I placed the back of my hand over my nose and mouth in attempt to cover up the overwhelming smell. I did not want to cup my palm over my mouth, fearful of the germs that I had picked up.
While holding my breath, I quickly washed my hands and then made a run for the door. It was too late. My throat started to dry heave as I gasped for some fresh air to replace the smell, resembling a sewage tank on a hot summer days.
My first impression of the Caykur tea garden in Rize was very disappointing.
However, in my time spent in Turkey, they are not the first disgusting and filthy toilets that I have used, and I doubt they will be the last either. As soon as I stopped dry heaving, I was able to understand why the tea garden is a recommended visit.
The Çaykur tea garden has a magnificent panoramic view of Rize.
This city lying on the coastline in the Black sea region is well known throughout Turkey for its tea production. In the past, I have also met people from Rize, who have left a lasting impression that they are in fact quite mad; but they do have a unique and quirky outlook on life. Nothing holds them back.
Rize Çaykur Tea Garden
The tea garden is connected to the research centre, and they are both tied into the brand of Çaykur tea, owned by the Turkish government. I find it rather assuming that the Turkish government still owns the Çaykur tea company, having sold off the electricity company instead.
I can only assume that at the rate, Turks drink tea, there is more profit in the tea industry.
I have to confess that once I had got over the magnificent view, my excitement was short lived. I drank a couple of glasses of green tea and then we moved on.
It is a tea garden, nothing more to it than that. Perhaps if it had been an Efes beer factory, I would have been more willing to stick around.
I can recommend it for a fleeting visit though. Çaykur tea garden was my first introduction to the city of Rize, and despite the bad start, it was a pleasant one.
Readers Question : Have you been to Rize or do you know any Turks from there?
I was wondering when will you write about Rize after Trabzon and Artvin posts.
I am still wondering did you see Ayder, Kavron, ikizdere, zilkale and any other must see place.
I am not sure is there a clean public toilet in the world but Çaykur (known as Ziraat [means agriculture]) is a place to have rest, more cooler than city center. And make excitement for a while. If you had been Da?ba?? (directly back side of city center) you would see mountain chains.
Did you try food in there ? People who visit Rize are remember Rize with their eating activities : )
Very different in any other places in Turkey.
Hi Ilker, there is still plenty more posts to come about the Black sea. I stayed on the Ayder plateau but the other names do not ring a bell. I tried food in Rize, it was all very nice but I have not struck Rize off my list of places to visit yet. The reason is we only passed through and I did not see enough of it so plan to return another time
My boyfriend is from Rize and his whole family is Laz and quite mad! I still have yet to visit the region and I can’t wait, but I think I will remember to use the toilet before leaving the house
Rize is where the true original Laz people come from, so when you visit try to see their old style houses if you can. Toilet should definitely be used every place apart from there!
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Those views are stunning but I’d want to visit for the tea garden alone. It looks so charming. Yes, I’m a tea person so I don’t think I would have left quickly, as long as i didn’t have to use that toilet!
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If you are a tea person, then it can be quite nice. I prefer to sit down with a cold beer though Fly Girl. The views were the best part of the visit and the toilets were the worst. Two different extremes
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We’ve got a friend here in Fethiye who is from Rize – but I guess she must have been here for a while as she’s very normal.
Love the greenery in your pics. Welcome back online by the way.
Julia
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Thanks Julia but still problems as the site keeps coming and going. Head, bang, brick, wall
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Hi Natalie, I adore Black Sea region; I adore the pine trees, magnificent mountains, all the greenery and some very fine cuisine it offers – the fish, their specialty koftes and many more- One of my best friend, Nejla, is from Rize- they are true to their word, honest and very straight forward – yes they can be a little mad at times but no question of their honesty and friendship. Haven’t been to Rize Cay Garden- being a cay fan, I shall be visiting, thanks for the post;)
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Hi Ozlem, I got your email and found your comment already here so it must have worked. Having problems with the site at the moment so thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and send an email.
I agree about people from the Black sea being very honest and loyal. Hard working as well. Definitely go to the Cay garden in Rize but avoid the toilets at all costs
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Impressive, i think it was a great adventure. You know tea is crucial for Turks.
Certainly do Ahmet. A Turk and a cup of tea go hand in hand.Thanks for reading
I loved Rize and the tea plantations. I went to another stop to sample the tea and I must say, once tasted a tea bag will never come close to me again. As for the toilets…well, we both have roamed Turkey and we know what some of them are like.
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I saw your post Inka and was quite jealous as you made it when it was time to cut the tea. I went out of season
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Hi Natalie,
I manufacture tea processing machinery and looking to expand my business into Turkey. I was wondering if you can give me some leads on tea plantations/ manufactures in Turkey.
Hi Sanka,I am sorry but I do not have any leads as my area of expertise is travel. I suggest you look at companies in Rize though
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