I am in Antalya but I am quite a ways outside of the tourist and busiest part of the city. For now, I am located in a local residential neighbourhood that I though would be a nice place to enjoy the beach from and do some chores. Here are my first impressions of Konyaalti Antalya.
Spread Out
There seems no shortage of land, for Konyaalti is completely sprawling and spread out. It reminds me so much of the less touristy and wealthy parts of Dubai. When you look at a map for example, you may think it will only take 10 to 15 minutes to walk somewhere. However in reality, it may be closer to 45 or an hour. The blocks are huge.
Devoid
There really isn’t much here. If you are located on the esplanade right down at the beach, in a hotel for example, you will have a nice vacation with things close by to see and do. If you are in one of the thousands of residential apartment complexes deep in the neighbourhood, you will be walking along quiet streets navigating your way through the area.
The larger streets have stores and restaurants of course, but most of this area is 4 to 10 story residential complexes, likely built within the last 30 years. The streets are wide and can seem unkept. There is nothing really to look at as you stroll along.
Friendly
Of the people I have interacted with so far, the Turkish people are lovely. From my driver yesterday to the ladies at the grocery store and my host, I have had nothing but help and kindness.
Walking down the streets I am not feeling any unease. I don’t get the impression that I stand out too much. Antalya itself is absolutely chock full of tourists and relocated Russians, Germans and the like, so the people here are used to seeing foreigners.
Litter
Yes, there can be quite a bit depending on where you are. Most of the household waste is contained in and around large bins on the street. With the exception of the esplanade right down at the beautiful Konyaalti beach, the other streets inland can look unkept, especially deeper into the newer residential areas.
It appears that many buildings are not or never fully finished so there are old bags of concrete, wooden pallets, various pieces of construction materials scattered along the sides of the roads.
It will be interesting exploring this neighbourhood far from the tourist zone. I will get to experience how the people of Konyaalti Antalya really live. I have some chores to take care of like getting my teeth cleaned etc. so this is a perfect spot for that. I want to be here, at home with the locals, seeing how they live and meeting them too.
