The Wanderer (2022) s01e04 Episode Script

1
Hello.
Hello Alex, it's Justin from TripAdvisor here.
How are you?
Hi Justin. How are you doing?
I'm doing very well, thanks.
You were, of course,
our first wanderer on the initial episode
to Türkiye.
And at the end of that episode, you said
that you would quite like to go back.
We just wondered,
is that still the case?
That's an obvious yes from me.
I'd love to go back to Türkiye.
Okay, perfect.
Well, let's make this thing happen.
And this time around,
we've got a nice surprise for you as well.
That sounds intriguing.
Well, this is a very exciting phone call! Thanks Justin.
Perfect! Talk to you soon Alex. Bye.
Catch you soon.
I think that's a yes!
They barely got the sentence out and I
was like "yes, I'll go!"-
Oh my gosh..
- when I should be playing it cool!
On the plane already!
Yeah, exactly.
Do you get nervous when you're travelling?
When you're away obviously,
you're trying new things all the time
and you're not necessarily
going to be good at them.
Yeah
I've always enjoyed trying something
new, but I do want to be good at it.
But when you're away, there isn't really
that pressure, is there like?
Yeah, true.
You just try more things.
Exactly.
You might try archery and the first time
you suck, and then
you get better as it goes on.
But that's nice! The thing is about travel,
You can't be bad at it.
There's no one way to travel.
Nobody travels in the correct way.
And I like that really.
It's just different styles for everybody.
You can't fail, basically.
So you bring that back
really, do you?
Back to the UK, you just try more stuff
when you're here?
Try new things, learn new things,
and not put pressure on myself to
immediately be really good at that!
You are competitive!
A little bit.
They've upgraded me to business!
People are definitely going to
think I'm like an influencer
that's just hired loads of people
to follow me around!
This is the view that you come here for!
This is so cool!
So here I am in the town of Göreme,
Cappadocia, I'm excited
but well, a bit unsure where to start.
I remember from my last trip
that it's always important to be willing
to approach people
and keep your eyes and ears open
in order to create the best travel guide.
I've seen some people wandering
through the rock formations,
so that seems like a good place
to start exploring.
I feel like most
people are going around with a guide.
Which is probably quite a good idea.
Can you tell me a little bit
about the formation of these?
Because they're so unusual!
These are the ignimbrites,
so 5-10 million years ago, in this
area there was lots of volcanic activities.
Around 200 square
kilometers of Cappadocia
have been used for many things
like where we are now,
they used as a church.
They were using it as an underground city.
They were it using as a graveyard.
They're making beautiful boutique hotels into this rock.
Do you still have a lot of people
living in kind of rock houses
here as well in Cappadocia?
Not much as before, but we still have it.
I was born in one of the cave houses.
Really!?
- I have to tell you that.
That's so cool!
Yeah, you are talking
with a caveman now!
How about you?
- I'm a wanderer!
I have just arrived, just from last night.
I've got no itinerary at all.
So I'm meeting people,
asking for recommendations.
So if you have any other recommendations
for the next few days in Cappadocia?
The magic number of Cappadocia is number three.
You go underground,
you see the surface, beautiful,
and you've got the sky with the balloon.
I recommend you that too.
That sounds pretty good. Well, I've done one.
I need to do the other two then.
They actually discovered that church
not much years ago.
So it's very well preserved.
That is beautiful.
We call it The Dark Church.
It's one of the beautiful church we have
in the world, not just in Cappadocia.
At the highest points of the rocks,
heading up a tunnel is the stunning,
fresco filled dark church,
the most famous of the museum's churches.
It takes its name from the fact
that it originally had very few windows.
Luckily, this lack of light preserved
the vivid color of the frescoes.
It's quite amazing
how well preserved they are.
Hello
Hey, welcome.
- How are you?
- Good. Thank you.
This is our family shop.
I'm the last generation of that carpet shop.
I was photographer,
I just tried to shoot,
with the drone shooting, it became popular.
So our business is divided.
Photography, selling carpets.
He told me he had 3000 bookings
for this year already.
When I calculated
how much he was charging per booking,
I started to question my own life choices.
But he insisted this wasn't about money,
but rather about culture,
tradition and family.
My guide in Goreme said, there are
three ways you need to see Cappadocia,
from ground level, which I've done,
from the skies, which I hope to do.
And then also underground.
So I have come to Derinkuyu,
which is an entire subterranean village,
which is pretty exciting!
Wow! Not made for tall people!
I navigated my way down narrow tunnels,
going as far as 85 meters below ground.
My guide explained.
It's believed that these cave systems
were first carved seven centuries B.C.,
and that the underground city
was large enough to house
20,000 people,
including their livestock and food stores.
