Aegean Stables

Share fun and friendship with Helen and Vanessa as they gallop around the spectacular Turkish countryside, enjoying the unpredictable. In a region of blue skies and sunshine, they wade through unexpected snow to buy two ponies - one lame, the other nearly dead. Their escapades with these scruffy beasts colour the backdrop of a gently humorous and insightful view of life in Türkiye, away from the crowds. ‘Nothing to worry about,’ the multi-tasking village imam and part-time farmer, Kemal Hoca, reassures Helen and Vanessa as he agrees to help look after their impulsive purchases. But they soon realise they need to hone their problem-solving skills. Professionally busy, how can they find time to negotiate family needs, village politics, local suppliers and tricky conversations? Should Helen ignore village wisdom about olive tree ownership? Will supernatural intervention help Vanessa’s new fence stay upright? Does Coca-Cola rid a stable of rats? And why on earth would they accept the gift of a thoroughbred racehorse? Through their entertaining and sometimes emotional stories, the tolerance and understanding of the people they meet conveys an important message of inter-cultural acceptance and understanding.