Flamingos Migrate to Turkey During the Winter
Have you ever had a pink plastic flamingo lawn ornament?
Be honest. My sorority annex house at Kent State had one outside for some time. Ahh, memories of college.
Have you ever seen a flamingo out in the wild?!
I never thought that I’d be sitting here on Monday morning in my co-working space (aka my favorite farm fresh market in my village), researching about flamingos on wikipedia. Probably the last time I studied about flamingos it was in the third grade while attending Richer Elementary in Massachusetts.
Yesterday, my personal trainer (and close friend), Digba invited Güven, the kids, and I to seek wild flamingos that have recently arrived from Southern Africa to hang out and feed during the winter. I actually didn’t really believe her but of course said yes to see what in the world she’s talking about.
Unfortunately, the flamingos are not GPS trackable and move around throughout the day feeding on the delicious shrimp in Güllük Bay (in Bodrum where we are currently living). We saw hundreds of flamingos in some water off the road we were driving and began trying to get closer but the earth road we were driving began to get too rocky and slushy for our little white car to drive. But after 2 more stops off the coast, we reached a place where we could see a flamboyance (new word for you, too?!) of flamingos resting as the day turned to dusk balancing on one leg to preserve body heat, and burying their faces into their bodies basically living their best cozy life.
After witnessing these calm and beautiful creatures living their best lives feeding off the most delicious Aegean shrimp, I was excited to share this experience with you!
It’s not my first time seeing flamingos (hello growing up attending American zoo’s), but seeing them being free and I know I said it already twice but they looked like they were living such a peaceful life in the wild. I know how beautiful this place (Bodrum, Turkey) is because I live here too. The sun comes out almost every day, the sea is gentle and sometimes resembles glass, and the land is practically empty (compared to summer time because a lot of people only live here seasonally).
It is peaceful. The flamingos get it!
I am so happy to have designed a life that supports myself and my family to be here during this time. Weaving family, work, adventure and fun is something I am very grateful for these days. I love doing this life together and taking you with us along the journey. I hope you get to experience witnessing flamingos in the wild some day too. If you come to Turkey, reach out to us!
From my flamingo winter sanctuary,
xx, Allie
About Together Textiles:
Cozy, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs robes and towels traditionally woven on looms in Turkey using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five who loves connecting with the local communities while splitting time between Turkey and America. Follow the family business journey on Instagram @togethertextiles.