In my “Land of Dreams” text I said that incorrect information may be given for commercial reasons. I should perhaps elaborate on this to explain that sometimes an erroneous answer is given through politeness. Turkish people (like other Orientals) do not like to disappoint their guests by denying any of their requests, even if it
simply cannot be fulfilled. This can result in incorrect information and arrangements, which are not kept. Personally, I don’t find this type of “friendliness” amusing.
In fact, I find it unreliable and lacking in honesty. Generally speaking, it is not helpful when a visitor is put on the wrong bus or sent off in the opposite direction to the one desired. This is why I prefer to ask directions two or three times.
Information about how to get somewhere and how long it will take should always be accepted with caution.
It has been my experience that misguided courtesy means that you may be given incorrect information rather than none at all.
However, this cannot be said of bus company employees in Istanbul trying to drum up business. Their tactics are motivated purely and simply by unadulterated commercial interest, which assures the traveller that a particular
bus will take him “straight” to Cappadocia. Currently the only bus companies to Göreme are Kent, Nevtur, Göreme and Kapadokiya. Whatever you do, do NOT get on any other company’s bus in Istanbul, even if you have been told repeatedly and emphatically that it will take you to Cappadocia. At best your “Cappadocia” will be Aksaray, which is not pleasant before daybreak and probably not exactly what you planned.
Accepting invitations should be treated with equal caution. It is best to decline the invitation with thanks at first. If the offer is genuine, it will certainly be repeated. This primarily concerns things like food and accommodation. There is less scope for error when you are being invited for a cup of tea!
Bear this in mind when you are the one giving an invitation. Don’t take the first “No thank you” totally to heart.
P.S. For humorous and entertaining reports and comments, written by a native of Luxembourg resident in Turkey for several years, click here. There are also plenty of good links and a lot of valuable information on this site (one of my personal favourites).
simply cannot be fulfilled. This can result in incorrect information and arrangements, which are not kept. Personally, I don’t find this type of “friendliness” amusing.
In fact, I find it unreliable and lacking in honesty. Generally speaking, it is not helpful when a visitor is put on the wrong bus or sent off in the opposite direction to the one desired. This is why I prefer to ask directions two or three times.
Information about how to get somewhere and how long it will take should always be accepted with caution.
It has been my experience that misguided courtesy means that you may be given incorrect information rather than none at all.
However, this cannot be said of bus company employees in Istanbul trying to drum up business. Their tactics are motivated purely and simply by unadulterated commercial interest, which assures the traveller that a particular
bus will take him “straight” to Cappadocia. Currently the only bus companies to Göreme are Kent, Nevtur, Göreme and Kapadokiya. Whatever you do, do NOT get on any other company’s bus in Istanbul, even if you have been told repeatedly and emphatically that it will take you to Cappadocia. At best your “Cappadocia” will be Aksaray, which is not pleasant before daybreak and probably not exactly what you planned.
Accepting invitations should be treated with equal caution. It is best to decline the invitation with thanks at first. If the offer is genuine, it will certainly be repeated. This primarily concerns things like food and accommodation. There is less scope for error when you are being invited for a cup of tea!
Bear this in mind when you are the one giving an invitation. Don’t take the first “No thank you” totally to heart.
P.S. For humorous and entertaining reports and comments, written by a native of Luxembourg resident in Turkey for several years, click here. There are also plenty of good links and a lot of valuable information on this site (one of my personal favourites).
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