Kalkan Turkey Forum - EnjoyKalkan.com
Kalkan Discussion => Holiday Reports and Reviews => Topic started by: Lizilu20 on April 06, 2017, 03:33:48 PM
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Thursday 6/04/17
The frenzied preparations are underway in earnest!
I have 1 suitcase packed (mine) with 3 kg's spare for make up and other essentials and I'm estimating that OH's will take up the slack that mine won't with more of my essential items and if not, then that's one shirt less for him ;D
I've been co-ordinating the run up to our child free holiday at the Lizilu household with military precision. Eldest 2 daughters at Uni and now driving themselves backwards and forwards (still don't feel comfortable there, insisting on tracking them remotely every mile of the way with surveillance worthy of an undercover cop) and youngest daughter with a list of house rules as long as your arm! Thankfully Grandma Babs and Grandad Keith are once again stepping into the breech and keeping their beady eyes on her to our relief, however she tells us all she wants to do is revise and she was unable to do this in the batcave last year, due to disturbance from 2 irresponsible adults! I don't know what she means by that ??? ::) ;) So there you have it, just me and Automan, child free and only ourselves to consider...yippee!!!
Tonight we are being escorted to Wetherspoons for our evening meal (and briefing) by our bodyguards/friends/neighbours who are also keeping guard remotely on our girls - plenty of curtain twitching going on I hope while we are away ;D
Tomorrow is our final day at work and the final preparations before we are let loose on the unsuspecting public. We will try to behave with decorum, especially while in Fethiye with our friends for 2 days, but after that, watch out Kalkan here we come!
I will try to report back over the next few days - we will arrive in Kalkan on Monday so normal service will definitely be resumed then, if not before.
See you soon... 8) 8) 8)
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Brilliant! So glad to hear the final preparations are under way and can't wait to hear all about your antics when you are let loose on the unsuspecting public! ;D ;D ::). Hope you and Automan have a fantastic holiday and yes we are very envious but look forward to your blog! :D x
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Good luck with your mission don't forget your country needs you. The hopes and dreams of your fellow EK ers goes with you I hope you have a safe journey from the town of Earnest to Turkey. ;)
(you might even get an Efes in wetherspoons to get you in the swing!)
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Yay!!!! Its almost here...your child-free holiday! Soon you wil be able to go outside of school holidays too - hello cheaper flights ;D ;D
Looking forward to hearing all about your stay, whenever you can manage the odd post or seven. More if you're up to it, naturally!
I must ask this...does every woman on here who travels with a male partner use up space in their cases for our "essentials" (read *things i wanted to take but had no room in my own case*).
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Just as well we're not paranoid here, otherwise we would be noting the lack of any mention regarding the surreptitious and disguised webcam surveillance devices secreted around the home >:D
The blogging season starts now… 8)
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My case is full of Sausages so NO room for Lady Lizards togs I'm afraid 8)
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Bill insists on travelling with cabin baggage only - for himself! Unfortunately, this means my case is full of his "non-essentials"! Going to be even worse this year as I'll have to make room for his iPad, chargers, etc on the way home!
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:) Very excited. So looking forward to your posts. Have a wonderful time.
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Monday 10.04.17
We are here!
Many apologies for the lack of posts so far, but blame it on our friends who entertained us far too well in fethiye. :) ;)
What a fab start to our holidays, freebies galore in the airport lounge and it didn't matter that our flight was delayed by an hour. Another house white? Oh be rude not To? ;D
The flight was called and down we sailed to speedy boarding, I love speedy boarding, but not so speedy unfortunately. We were stuck at the bottom of the stairs waiting for the door to the tarmac to open for approx an hour. :o We were like the grand national runners in their stalls, chomping on our bits, ready to flee the minute that the door swung open, and it did and we were off!
The flight was good, apparently the delay was because the plane had to come from corfu, but all was well and we were sat in our friends apartment before we knew it, quaffing more alcohol!
Sunday dawned, the sun streaming in through the curtains and what a welcome sight it was. We had a lovely day, lunch at the Sat restaurant in Calis and I can definitely recommend going there. Quiet chilled out vibe and view to die for, looking out towards Sovalye island and the curve of fethiye in the distance.
Dinner was at Mancero which was delicious and we had the pleasure of meeting some lovely new friends, who introduced themselves as members of one of the Kalkan Facebook group's we belong to. So lovely to finally meet. They are travelling to kalkan too so hopefully we will bump into them here also.
So that brings us to today!
