Hey summer lovers! Now I would like to tell you a mini-story about Altınova. The situation that I experienced was different for me. Here is the story; The date was 28 June 2018. I was in my usual summer house in "Profesörler Site". It was a very cloudy day which was rare in the Altınova summers. So, I thought that this was an opportunity for me to take nice pictures and feel the nice breeze while I'm at it. "Maybe it will start to rain," I thought. The clouds got darker and darker. I believed there would be thunder and rain. But, suddenly... A tiny but very clear hole had opened in those dark clouds. I'm very sorry but this was the only photograph that I shot because I was so shocked I forgot to think straight. I was "living the moment". I had never seen such a bright light in a dark surrounding before. It was like a holy light that is so brave and powerful. That giant bright light went down directly through the sea and the aura of that light gently lit up the whole place a little bit. I rushed to my family to show this fascinating beauty. However, by the time I convinced them to follow me and went to the beach, the light was gone. It was just dark clouds. I wished I had a camera and did a timelapse for this whole situation. How it started, how it continued, and how it ended? I was puzzled a little because I rushed without thinking. But, I still have an evidence photo that refreshes my memory and I love it so much :)
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Hey there summer lovers! I always tried to show Altınova how beautiful it is by words or pictures in my past posts. But, it is not enough. I want to show you a video that I work so hard for you to experience even more. The shots that I gathered are filled with memories. Some of the old, some of them new but I know that these memories are standing in my heart. I aim to show you how a day in Altınova passes and how the colors, nature, and atmosphere change every time in a day. The video consists of activities like windsurf, kitesurf, volleyball, canoe, meditation, and campfire on the beach. I'm also showing the summer place that I stay (Profesörler Site). Almost all of the shots are from "Profesörler Site". I want to present how quiet and peaceful the "Profesörler Site" and how it harmonizes with nature. I also put a special song that I think is very connected to this concept. I used to open this song when I'm relaxing under a canopy in breezy midday. While you are watching the video, I hope you will feel even a little nostalgic happy memory that makes you think of the great times you used to have and be grateful for it. How the world gifted us beautiful places... Enjoy! I also did an interview with my father about Altınova. It is a summary of the first time visiting Altınova, how "Pröfesörler Site" was built, Altınova in the '70s, and special moments. Some of the photos I put are professionally shot between 1977 - 1982 by my grandfather Yaşar Karayalçın. I learned something about myself as well :) Enjoy! Now my Altınova project has been ended. I hope I made you experience Altınova just as much as I did. I tried my best to show you the beauties of it. In 2021 summer, maybe you can try to visit Altınova. I hope to see you there in 2021 summer. Take care and be pure everyone...
Hey there summer lovers! I surveyed my friends and neighbors who experienced Altınova. Basically, the survey made them help with their observations and feelings about Altınova. For example, what is their first color coming to their mind when they think about Altınova? How much they miss the Altınova when the summer is over etc. About 44 of them responded and I thank them one by one for their answers because they made crucial points. All their answers had a meaning which I will explain later. I made this post because I want you to convince me even more about how we all value Altınova and want to visit it again and again. I hope our passion for Altınova will make you have a positive effect!
1) PlankWhile windsurfing and holding onto your sail, you are not only using your arms but your whole body to effectively control your sail. Also, your core muscles like your abdomen is very cruical for maneuvering your sail. Doing plank will enhance your core muscles. In order to do it perfectly, keep in mind for this tips;
2) SquatThe squat is the essential workout for your quadriceps and hamstrings. While you are windsurfing, you always balance your board with your feet and leg muscles. I recommend you to do lots of squats because you want to keep on windsurfing but after a while, your legs cannot keep up with you and you have to stop and rest. I'm saying this because I exactly experienced this situation. So, let's start with the tips for doing a great squat;
3) Wrist CurlThis workout is not well-known compare to the other workouts that I mentioned but you have to try it. In windsurfing, you will always hold on to your sail and maneuver your sail. Also, depending on the wind speed, it can be hard to control your sail and that feeling to cannot be able to control your sail can make you feel nervous. But don't worry! Wrist curls are very beneficial for improving your grip strength. If you do wrist curls frequently, controlling your sail will be a piece of cake! Here are the tips for how to do a wrist curl:
Important Note: To do all of these 3 workouts effectively, start from the most energy-consuming to less. For me, the plank is the most energy-consuming workout so start from the plank and then squat and finally wrist curl. Do this workout for 4 days every week. Divide your workouts evenly. For example, start your workout on Monday, rest on Tuesday and start again on Wednesday, and so on. You will experience muscle sores so it is very important to rest well. Feel your muscles and act accordingly. Hello summer lovers! Our last summer was tough because of the coronavirus. Not only it was tough for the people who wanted to take a break and have a vacation but also all the locals, tradesmen, restaurants, and cafés from Altınova, Ayvalık, and Cunda Island. They were dependent on the tourists. Usually, the summer season was the most active time for these three places. However, the 2020 summer was too quiet. My goal is to show you the atmosphere of Altınova, Ayvalık, and Cunda Island and the emotions they possess. Don't get the wrong idea, just because it was a quiet summer doesn't mean it is a disaster. Quietness reveals the beauty of these places. All the photos are shot by Gamze Reisoğlu Şamdancı in July 2020. She is my neighbor in Altınova-Profesörler Site and she mentions that all the photos' shooting style was like "capturing the moment" which means there is no manipulation such as neatly placing the props or asking the locals to pose for the camera.
