1. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
In 2010 I realized that working in a corporate environment was not in my nature and that I was more aesthetically sensitive than working on processes. So I decided to move to Italy to do my masters on Styling and became a stylist/set designer.
2. What does ”escape” mean to you?
Any place that I have never been to before regardless of distance is an escape for me. However a nice dip in a cold sea or connection with nature definitely enhances the escape.
3. Do you have a summer ritual?
I love Varigotti! Liguria is not an easy getaway. It takes 2.5 hours to get there from Milan and I still find it a bit too much as I never got over comparing the city-summer concept with Izmir-Çeşme, but once you’re there it is priceless to swim before the backdrop of the mountains. Years ago, I spotted this lido which is strangely never crowded so at least once a year we go there.
4. Where is it you escape to habitually for true downtime?
I cannot NOT mention Çeşme/Paşalimanı since I’m an İzmirian and spent my whole life there. It represents home, childhood and it is the best opportunity for me and my husband to spend time with our families playing cards in the backyard, enjoying “mom-cooked” food, sun and sea.
5. How long have you been visiting this place, and what draws you to it?
40 years:) My grandparents got the house when I was newly born. Since I live in Italy it is important for me to go back to my safe place and old habits:)
6. What about the best to: Do, see, stay, eat and drink at this particular escape?
Do: well I just enjoy the silence, sun, sea, reading a book at home. I must admit I live as if I am in pension when I go there but here are my escapes:
Pilates classes with Sevgi Akilli at Bernadet.
It has been a while but going to Delikli Koy (Bay) has always been a local thing to do. I guess it is not that much of a secret anymore but it is quite magical.
Altınkum and Fun Beach are two beaches I love for the ice cold and endless turquoise blue sea.
Bernadet Alaçatı for a tranquil escape in the middle of Alaçatı.
Eat: I really love the simplicity, calmness and of course the elevated food at Teruar in Urla.
Ferdi Baba Marina is our regular stop to have Lokum seabass!
7. Do you have an anecdote or unforgettable memory to share?
When we were young, we were so many kids at different ages but always together and always out, day and night. During daytime we were exhausting ourselves trying to do the best jump from the pier and at night we used to play hide and seek. So many good memories.
8. Who are your favorite summer escape travel partners and why?
Sinan As, my husband! I cannot think of a better partner as we enjoy similar things. We usually divide the work before we go somewhere. I choose the places to visit and stay, he concentrates on restaurants and on top of that we make a list of museums, galleries and shops.
9. What’s a new summer escape you embarked on this summer?
Sardegna and Ischia.
10. What’s your ultimate escape soundtrack?
Perche’ piangi Palermo-Dov’è liana
Ayyy groovy!!
11. What about this summer’s read?
Maria Beck, The way of Integrity
12. Which film do you revisit for the summer?
Aftersun
Good Vibrations
13. Where do you hope to head next?
Next on the list is Iceland but I also would like to go back to Peru.
14. Whom would you like to nominate for this feature, considering their passion for traveling?
My father ❤️
He put the seeds in me by driving me and my brother to so many places when we were so little-with the same cassette over and over, playing In the Summertime by Mungo Jerry.
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