Alper picked us up at 11am and before we knew it, we were swept along the D400, our hearts in our mouths waiting for that moment us kalkaners love, the majestic view of the bay, mouse and snake and the glitter of the sun sparkling off the villas high up in kisiltas. It doesn't matter how often we come. That moment is the best feeling in the world.
We are Home!
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oh my goodness, I actually got goosebumps reading the last bit about arriving in paradise. I am so looking forward to reading your reports. I am usually in the kitchen with a coffee at about 6am, so if you would be kind enough to have posted your blog before 8am (your time) I would be very grateful!! ;D
Yeah right!! Have a fantastic time!!!!!!
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Just catching up after a weekend away......I'm so excited, a Lizilu holiday report! Enjoy every minute and don't forget to tell us all about it!
With regards packing.....my technique is to split our things between two cases, just in case one goes missing! That way OH never knows what is where, or how much essential or not necessarily essential I have packed! ;D
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I heard a loud cheer go up throughout Kalkan..it turned out to be that the Bar owners had just found out Lizilu had arrived! >:D ;D
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Three cheers for Lizilu and Automan's arrival...is that chinking glasses I hear?
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Hurray! Get those blogs coming you two and have a fantastic holiday. Can't wait to see lots of photos and yes I'm sorry to keep on, but am still very envious! :D :D x
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Tuesday 11.04.17
So we arrived and I set to unpacking while OH went to the shops for the essential fridge fillers, he mostly came back with efes malt, wine and bomonti, ::) thankfully there was a very good welcome pack greeting us when we got here, or he'd have been in trouble. ;)
What to do now? Sadly the yelken restaurant is not open yet (but they are busy working down there, preparing and setting the garden furniture up this morning) so off we traipsed to cafe vita and had a marvellous snacky lunch of borek, chips, bread and haydari. Just the job. We got back home and I must have nodded off. The evidence was right in front of my eyes as I opened my whatsapp - a delightful photo of me with my mouth open and dribble trickling down my chin. The photo was entitled, my babies (sic ::) ) panned out! So I glanced over and there he was in full glory, head lolled, chin doubled and one arm still pointing at the TV with the remote in his hand, it was too good an opportunity to miss, so all our friends and family now know that my baby was panned out too! Just wish I dare post it on here but he'd only get his own back.
So the children aren't with us but since we are acting like a pair of kids without adult supervision, we seem to have assumed their roles!
Our friends arrived from fethiye and after a bottle of fizzy bubbly or 2 to celebrate their arrival, we didn't want to go too far as it was getting late, so we dined at the Brothers and it was absolutely delicious.
Today, we have booked in for the wine tasting at aubergine, this could get messy. :o
Ah well, my coffee cup is drained and so am I, time get my vitamin D levels topped up after the harsh winter.
Thank you for your comments guys, I wish you were all here with us. 8)
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Well, you might as well go for it..! No Batgirl to frown her disapproval at your antics and die of shame at your behaviour. It'll be a very different holiday and one that might involve some excesses. Sounds utterly fabulous..
Looking forward to hearing more from Mr and Mrs Irresponsible :laugh:
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I wish I was there too!
Look forward to hearing about all your disgraceful behaviour! ;D
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Wednesday 12.04.17
We awoke for the first day not feeling groggy whigh we hope is a good start to a day that looks a bit dodgy weather wise. At least it's not us feeling dodgy for a change. :)
Yesterday we spent the morning around the pool, our friends little girls actually doing a little bit of swimming and then time to get ready for lunch and wine tasting.
We drove down to the harbour, OH intending to leave the car there and taxi home as there was no way on this earth we were spitting that wine out! ;D
We stopped off at Marina restaurant first, to have a nosy around at the new refurb. Wow it looks fab :o
There is a cosy seating area above the new steps, of which they were still working on, looks like they were doing a bit of painting of decorations and we got talking to a builder who was also having a nosy too. He told us he has just built some apartments up in kisiltas which all have their own pools, sound lovely and we should have asked him exactly where they are situated as we could have had a nosy up there too.
Civan AKA Mario dropped a bombshell, NO GEORGE this year!!! That's right, George will not be in kalkan this summer, he is staying in Anatalya this season. I'm sure he will be sadly missed however, just as kalkan always survives and rises like a phoenix from the ashes after the winter, so will life at the marina without George. We have booked for the Kapsa Good Friday lunch and OH is very much looking forward to his fish and chips. :)
We settled in at aubergine and had a fab table overlooking the harbour, the small boats bobbing about, while the day boats are still in dry dock.
