Dr. Arikan's Ranch
We didn't realize how much we craved nature until after arriving for a weekend getaway at Dr. Arikan's ranch, the owner of MEFIS. We were invited to stay in one of his guest houses along with two other families. It was about an hour drive and such a welcome retreat from the stimulation and buzz of 16 million people living in Istanbul. Dr. Arikan has about 100 staff who work at his ranch and vineyard. The vineyard is about 10 km. down the road, which we toured mid-day.
On the grounds of the ranch were wild deer, cows, chickens, horses, and black swans. We enjoyed a weekend free of cooking with meals prepared for us including a culminating breakfast with Dr. Arikan in his home. Walking barefoot in the grass, watching the sunset, breathing clean air from the trees that encircled the property, and swimming in the unheated pool were just a few highlights.
We didn't realize how much we craved nature until after arriving for a weekend getaway at Dr. Arikan's ranch, the owner of MEFIS. We were invited to stay in one of his guest houses along with two other families. It was about an hour drive and such a welcome retreat from the stimulation and buzz of 16 million people living in Istanbul. Dr. Arikan has about 100 staff who work at his ranch and vineyard. The vineyard is about 10 km. down the road, which we toured mid-day.
On the grounds of the ranch were wild deer, cows, chickens, horses, and black swans. We enjoyed a weekend free of cooking with meals prepared for us including a culminating breakfast with Dr. Arikan in his home. Walking barefoot in the grass, watching the sunset, breathing clean air from the trees that encircled the property, and swimming in the unheated pool were just a few highlights.