He said only
around 10% of the city had been excavated.
It's incredible
to think how people lived back then.
Good morning, everybody.
From my cave hotel.
It is about 3:45AM
It's still very dark outside,
but I've been given a very good reason
to get up this early.
So the alarm was set and I got out of bed
with excitement, actually,
because I've just found out
that the surprise
that Justin had in store for me
is that I'm going on a hot air balloon
this morning and what an amazing place
for my first ever hot air balloon ride.
I am so excited!
I actually don't remember the last time
that I was so excited about something!
I feel like a kid!
I think it makes it
even more exciting that there's probably
hundreds of balloons, all around!
Oh my gosh!
I think I'm actually tearing up.
I was pretty lost for words.
And as you can see, quite emotional.
The whole experience of seeing
so many balloons
all going up at once.
The rush of adrenaline to get to
the departure point, and rushing to get
the balloons up to catch the sunrise.
And then, all of a sudden,
a sort of total
tranquility takes over.
And of course, a beautiful landscape.
There are 273 valleys in Cappadocia
-and Cappadocia region.
And this valley's name is
is the Love Valley.
There is a shape like a heart.
We will see, on the left hand side.
How many balloons do you think
are up here today?
Oh now,
A hundred.
30 minutes later there will be
one hundred and fifty.
It feels like
it feels like otherworldly.
Not just the terrain,
which is amazing,
but just the colours of all the balloons
just dotted around in the sky.
It's easy to understand
how this has become one of the bucket
list things to do in the world,
and how tourism in the region
has built itself on this simple,
but yet so fascinating aircraft.
Are you happy?
I'm really happy!
Does that feeling go away?
Everytime its the same, yeah.
I first started in 1986.
When I fly, I feel the freedom.
Yeah, and I can say it like that.
- That's beautiful!
In what way does this job give you freedom?
This question is really difficult.
You can see like a bird.
You know, you learn why
the bird sings.
It's an absolutely breathtaking sight
and a once in a lifetime experience.
These balloons have no brakes
and no steering.
The flight is different each time,
and the landing point is always unknown.
I guess it's a bit
like my journey!
You know, the pilot is constantly smiling.
I feel like there's not that many people
who, when they're essentially at work,
they're stood there smiling all day.
So pretty good job
as far as I'm concerned.
Do you feel fortunate, Alex?
I feel more than fortunate.
I couldn't really be any happier
right now!
In ancient languages
Cappadocia
actually meant land of beautiful horses.
And I remembered
seeing a National Geographic feature
with some stunning equine photography
from this region.
So I did some research
and reached out to famed photographer
Nuri, who offers photography tours.
And I signed up immediately!
Hello! Alex, Nice to meet you.
Hello!
It's nice to meet you, nice to see-
This is the most gorgeous landscape.
This is just beautiful!
He suggests to ride together, if you want.
That would be perfect. I would love that.
You are going to lead the wild horses.
Such a unique experience.
Of course!
We'll take it steady though, right?
Yeah!
So Nuri suggested either going higher,
or lower
to get the best reflection, right?
- Yes.
Ready?
Yes!
I'm going to go low, Nuri.
These wild horses are called Yılkı horses,
and have been wild on these lands for thousands of years,
it's a truly majestic sight.
It's hard to focus on what you're doing
when a hundred horses are galloping
towards you though.
You can genuinely feel
the ground trembling beneath your feet.
It's a challenging environment
to take photos in.
But all things considered,
I think I did an alright job.
It's such a beautiful view,
and the atmosphere
is really beautiful.
The atmosphere of Cappadocia,
and the fairy chimneys, it's such a unique thing,
you cannot see everywhere,
and it comes together with the horses
and it's amazing!
Well, thank you so much for the lesson
today, and for showing me
this incredible place.
Nuri suggested that if I was
looking for more nature, I should visit
the beautiful Ihlara Valley, just a short
drive from Nevşehir. On our way there,
production stopped at a local cafe.
They were probably wondering
why we were there with all those cameras,
but I really enjoyed the sense of community
that emanated from these people.
The Turkish coffee, the Tesbih,
which are the prayer beads,
playfully handled by the men.
Of course
we had to challenge them to Backgammon
but the results were catastrophic!
Nuri was right,
the valley was stunning!
A prehistoric canyon with cave systems,
and eastern Roman churches
carved into the rock,
dating back to the seventh century.
Where are you guys visiting from?
I'm from Malaysia.
Malaysia, oh very nice!
My husband arranged it actually.
Yes, as a surprise?
It's a surprise. I don't know anything!
That's the same as me!