Lunch was amazing, I had a chicken ceaser salad that has to be the best one I've ever eaten. OH had a spaghetti bolognaise that he said rivalled mine, our friends had 2 enormous pide and their children had chicken sis. We had a side order of chIps and a huge salad, comp starters of bread and tapenade/dips/olives, 1 bottle of white wine and soft drinks and a beer. This came to a grand total of...225 lira. :o OMG, how cheap is that. It annoys me when people sneer at aubergine/harbour restaurants on places like TripAdvisor as that lunch for 6 people was amazingly good value for money.
Anyway, onto the wine tasting, that sadly never was for us :( I blame OH, he blames red wine ::)
When I mentioned soft drinks, that was including OH. He was, shall I say, a little queasy from too much of a good time the previous evening and the thought of more wine nearly tipped him over the edge, plus the the children were getting bored, they just wanted to get back to the pool and the elder child wasn't feeling too well either, so rather than disgrace ourselves at the tasting table, we profusely apologised and cancelled our booking. It looked amazing too. All the tables were decked out with sparkling glasses and gorgeous nibbles with cheeses, figs and fruit. Hope we manage it another time.
So we slunk off with OH's tail between his legs, but at least he could drive home so he got a gold star for that.
Last night we dined at Sade on their rooftop. Oh wow. What a fantastic meal. It's a while since we've been ano it was just as good as we remembered. The food is so delicious and the whole dining experience and ambience is fab. I needed a pashmina as the sun dropped from the sky as it got nippy, but it was so lovely sitting on a rooftop in April overlooking a very quiet kalkan. Dinner was double the price of lunch but this was reflected in our meal choices and was definitely worth it.
We were home by 9.30pm and after a swift nightcap, tucked in our beds for 11pm. Hence this morning we are bright and breezy and blue eyed and bushy tailed, ready for what a rather dull and blustery day weather wise, will throw at us.
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Great post Liz....keep 'em coming 👍
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Lizzie sounds like you are definitely holidaying in style, loving reading your posts this morning! shame about the wine tasting, tell Automan he's a lightweight! ;D ;D, lets hope they still have that passtime on offer in August, sounds just up our street! and I have the whatsap evidence tell him ;D ;D
Look forward to hearing how today pans out :D
J&B xx
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Thursday 13.04.17 Also known as the day with the hangover from hell. :-X
Yesterday started off very dull and blustery but the sun soon burned through the clouds and actually turned out to be the best day weatherwise, so far. Our friends little 4 year old is constantly singing "got the sunshine in my pocket" so we told her to get it out of there and back in the sky and it worked! Sadly not today though. It's a rotten day in more ways than one but I'll save this for tomorrow as there may not be much to write about due to being holed up in the apartment against my will. This is because I'm a bloody good wife and ministering angel too ::) ;) :angel:
We decided a good breakfast was the order of the day so off to Kaya for a village breakfast before setting off on our road trip. The breakfast was amazing, one of the best in my opinion and I've had a few being the glutton
I am! The table groaned with goodies, fruit, cheeses, meat, butter, nuts, and about 6 different preserves and jams. Oh it was honestly delicious. It's, making my mouth water just thinking about it.
We then headed off down the D400 towards Patara, the sand dunes being our choice of destination. Our friends have never been there before and wondered where on earth we were taking them as we climbed higher and higher, the road being replaced by the rocky dirt track.
It was worth it to see their faces as they got out of their car, it took their breath away and the children couldn't wait to get their sandals off and sink their feet into warm sand. Up they scampered and their elder girl was cartwheelling down the slopes gracefully, making me wish a. I was 10 again and b. My knees weren't so knackered!
There were a group of kite surfers trying their best to catch the wind to buffer them off the top of the dunes but it was quite comical watching them take a run, then fall flat on their faces as the currents couldn't quite whip their kites into shape.
It was a fabulous hour, the sun was beating down and a warm wind was blowing, I sat myself down on top of one of the 2 dunes and just let my mind drift while taking in the fabulous view of Patara beach. It really is a mystical place. OH is convinced that those dunes are magical and seem to take all the worries and stress from his shoulders!
