From Saudi Arabia to the World: How Turkey Sparked My Love Affair with Travel and Food

I was born and raised in Saudi Arabia — a land of deep-rooted traditions, storytelling under the stars, and family gatherings around flavorful, slow-cooked meals. But like many restless souls, I always had one eye on the horizon. What started as a trip turned into a lifelong obsession.

My first real love affair wasn’t with a person — it was with a place: Turkey.

There’s something magnetic about that country. At the crossroads of East and West, where call to prayer meets cobblestone alleys and Ottoman arches shade bustling bazaars — Turkey opened my eyes to a world where culture, history, and cuisine are all intertwined.

What fascinated me most wasn’t just the beauty of Istanbul or the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. It was the way Turks eat — with intention, tradition, and pride. Historically, the Turks, descendants of nomadic tribes and the mighty Mongols, were always on the move. Their culture is rooted in speed, survival, and strength. They were hunters and gatherers, and their meals were centered around the meat they caught — always grass-fed, always respected. To them, meat wasn’t just food — it was the centerpiece of life itself.

That experience changed me.

It opened the door to something bigger — a fire inside that pushed me to travel further, dive deeper, and connect with people through food, stories, and culture. Turkey was the spark, but the journey hasn’t stopped. I’ve walked alleyways in Tokyo, shared tea in Amman, eaten street food in Seoul, and explored the soul of cities through the plates they serve.

Now, I’m hooked. Addicted, even — to movement, to discovery, and to that feeling of connection you only get when you’re sitting across from someone from a totally different world, breaking bread, and realizing how much you actually have in common.

This blog is my journal, my compass, and my invitation.
Whether you're here for the food, the stories, or just to escape for a minute — welcome.

The world is big. Let’s taste it together.

— Mo
AlwaysOnTheMo™