We’ve made the decadent choice to retire early before we start to feel our bones, against the better judgement of many. Nothing is going to compel us to return to the world of the waged. We’ve grown fond of our foster land but are constantly astonished by its many paradoxes. Turks are eager to please but slow to apologise, love their country but careless with the countryside, promote rigid social rules but tacitly accept our own rebellion against time-honoured conformity. Despite this confusing conundrum Turkey is a benign host for our leisure.