Project Arkadaslik: Our Blog
Words of Wisdom written by an ordinary person living an extra-ordinary life
An ecclectic compilation of stories - about expat life, boat life, and business life - from the perspective of an old, blind Canadian woman who moved to Turkey in 2013 and established a business in a male-dominated industry in which she had no prior experience or expertise.
7 Photography Tips to Improve Your Travel Photos
Vacation photos are a great way to capture your memories and share them with friends and family. And, if you're visiting a place as lovely as Turkey's Turquoise Coast, there are plenty of opportunities for absolutely gorgeous shots. But sometimes, the pictures aren't as good as you remember. Maybe they're a little blurry, or the colours aren't as bright. Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could capture the special moments of your trip exactly as you remember them?
See Details
The House of the Virgin Mary
During the summer, we explore Turkey and Greece by boat. During the winter, we explore by land. Here's what we discovered during our visit to the House of the Virgin Mary near Ephesus in February 2018.
See Details
Can You See Rhodes from Çalış Beach?
It's a topic of hot debate at the bars and restaurants along Çalış Beach, especially in the late fall and early spring. Is that little bump on the horizon actually Rhodes? Here's the definitive answer - with pictures and diagrams to prove it!
See Details
15 Nautical Terms You Use Every Day
Even if you've never stepped foot on a boat, you've probably mastered a variety of nautical terms – without even knowing it! Some are self-explanatory: sink or swim, don't rock the boat, dead in the water, weathering a storm – but a few of these commonly uttered phrases might surprise you.
See Details
A Day in the Life of a Gulet Cruise: Guest and Crew Perspectives
While there's no such thing as a "typical day" on a gulet cruise, here's an (only slightly) tongue-in-cheek look at a day aboard Arkadaslik - from the perspective of guest and crew.
See Details
Quick & Easy Recipe for Carrot Tarator / Havuç Tarator
A simple and delicous taste of Turkey with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
See Details
Recipe for Sweet & Savoury Courgette Tarator / Kabak Tarator
Made with zucchini (courgette) and a hint of dill, this sweet and savoury, vegetarian side dish is a guest favourite!
See Details
81 Fun and Interesting (and Completely Safe) Things To Do in Turkey
There's more to Turkey than just visiting the Hagia Sofia and Blue Mosque!
See Details
Are There Sharks in Turkey? The Answer May Surprise You!
A light-hearted, but factual article about sharks and shark attacks in Turkey to appease the fears of two youngsters who want to swim in the Mediterranean. And, as a bonus, a collection of our favourite shark cartoons and comics.
See Details
Romance on the High Seas
Trust me when I tell you, living on a cruise boat isn't all champagne and rose petals.
See Details
5 Things That Make Us (Really, Truly) Different from Other Yachting Companies
It all boils down to being owned by an old, blind Canadian woman who lives on the boat. But how do I make that sound appealing to potential guests???
See Details
My #1 Most-Frequently-Asked Question
You? Here? How? Why? In one form or another, it's the question that everyone asks
See Details
How to Avoid Getting Seasick on a Cruise
Tips for preventing seasickness (and recovering quickly if you do get seasick on your cruise)
See Details
Athens? Or İstanbul? Which is the Best City to Visit?
Question: I have 10 days to travel to Athens and Istanbul. And I want to visit Cappadocia too. How do you recommend I split my time?
See Details
My Biggest Facepalm Moment
Definition of FACEPALM (verb): bring the palm of one's hand to one's face, as an expression of disbelief, shame, or exasperation.
See Details
Anchor Aweigh! (Or is it Anchors Away?)
A true story about anchor woes at sea, and an incident which gave entirely new meaning to "cutting loose" during a cruise!
See Details
So You Want to Start a Yacht Charter Business!?!?
Combine your entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for yachting by starting a yacht chartering business.
See Details
What's It Like to Live on a Boat?
I Live on a boat, I work on a boat - some days my feet never touch land
See Details
Does Renaming A Boat Really Bring Bad Luck?
We avoided the curse by following every step in this boat renaming ceremony
See Details
The Turkish Dress Code: A Female Traveler's Guide to What to Wear in Turkey
Do you have to wear a hijab in Turkey? Can you wear shorts in Turkey? Travel tips for first-time visitors to Turkey about what to wear when traveling in this predominately Muslim country.
See Details
What is a Blue Cruise?
At its most basic, a Blue Cruise is a multi-day boating holiday along the Mediterranean coast on a classic Turkish gulet. But that definition doesn't begin to describe the experience!
See Details
Turkish Gulets: Everything You Need to Know
What are Turkish Gulets? And (more importantly) How do you pronounce "Gulet"?
See Details
Here Comes The Sun
The prequel to Arkadaslik Yachting: A true story of overcoming adversity and life challenges
See Details