Area/Topic
Turkey, Anatolia

Aydin Kudu
Travel Designer & Documentary Filmmaker
Turkishmoon

I traveled in my native country, Turkey, on a bike and hitchhiking back in 80s when I was a university student. During those trips I preferred not to reveal that I was local, speaking anything but Turkish, to find out people's approach to travelers. I found people all over the country very welcoming, warm, hospitable, curious about other countries and with no expectation in return. Towards to my graduation I realized this reality becoming a strong motivation to start working in travel. That was back in 1987 and I still enjoy taking guests around Turkey on custom designed various programs.

https://www.turkishmoon.com/

Summary
Aydin Kudu, a travel designer and documentary filmmaker, shares his journey from growing up on a hazelnut farm in Turkey to becoming a travel experience creator. He describes his summers spent in the highlands above the timberline, where his family would take their cows to graze. Aydin emphasizes the importance of elevation in shaping culture and how it influences people's way of life. He also discusses the significance of interacting with locals during travel experiences and how it enhances the overall trip. In this conversation, Aydın Kudu and Jason Elkins discuss their experiences with connecting and conversing with people from different backgrounds. Aydın shares his experiences as a tour guide in Turkey and how he developed a passion for storytelling and documentary filmmaking. They also discuss the importance of personal connections and interactions in the tourism industry. Aydın emphasizes the value of being open to different perspectives and interests of travelers, and the importance of enjoying the experience as a guide. Overall, the conversation highlights the power of human connection and the joy of sharing experiences with others.

Keywords

Aydin Kudu, travel designer, documentary filmmaker, Turkey, hazelnut farm, highlands, timberline, elevation, culture, locals, travel experiences, tourism, tour guiding, documentary filmmaking, human connection, personal interactions

Takeaways

• Aydin Kudu grew up on a hazelnut farm in Turkey and spent his summers in the highlands above the timberline.
• Elevation plays a significant role in shaping culture and people's way of life.
• Interacting with locals during travel experiences is crucial and enhances the overall trip.
• Aydin emphasizes the importance of exploring beyond the main roads and engaging with people in rural areas. Tour guides play a crucial role in creating personal connections and interactions with travelers.
• Being open to different perspectives and interests of travelers can enhance the travel experience.
• Enjoying the experience as a guide can have a positive impact on the travelers' experience.
• Human connection and storytelling are essential elements in the tourism industry.

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