I also have no itinerary!
- I like to have a surprise
Yeah, definitely!
So only here this morning
I read something about it.
Okay Do you want to know more?
On the way back
I decided to take a stroll
through the village of Mustafapaşa.
I read it's been awarded
by the United Nations World
Tourism Organisation
as the best tourism village.
Hello there, sir.
How are you?
Hello lady.
Where are you from?
I'm from London.
London?
- And you?
- Welcome.
I was born here. I am living here.
And then before, I was noncommissioned
officer.
Turkish army.
- Oh Wow!
I worked 25 years, finished.
Come back again to my town. We make here.
What do you think
makes it so special here?
Cappadocia,
this is history.
And the people.
I like the people, just walking along
the street, everyone saying, "Merhaba" "Hello".
Yes, because life's short,
people are important.
That's so true.
That's lovely!
That's very true!
One thing I haven't done much of
is the local food.
So I'm having a quick search and I've come
across a restaurant called Millocal,
which I've seen has the Traveler's
Choice Award,
which I always recognise and trust.
And it just looks fantastic.
Typically Turkish.
I'm hoping it's going to have lots of
these fresh vegetables and local flavours.
that all of the people here
have been telling me about.
Thank you.
The view is incredible.
The view over the Red Valley of Cappadocia
was grand and vast.
It was such a dreamy spot
to have dinner!
The salads.
- Beautiful!
It's so colourful!
This is humus.
I've actually been reading online
about the Testi Kebab,
which I know you guys are famous for.
The Testi, inside is the beef
and the vegetables are inside,
altogether it's cooking
In the oven for hours. I will bring for you.
- Oh wow!
- Pottery kebab.
This is the first time
I've been served a flaming main course!
This is traditional food.
Enjoy your meal.
Those smells, beautiful.
Thank you.
Oh, wow!
That meat is so tender
It almost melts in your mouth.
There's very much a richness
in the gravy there as well.
This is actually
only halfway through my trip,
I've still got quite a few days left
and I'm very excited
to see what the rest of my time in Türkiye
has to offer.
To my delight, production
wanted me to continue wandering
to the globally famous and luxurious
town of Bodrum, a true maritime gem chosen
by celebrities for superyachts,
gorgeous beaches,
and crystal clear waters.
Who's this little guy?
Hello!
It's my first morning in Bodrum.
This feels like a very different side
to Türkiye.
The quintessential place
that people want to come on holiday.
Palm trees,
blue skies, chequered tablecloths.
And it's got a very Mediterranean
feel as well.
What brings you to Bodrum?
- It's my birthday.
- Is it?
Happy Birthday!
I hope you've got a special treat
planned for later on.
It's a surprise.
Okay, well, I'll be surprised.
Hello.
- Where are you visiting from?
- I live here.
- You do?
- Yes.
You grew up here as well?
- Where are you visiting from?
I'm from London.
It's my first day here in Bodrum.
Nice, welcome.
- Thank you.
You brought your crew?
I did, yeah!
We're making a travel guide.
- Excellent!
About the best things to do in the area.
- Hello.
Nice to meet you.
If you guys are local,
you should be giving me some suggestions.
Oh, boy!
So in Bodrum,
they make the traditional Gulet, which is a wooden boat,
where the back is diagonally sliced.
Oh, nice.
You go down to the marina,
to the yacht habour.
It would be a good idea to do
- You can book boat trips?
Yeah, there's everything.
A bit of everything, actually.
Bodrum Castle is visible
from every angle in the city,
so I decided to wander up,
have a little look around.
So I probably didn't realise that
Bodrum has so much history
attached to it, to be honest.
What can you tell me about Bodrum Castle?
So in the ancient world, the
Seven Wonders of the World.
One of them is in here,
which is the Mausoleum.
And even with these mausoleum pieces,
they built this beautiful castle
and with the big earthquake, it collapsed.
And later on, St John knights,
beginning of 1402,
they just realised
that they needed a castle in here.
So they took all those equipment.
Whatever they have as a stone
or marbles.
All these green stones from the mausoleum.
It takes almost a hundred years
to build the castle.
After that, the Turks come. In the 1960s
this beautiful castle turns into a museum.
Whatever they found in here that is ancient,
they put it in here.
So now it's one of the biggest underwater
archeology museums.
Yeah, I made a plan for
all of us, and actually,
we've been on boats the last two days.
Oh, wow!
Boat trips are really popular
in Bodrum as well.
So we have a lot of nice bays
where you can, like, relax and swim.
I live in Chicago.
- Yeah, Friends.
Amazing!
What are you thinking of Bodrum so far?
Oh, this is my second time.
It's great.
