Tales from turkey
#TalesfromTurkey
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By Maidstone based author Josie Maguire.
The first in a series of three books, ‘Tales from Turkey’ is the culmination of twelve years of planning and work from writer Josie Maguire detailing the often hard and at other times hilarious situations and observations Josie has faced after making the decision to relocate to Turkey for five months of the year.
The Maidstone based Irish author took the life changing leap to Turkey after realising the life she was leading was making her chronically ill. Dreaming of the Mediterranean and the peace it offered was closely linked to Josie’s need for tranquillity for turning her life around after being diagnosed with ME (Myalgia Encephmyolitis) in 1997. “For over 20 years I was not a well lady,’’ writes Josie. “I continued living and working long hours, I pushed through all the red lights in a fog and an on-going exhausted state. Finally one evening I collapsed at work.’’ A healthcare practitioner advised time in a more healing environment such as the mountains of India, Portugal or Turkey and so, starting from scratch, Josie and her husband built up a life in Turkey. The experience has changed Josie’s life around and her health has benefitted no end but that is not what the book is about – it is about ‘East meets West’, finding the true Turkey many ex-pats and tourists miss and the rollercoaster ride through a completely different culture and language.
In 2000 Josie decided to re-locate to Turkey for 5 months of the year splitting her time between Turkey and Maidstone. When talking about Josie’s arrival in Turkey she said: “We were the only English and Irish people in the small Turkish village in the mountains. I have learned about the culture and really made an effort and very few people experience what I have experienced. There is a huge connection between Turkey and Ireland and when I say I am Irish their eyes light up and they don’t forget you. They have a wish to help you and share everything with you. At first I was like a bull in a china shop wanting things done there and then, I had to stop and listen and not get impatient and that worked! It took the first three years to feel comfortable in Turkey and I still haven’t completely let go of my old life but I took the opportunity to change and I am not the person I was 17 years ago or even 2 years ago. I am much more centred and calm. I swim, go to yoga and rest.”