Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/105245
ICI•pg_14-22__BMT_pg3-58 1/22/13 2:21 AM Page 16 http://www.wowhotels.com is located in the bay of Gumbet, situated in a picturesque location reminiscent of a postcard. The backdrop of cascading traditional Bodrum homes along the surrounding hills is divided from the resort by the Gumbet bay. With over 496 rooms, each with its own balcony or terrace, this resort is an ideal venue to host large groups, family vacations or conventions and business meetings. Daytime activities include beach volleyball, football, basketball, tennis, bicycle tours, dance lessons, aerobic classes, jet skiing, parasailing and scuba diving. There is something for everyone in the family. If you're like me, you will most likely end up in the Turkish bath and spa for a day of total relaxation. Basting over 20 dining options throughout the day, guests of WOW Bodrum are able to experience a wide array of Turkish, Mediterranean, Italian and American cuisine. Additionally, WOW Bodrum Resort does nightlife exceptionally well, specializing in activities and entertainment for guests of all ages. Guests can choose to participate in one of the themed nights, cabarets, live music shows, karaoke, disco entertainment or simply take a short cab ride to the harbor to experience the hip local club and bar scene. I was quite surprised at the cosmopolitan transformation of this quaint little harbor from day to night. Lets face it; the desire to fit in has been engrained in our subconscious since grade school. We want to walk amongst the locals, although pulling it off can be a difficult task on our own. For seasoned and novice travelers alike, Avanti Tourism offers the very best in Turkish cultural immersion. They will customize packages for any traveling needs. Whether it's for leisure or business, Istanbul, Turkey is a hot spot fully equipped to accommodate any of your trip planning needs. Direct questions or comments to Brienne Herbert at Brienneh@gmail.com or to blackmeetingsandtourism.com Vendors at Grand Bazaar transport to Asia and tourist support while in Turkey. It evolved into a meeting place for travelers to exchange stories and meet fellow travelers. The Pudding Shop earned its colloquial name due to the fact that travelers could never remember the name Lale Pastahanesi but always remembered the popular selection of puddings sold here. Open from 7am to 11pm, the Pudding Shop is now a place where guests can expect to find authentic Turkish cuisine, a warm atmosphere and cafeteria style dining. It's simply a staple in the community. Growing up on James Bond films where the chase scene through a bazaar showed images of rugs piled high and barrels of brightly colored spiced lined in rows, I was naturally very interested to check out the Grand Bazaar for myself. To my surprise, it was fairly similar to what I had pictured in my mind. The streets leading up to one of the entrances of the Bazaar was lined with floor rugs and pillows, ornate hanging lamps and teahouses by the dozens. After spending a few hours at the Grand Bazaar and purchasing some fabulous lamps, our group was taken through a local market shortcut towards the Spice Market. Avanti Tourism does a fantastic job of showing guests another side of Istanbul off the beaten path…literally. We traveled down a narrow winding street past rows of shops selling household goods, clothes and not to mention the array of street food. Because I was in the market for authentic ingredients, the Spice Market was the perfect place to score real Turkish Delight, fresh olive oil and a few spices to take home with me. Other than the fact that it was indoors, the Spice Market was everything I had dreamed it would be. Given all of the excitement of Istanbul, there is a little key to success in traveling to Turkey. Explore Istanbul and then travel to Bodrum to relax. This is the Turkey I imagined it would be, with white houses clustered together cascading down steep hills. World of Wonders Bodrum Resort 16 BM&T ••• November/December 2012 ••• Architectural gems like this abound in Turkey for camera buffs. www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com