Our next stop was Kaputas. Again a first for our friends and it made our day to again to see the look on their faces as they peered over the edge and out to sea. We stopped off at the new viewing lay by as you leave kalkan first. This is just brilliant and well done to the council for providing it. There are picnic tables and chairs and even a little exercise station. While we were there, a guy was furiously power walking on one of those machines, maybe I need to do that to burn off a few extra calories that seem to have deposited around my waist since we arrived. ;D
Last evening we dined at Asian gate and it was as good as ever. Delicious starters and curries and I had my usual, chicken tikka with butter sauce. It's beautiful and I can highly recommend dining here. Incidentally, I noticed from here that sopranos has now been replaced by yum yum's, not sure who's running it and whether it's open yet or not. Anyway, I digress, back to Asian gate. I'm sorry I can't remember what the bill came to and OH'S in no fit state to ask but it was reasonable and definitely worth trying if you've never been.
After stuffing our faces we decided to pay black and gold a visit and there we will leave today's blog. We had a fantastic night but are sadly paying the price today... 8) 8) 8)
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Perhaps its a good thing the sun doesnt have its hat on today....two delicate flowers might wilt in the heat :)
Loving the reports, Lizilu....just wishing my life away until we are there.
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Oh Lizzie so loving your reports and hope your both not feeling delicate for too much longer, and can begin the partying again very soon, as you know your both experts at it! Hopefully the weather picks up soon too and hope you manage to have a hot cross bun or two! ;D ;D :o
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Morning Lizzie
Loving catching up with your holiday reports. Hopefully you are both fully recovered from your antics the other night and are ready to take on Kalkan again. Looks like the sun has got his hat on for the next few so no excuses......get out there and enjoy. Just make sure you report it all back to us :) :)
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Friday 14.04.17 Good Friday
And what a gloriously lovely Good Friday it is compared with yesterday. I just need to write yesterday off. It rained all day long and OH was really out of sorts. He swears that the bailey's in his Franco shot and black and gold was addled. I swear that it's his brain that's addled and possibly he needs to take into consideration that apart from coffee in the morning, every other drink he's chucked down his neck and been laced with alcohol. ::)
He's now on the wagon!
So, nothing much to talk about from yesterday. I managed to read a book, all the book, I napped, I plucked a few chin hairs, I made my own meals and OH was ahem, indisposed. In between bouts of bilious activity, he was checking the whites of his eyes for any yellowing ::) he was convinced the end was nigh. This morning he's bounced back and his eyes are twinkling rather than yellowing so all is good.
I missed Batgirl yesterday. With nothing else to do, not even the washing, as it was pelting down, I couldn't help but keep checking the batcave to see if she'd magically appeared. The other 2 were travelling back home for the holidays and I was so relieved to hear they'd landed home safely. It's fab that they are driving themselves now but I'm always on edge until I hear they have got from A to B safely.
I forgot to talk about the renovations at kaya yesterday. Wow, it looks amazing. Totally transformed and I'm glad to see Kadir dancing about on his once broken leg too. There is an outdoor seating and dining area with an electric canopy for sun or shade and we had fun watching it in action. Shade for the girls, sun for us, brilliant. The theme seems to be rustic but modern, keeping the theme of the mountain village that kaya is named after and the boys are from.
I must also mention about camlica light, it's sold in Migro's and is the answer to my prayers. It's very similar to supermarket style lemonade at home, it's sugar free and it's fab in gin, vodka and bacardi. I discovered it last year and it solves the problem of full fat tonic.
When we were at aubergine the other day, we popped over to see 'oliver reed' (sorry don't know his name so it's our little nickname for him) at the supermarket opposite. We had a little chat in broken English and Turkish about 'light' drinks. I asked if he sold camlica, he didn't, I asked re slimline tonic, 'impossible' he exclaimed. 'Doet coke?' And his face lit up, I was onto a winner. He also threw me a freebie tin of biscuits into the bag as he felt bad he couldn't provide me with everything I desired. I love that little supermarket. He is such a nice bloke.
So today we are out for lunch, the sun is shining, the birds and OH are singing and life is good. ;D
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Thanks for tip about camlica light..Mrs L likes a dash of lemonade in her wine(lightweight!) and sprite just doesn't cut it! Enjoying your posts ;)
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Saturday 15.04.17 Easter Saturday,
What a difference a day makes. The sun shone through the curtains yesterday and instantly lifted my spirits. OH, felt much better although he's still not 100% right so maybe there was more to it than just a hangover, although I do like to tease him.