Altınova is a unique place that will always be number 1 for me. Compared to the classic/touristic summer vacation areas like Antalya, Bodrum, Muğla, and, İzmir; Altınova is the least known place. According to "nufusune.com", Altınova's entire population is only 13,029 (2019). 22 years of experience in Altınova made me realize that in addition to all the natural beauties, the characteristics of the people whom I know such as their sincerity, friendship, and calmness make the place more attractive. In other words, people are the mirror reflection of all the natural beauty. Our local community (Profesörler Site) was built in 1975. Starting from all these old neighbors to local fish restaurants, Bazaars, and Surf schools, I always got a warm smile. The fewer people you have, the more peace you get. So, you have all the space for the activities that I will mention in this post! I always wait for summertime and think about these activities while in the winter studying for school. I miss every second of all the summers I spend there. So, I hope I will make you feel like these activities create magical memories that you will never forget. Here are the top 4 activities: 1) Swim in The Golden SeaAltınova is a very hot place. In summer, during the daytime, it is always above 30-degree Celsius and the best thing to cool down is to jump in the beautiful, cold, and clean sea. The seafloor is white sand (almost no seaweed). The mini rocky cliffs that you see are designed to block big waves. At the shore, there are handrails and just at the side, there are sandbags to step comfortably to the sea especially for the elderly. This photo is shot in "Profesörler Site". Check out the location. This site has one of the most beautiful views of Altınova. Beyond the sea, you can see Greek Island Mytilene. The sun always sets behind Mytilene Island. Since this site's beach is public, there is no need to be a member of the Profesörler Site. You can even camp on this beach or if you want to stay in a hotel, the closest to the Profesörler Site is "Maya Otel". It is 50 meters to the beach. It is not a luxurious fancy hotel but it is practical for being very close to the beach. More detail is on their website. The water is perfect at sunset. All the sunlight during the day heats the water just like you wanted. 2) Windsurf to InfinityIf you want some challenge and adventure on the sea, windsurfing is the best sport for you. Feeling the clean blue sea, going fast like a motorboat, and going far far away to infinity that makes you think how big the earth is. If you don't know how to windsurf or even have the equipment, no problem at all! There is a windsurf school in Ayvalık which is connected to Altınova (very close). It is called "Capri Sörf Okulu Ayvalık". Not only they will teach you how to windsurf but also you can rent windsurf from that school. Lifeguards and trainers will be on one-to-one supervision so there is no need for feeling nervous while learning to windsurf. If you want to learn more details about windsurf, don't forget to check out their website!
3) CanoeIf you want a less challenging activity, try canoeing. The best thing about a canoe is that it is suitable for most ages starting from a child to the elderly. It is a beneficial sport for muscle development and relaxation. At sunsets, the wind is nearly none so the water is almost flat. The colors of the sunset turn the sea into a beautiful orange color. I advise that it is the best time for canoeing. You can bring your dearest furry little friend too. If you don't own a canoe, worry not! "Kano Diyarı" is the best place to rent or buy your canoe if you care about durability and quality. Click here to check out their website. They sell different types of canoes such as inflatable, transparent, fishing, and river canoes. Also, they sell other stuff like canoe equipment, Gopro, and paddleboard. Their price range for the 2020 season is between 2,700-12,300 TL.
4) Beach CampfireYou swam in the sea. The windsurf gave you all the adrenaline you need and you canoed under the beautiful orange sky. It was rough but exciting. It is nighttime now and is time to reward yourself with a nice beach campfire. In Altınova nights, the sound of the atmosphere is very peaceful so the only sounds you will hear are crickets, calm waves, rustling trees, and the crackling of the firewood that you prepared. Bring your friends, crack open a beer, and feel the soft sand. Make sure to clean up the mess like beer cans, snack bags, and charred wood afterward. A clean beach is a happy beach.
Hey there nature lovers... Thank you for looking up my site. My name is Kerem. I'm 22 years old and I was born in Ankara. Even though my life has mostly been in Ankara, in summer, my short timed but magical place is "Altınova". Altınova is a name derived from Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The lowland (ova) is so yellow and fertile that it is valuable like gold (altın). My family's house in Altınova was built in 1974 and I visit every summer since I was born.
I really like nature and sports. Sports like swimming, running, canoeing and windsurfing. It is even better when you combine a beautiful atmosphere with the sport activities you are doing. This blog is related with my summer vacation place. My precious Altınova. My goal is to make you experience Altınova as much as possible even though you are not physically there. The most valuable part about Altınova is the atmosphere. In my opinion, the sand quality, sea, trees, sky, sun and clouds are so perfectly harmonized that I have never seen such beautiful colors in my life. Now, imagine doing activities like canoeing and windsurfing at sunset. It is the most meditative activity I have ever achieved and I feel like I am alive again. In my future posts, I will show you the beautiful landscape of Altınova and what activities you can do to clear your mind and have a good time. Activities like campfires, night sightseeing, windsurfing, canoeing, swimming, sunset sightseeing and eating the famous "Ayvalık Tostu". I hope you will like it a lot. Stay pure everyone. |
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