It's really nice.
Ancient sites everywhere.
I love it.
We're enjoying our time, for sure.
After being recommended
by several locals
to take a traditional Gulet boat tour,
I felt like my arm had been twisted
and I had to take a trip
on one of these magnificent boats
to a stunning turquoise bay.
Hi there.
How are you? Welcome, nice to meet you.
- Nice to meet you too.
Thank you. This looks lovely.
The gulet boats are stunning
and very luxurious.
You can see why Turkish craftmanship
is considered
some of the best in the world
because of how
well these wooden ships are made.
The beauty is in the detail.
I can see why everyone was recommended me
a boat tour.
It's basically a five star hotel on water.
I've met a lot of tourists
and the people that
have traveled here for work, but
obviously you are from Bodrum.
So what do you think the..
What's the heart of Bodrum?
What's the soul of Bodrum?
Heart of Bodrum,
I think the heart of Bodrum is not the material.
It's the soul of the
the local Bodrumers.
They have got a very good soul.
They like to share things
with the people.
They like to work.
They like to create good things.
When I was 19 and a half I started to build boats,
in my garden.
The first eight, ten years was not good.
And then I start to do more
beautiful boats.
And I've been to a race, that race is
very famous in Turkey.
It's name is the Bodrum Cup.
It's the biggest wooden yacht regatta
in the Mediterranean,
and we won it three times,
with a boat that I built in my garden.
Then we became a little bit
local famous.
And then people come to me
and they say, "Can you build a boat for us?"
That was an escape for me
to be in the garden to the carpenter shop.
My carpenter shop is the best place
in the world that I feel alright.
When I go home at night time
to play with my kids.
I feel a little bit
tired and dirty and salty.
Rusty.
I have a shower and I-
-then I go to bed.
I feel very okay about it. So..
- Satisfied.
Yeah, exactly. Exactly.
That's very nice!
And now, when you look at the past,
do you think you are in the place
that you are dreaming before,
when you were younger, maybe?
I think so, yeah. I've always,
I've always wanted to travel.
That's all I did with my parents
when I was younger.
And to be able to do that now for my job,
this makes me very happy.
How about the future?
I think I'm just going to deal
with the present for now.
I'll see how next week is, and then-
-and then I'll decide.
I hope it will be good.
Thank you.
This morning
I thought I'd try something different,
so I posed the question to my Instagram
followers and said, What shall I do
with my morning in Bodrum?
I had some really great answers, actually,
but one that kept popping up
was a few people
suggested that I come to Etrim Village,
which is a carpet weaving hamlet,
and I've just arrived and it's so pretty.
There's olive trees everywhere, flowers
all around.
So I'm going to take a little wander
and see what it's all about.
Busra come and help chat.
I need a translator!
She told me how traditions
are slowly dying and young people weren't
so interested in keeping old crafts
like carpet weaving alive these days.
But the interest that tourism attracted
made her feel proud
to show off their skills.
Can I sit?
You might have to join me again Busra.
- Coming.
Does she feel
that her personality goes into the work?
Do the carpets tell a story?
She said, "I don't know,
how does it look like?"
It looks very vibrant to me.
Maybe she has a vibrant, bright
personality.
I have heard that
some of the carpets in different villages
do tell stories.
Is that the case?
It used to be when a woman gets pregnant.
They couldn't tell.
They view it like this.
They made a carpet.
And they show other people
that they are pregnant.
- Through their carpet?
Yes, that's the story.
But that's not, what it's saying here?
- No, no, no!
- We're not finding out something?
Can you just ask her how long it'll
take to complete this carpet?
Yeah, sure!
Five or six months.
Wow! Incredible.
- Yeah, it's a long time.
Well, you're very talented.
Thank you so much for showing me
I would have happily indulged
in the richness of Bodrum a little more,
but my time is coming to an end.
Türkiye is so richly diverse
in terms of what it has to offer
for every type of traveller,
and maybe it's a little
bit of a cliché to say, but
it has some truly, once in a lifetime
bucket list activities
on offer.
For me, waking up at 3 a.m.
to go on a hot air balloon over Cappadocia
was pretty emotional really
and something
that I'm never going to forget.
And as always,
I've met some amazing people along
the way.
People who have really inspired me
and to be honest, they've shared
some quite personal stories
with me.
Meeting Mustafa, for example,
and talking about his way of life
and how he goes to bed
happy after a long day of work.
It's just brilliant to hear,
and it's made me think about
what makes me happy and go to bed happy
and travel does that for me.
Being able to meet new people
and learn new things
really does bring me a lot of joy.
And I suppose you could say
that I'll always carry a piece of that with me.