Yesterday morning was blissful, I sat snuggled on the balcony with my coffee, the sun warming my skin, reading and then blogging while OH had a lie in. Before we knew it, we had to get ready for our lunch out at the Marina. OH'S been longing for fish and chips so the Kapsa lunch was perfect timing. We also saw some old friends there, along with new ones and lunch was delicious. We didn't stay for the full shebang as we had other plans but everyone appeared to be having a good time and there were some fab raffle prizes on offer so I eagerly bought tickets. I haven't heard anything so I'm presuming I was unlucky :'( it would have been funny though if I had won a prize, to see someone at the yelken steps shouting randomly 'Lizzie' as these were details I left.
After lunch we went on a shopping spree to find OH some new sunglasses as I had unwittingly forgotten to pack some for him and I've never heard the last of it. He knows the script. He gets everything out, I pack. This routine has served us well for the past 18 or so years, but suddenly, it's my fault, that the sunglasses were omitted. ::)
Anyway he is now the proud owner of a lovely pair of genuine fakes with good lenses and I am looking very glam with my new ray ban readers. 8)
We then paid a visit to some friends who own an apartment up near the school. Oh my words, the views from up there are stunning! Every angle was spectacular, there was a view of the harbour, beach and mouse and snake too. You could even spot the sea beyond the hill that resembles the elephant in the little dip between the peaks. We spent a lovely afternoon on their balcony until the black clouds rolled in over the hillside and the wind whipped up.
Reluctantly we said our goodbyes and headed off back home. As we arrived back at the yelken we got chatting to our neighbours who invited us to join them for a glass of wine and suddenly the heavens opened so we moved inside and continued the merriment. What a fantastic afternoon we had. Such lovely neighbours and we laughed and laughed until the sun practically went down. We will definitely repay the favour in the summer time. I managed to stagger up the apartment stairs, OH more genteel as he had been pacing himself, not wanting a repeat performance of the day before and realised we needed something to eat, so we decided hunkar would be a good choice and it didn't disappoint.
They are trying a new dish for this season and asked OH if he'd like to sample it. Oh my word!!! It was called something along the lines of lamb special skewer and it was out of this world. It came on a spectacular rack with burning charcoal underneath, then a skewer of veg and there resplendent at the top, a skewer of the most succulent and tender lamb fillets. It was so so so delicious. I really hope they continue with this dish. I had a yummy adana kebab and before we left we were given a freebie doggy bag tub of the dellicious red pepper and chilli paste they serve with the comp starters. Turac told me to mix it with eggs in the morning for an omelette.
So that was our good Friday. I was a bit disappointed in myself as at home I would have not eaten any meat but I honestly forgot as it really doesn't seem like Easter out here.
This morning the sun has got its hat on again and it's time to play!!!
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Oh lizilu, it sounds like you are having such a relaxing time, loving your reports!
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Great report, Lizilu.
I bet it doesnt feel like Easter there, enjoy the sunshine. Its nice weather at home but a rather cool breeze put paid to any sitting out in the garden this afternoon.
Look forward t hearing all about the rest of your stay.
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Sunday 16.04.17 Easter Sunday
Happy Easter everyone! :)
Thanks for your lovely comments, we are having such a relaxing holiday, it's hard to remember what day it is! Hope you all enjoy your chocolate and eggs today. Our girls will no doubt be eating Easter eggs for breakfast, lunch and dinner today as is the norm, then moan about feeling sick. ::)
Yesterday was a lovely sunny and warm day, temp on my phone said 23 degrees, today is equally as sunny, in fact hardly a cloud but with a strong breeze so I've had to pop my cardi on as I write this. It really is lovely siting here on the balcony with a cup of coffee gazing over mouse and snake and Kalamar bay. You'll love it when you stay here K4E.
So, yesterday we had a very lazy day around the pool for the first time. I even very nearly dipped my toe in the pool but thought better of it! This time last year it was so hot I was swimming nearly every day ( apart from when the pump broke) but the weather this year seems more in keeping with the April weather we are used to.
My lovely Automan whipped up chucky eggs and toast like the galloping gourmet and we enjoyed breakfast all fresco.
While we were relaxing at the pool, I popped my new reading sunnies on and heard a crack, the blummin things snapped! I'd only had then on 5 mins, a quick message to Ibo and no problem, he will replace. He was off to Anatalya for the weekend so we scraped ourselves off the sunbeds to get down to the shop before he left.
He's such a lovely bloke, I almost felt sorry to have to take them back, i thimk he was more upset than me and lots of cuddles from me and man hugs with OH seemed to cheer him up although OH was a bit reluctant in that department ;D
Try as he may, he couldn't find another pair exactly like mine which were a matt brown so I told him not to worry and we would wait until he got back from Anatalya. He insisted I take a pair of black ones until then as a temporary measure as he said he had a duty of care to look after his customers. Bless him.
