Dear Ulya,

On the morning of June 30th, with excited steps, I arrived at Sabiha Gökçen Airport, my daughter. I traveled for you, I tasted all sorts of fruits for you… I danced to beautiful songs, saw wonderful people, and marveled at the splendor and simplicity of every city I set foot in before you came into my life.

The first country I visited alone was Spain. Andalusia… You will love it, my daughter, especially Córdoba. The city that Zülfü Livaneli could not reach, but one I found so hard to leave behind — Córdoba, where the moon shines large, the horses are dark, the streets are narrow, the people humble, the shopkeepers kind, and the sweets extraordinary…

Seville, the heart of Andalusia… That will be the first place we go together. We will tire ourselves out visiting a few museums, then head to El Baso to try delicious tapas and, of course, oxtail croquettes. Sangria might not be age-appropriate for you yet when we set out on this journey, but I will drink one for you. We will wander together through the gardens of the Real Alcázar. On the streets, you will watch the dances of the gypsies, and I will watch your astonished gaze. We’ll chase each other along the tram tracks in the cool of the evening. I will watch the wonder in your eyes as you see the gypsies’ lively dances…

We’ll take the train to Córdoba, rocking gently along the way. You will watch the road, and I will watch you. You’ll complain a little about the afternoon heat, your little feet will grow tired, and you’ll voice some small complaints, but the Mezquita of Córdoba will take your breath away. I had walked barefoot there; most likely you will want to do the same. You’ll be speechless as you take off your shoes. Together we’ll climb the bell tower. With the quick steps and agility of youth, you’ll climb faster than me, teasing me on the way up. At the very top, I will sneak you up the chained staircase to the largest bell, just as I once did myself… We’ll stay in the Jewish quarter, in a house with a fully working bathroom drain. :) In the evening, we will walk along the riverside, and you will love the golden lights. If we are lucky, we might even go to a Córdoba football match together.

From there, we will head to Málaga by train one late afternoon. In the blink of an eye, the trip will be over. We will drop our bags quickly in a house close to the city center, eager to blend into the crowds in the lively streets. While your little hand gets lost in mine, your mind will be filled with countless questions. With unfamiliar sounds in our ears, we will stride through the streets as if embracing the whole world. I will show you the spot at the Málaga fortress where I once sang a song. Hand in hand, mother and daughter, we will sing another song, and the world will listen to us…

After spending a few mornings in Málaga, we will head to Granada… We’ll stay in a boutique hotel near Granada Cathedral. Close to the hotel, there’s a wonderful Turkish restaurant where I will take you. The hummus is incredible — you’ll want to lick your fingers. And of course, the local dessert: pionono…

Then we will go together to a place I have never been: Gibraltar. I will tell you its history and the impact it had on me, and you will understand what it means to fall in love with a mountain… Together, we will stride across the world, tasting it and marveling at everything, once you arrive.

And know, my daughter, that I walked these roads for you. One day when you come, every stone, every street, every song will be waiting for you.  

                                                                                                                                                 With love and laugh..