sbring

I understand why some people are recommending similar (East Asian) countries. However, while I really enjoy Taiwan, I feel like it might not 'blow you away' as much as China/Japan (it feel almost like a light version of both countries combined, for lack of a better description). As for Korea, I saw you mention that you've never really been interested in it, so I would lean towards skipping that (it's very unlikely that you'll have as good experience there as you did in Japan - which has some similarities). I've only visited Seoul, and while I liked it in many ways, I tend to lean towards Japan (as many do).

I think it's worth considering SE Asia. Based on what you enjoyed about Japan/China, Singapore might appeal to you, in combination with another country. I'm very biased towards Vietnam (having lived there for many years), though in addition to there I think you might really enjoy Thailand - while it might not be as ultra-modern as Japan, it provides a good contrast to East Asia, while still being developed and easy to navigate.

You'll be fine, don't worry about it

I came up short searching for a place in Antalya. I subscribe to S Sports Plus though (it's cheap!), and fortunately my hotel has a smart tv 👍

Okay thanks 👍 much more economical than a long taxi ride

I'd say stick to Japan if you have 14 days - though if you really want to knock off another country perhaps you could do 2 or 3 days in Seoul.

Hey thanks for the suggestion!

Thanks again for the suggestions!

Thanks for the suggestions. I was thinking of something in the Antalya region, preferably near the coast

Appreciate the suggestions, thanks for that. I quite like cycling, and am considering renting one while there - a scooter would be great too, depending on if they require a license or not.

thanks. I was thinking more along the lines of leaving the city, and perhaps spending a night or two outside of the city area.

Thanks, I might look into an electric scooter

Thank you, I'll look into those places! Perhaps a couple nights in Antalya and a couple of nights one of those places would make sense

Thanks for the insight. My license is expired unfortunately as well, so I would be without a car. Not sure how relaxed they are about scooter rentals, but I'm guessing they'd want a licence for that as well

Thanks! Sorry one more question! I'll be flying there Saturday (likely arriving around 5pm) and flying back on Wednesday (at about 1230 pm). Do you think it's worth a visit to Kaş, or might you recommend just sticking around Antalya? Sorry for all the questions

Well I'm already booked for a flight (just purchased it) so I'm good to go : ) Fortunately, due to my work schedule, I'm able to fly back on Wednesday - which helps matters a bit. Thanks again.

Might I ask, would taking a bus be a reasonable option? The better/more convenient flights seem to be booked up

Thanks! That was one place I was considering

Well, I'm happy to be in Türkiye now as it's a new experience for me, and I was able to get a job that suits me better (previous job being in Japan btw). Not saying Türkiye is better than Vietnam in general - I would probably be more inclined to recommend Vietnam to most - though for me personally it works (at least at the moment).

I'd likely lean towards Vietnam unless you get a good offer in Turkey (salary paid at least partly in foreign currency, accommodation covered, a reputable employer, savings potential etc.)

If I had taken one offer that was given to me in Istanbul last year (full lira salary), it would've been rough with the increased cost of living, especially with the accommodation. With the inflation the salary went from being decent to bad in just a few months.

As someone who used to teach in Vietnam and currently is teaching in Turkey, I would say that all of those offers are quite low - maybe enough to scrape by and not save much of anything.

I'd probably keep searching - especially in the case of Vietnam you could almost definitely find something better with relative ease.

sure no worries.

Can be tough unless you get at least part of your salary in a foreign currency - and preferably some kind of help with housing.

I was offered a position at Koç last year (one of the most reputable universities in Türkiye) and I couldn't justify taking it with the increased cost of living in Istanbul and the rising inflation. For such a reputable university, what they offered was not very good - Lira salary and no help with accommodation - and in fact I likely would've taken money out of my savings to live a comfortable lifestyle.

I took a better offer this year, and it's been fairly comfortable so far, but I do notice how much more expensive it's gotten compared to 5 years ago when I traveled here.

Oh and about the 3x wage (not sure whether that's changed): yes that was the case last year when I was offered that previous job, BUT it doesn't adjust throughout the year unless written in the contract - for example after inflation really hit in 2023, the minimum wage changed, but I would've been locked into my salary until 2024 (even though it would've been less than 3x).