Lithuanian's life in Turkey: From Stockholm to Alanya's demanding tourism industry

Alanya, Turkey, has become the base for a Lithuanian woman working for the tourism company TUI, a role that has plunged her into a whirlwind of intense work and cultural immersion. Her days begin before dawn, often with the call to prayer at 5:30 a.m., followed by the immediate shock of the hot, humid air. She lives in relatively expensive apartments designated for company employees, complete with 24-hour service and security, where she encounters colleagues each morning and evening.

Her initial two weeks were described as "absolutely crazy," filled with extensive training, theory, practice, and site visits across numerous hotels. This demanding schedule resulted in 15 to 17-hour workdays, leaving her exhausted each night. Her responsibilities extend beyond routine tasks; she manages guest issues, acts as a liaison between hotels and the company, and is the point person for all accident and illness cases. This includes visiting guests in the hospital, communicating with their families, and handling administrative matters.

One particularly harrowing experience involved a fire at one of the hotels, requiring her to calm guests, relocate them to another hotel, and arrange compensation. She also handles various other emergencies, noting that while illnesses might seem infrequent in a resort, the team registers several cases weekly, and colleagues have warned of potential fatalities. The article paints a vivid picture of her life, from the stray cats she greets daily to the constant hum of traffic and the local customs she observes, like restaurant owners enjoying morning tea and cleaning staff bringing their children to work.

The narrative highlights the stark contrast between her former life in Stockholm and her current reality in Alanya. The intense heat, the constant need to seek shade, and the sheer volume of work underscore the demanding nature of her position in the Turkish tourism sector. Despite the challenges, she continues to document her adventures and insights into life in Turkey, offering a unique perspective on working abroad in a popular tourist destination.