antalya would have been, with a blend of ancient history and modern urban life.

Tomorrow will be Ephesus, but I'm already making mental notes of what else to explore in Izmir itself:

• The ancient agora of Smyrna
• Kadifekale (Velvet Castle) for panoramic views
• The Kemeralti Bazaar for local culture and perhaps some good coffee
• Trying authentic Aegean seafood

I've checked the weather forecast - rain expected overnight but clearing by morning. The temperature should be mild tomorrow, perfect for exploring ruins.

As I look out my window at the city lights reflecting on the bay, I'm reminded of how this journey continues to surprise me. Sometimes the best experiences come from those last-minute changes of plan, those moments when you listen to that quiet voice suggesting a different direction.

173 days in, 327 to go. Still so much world to see, and tonight, I'm grateful for the spontaneity that brought me to this unexpected corner of it.