Although we'd eaten a hearty breakfast we were feeling peckish again so we stopped off at Asian Gary for a spot of lunch. OH had a chicken doner in a pitta and I ordered chicken sis with salad, which came with rice, chips and a pitta! So much for a light lunch! We enjoyed a beer each and the grand total of lunch came to 56 lira!!!! How good is that! The food was delicious too.
While we were there, I had a phone call from Ibo asking where we were. Next news, he's there, with a pair of shiny brown specs in his hand. He thought I'd prefer them than the black ones to tide me over until next week. What a star! Only in Turkey can this happen.
We spent the rest of the afternoon by the pool and I can testify that my temp sunny readers are just the job.
We weren't sure what to for the evening as we weren't really hungry so we mooched about in the apartment, with sundowners on the balcony. OH nipped to the supermarket and stocked up on booze as apparently, no booze is being served today with the referendum. We heard a knock on the door and there was bankieken with bagful of goodies for us as they were leaving that evening. Thanks so much and we fully intend to scoff our way through it all.
We decided we would have a mooch to town and see where the mood took us, on the way saying sad goodbyes to bankieken and his lovely family. We will miss you guys :'(
Off to Kaya it was and what a brilliant night we had. The food was as delicious as usual. Automan plumping for spaghetti bolognese which was made traditionally with a ragu, rather than the tomatoey sauce we see at home and I had the liver, which is always tender and tasty.
Kadir is missing our girls and asked if we could face time them, so we did! Ha it was funny, 2 of them were at home so he gave them a guided tour of the new restaurant, kitchens and all, we did have a laugh. We then were surprised and delighted to be given a complementary dessert from Isa the young chef, that was absolutely amazing. It was little parcels of samosas and cheese rolls but stuffed with apricot preserve and banana and honey instead of the traditional savoury fillings, served with 2 chocolate sauces, one runny and one Nutella style, and ice cream. OMG!! We were stuffed!
We went to bed last night feeling so lucky that we are here and have made such wonderful friends. Is it any wonder we are all addicted to kalkan?
Today is the referendum and we have been advised just to have a quiet day and see what tonight brings. So we intend to mooch about the pool again and probably dine in kalamar tonight, possibly in the newly opened Yelken. Let's hope whatever happens today, that it is the best that it can be for Turkey and our beloved kalkan.
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Can you imagine glasses man doing that in the UK? It just wouldn't happen!! Glad Kaya still has the same chef ..he really is talented ;)
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Oh Lizzie just catching up with your blog! And what a fab read it is, you are having an amazing time and sounds like you have done so much in little over a week! :D :D :D. So glad Automan is on the mend, all your dining experiences sound wonderful so far. Sorry to hear about your sunglasses but what a fab guy Ibo is, such a nice chap! Anyway enjoy your day and look forward to reading about your next adventures. X
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Love Ibo, we only ever buy sunglasses from him, have for years. I love the way he tells you which ones are good lenses too....! It looked as though Kaya was trying to compete with Hunkars, so glad to hear there's still proper food on the menu.
It will be a strange day in Kalkan today, I'm sure. I noticed that Marley's changed their British Sunday Lunch special to yesterday because of the alcohol ban today. Hey, you're in Kalkan, you have the views and the weather...enjoy!
Who knows what will happen today, we can only hope.....
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Monday 17.04.17 Easter Monday
Morning peeps :) 8)
Well, we thought it was going to be a lovely day weather wise yesterday, but it was teasing us and as the wind whipped up, so did the black clouds over the hillside and the day was doomed.
I'd done some washing so I was praying it wouldn't rain and it didn't thankfully but it was a bit touch and go all day. We were going stir crazy in the apartment so we decided to go out for a run. Now don't get any ideas, I meant a run out in the car, not a jog round Kalkan although our health would have benefited from the latter. ;D
We parked up at the harbour and went for a stroll up to the pavilion restaurant where we'd spent some good times last summer, taking advantage of their 'BOGOF' offer on wines and beers. It was sadly desolate with no apparent work being carried out for the season. I had spoken to Caroline from Aubergine the other day to see if they were opening it again but she said it didn't look likely which is disappointing.
I'm unsure of the politics but think that the actual owner wasnt too keen to rent it out again? Indigo looked much the same but did have signs that work is underway. The boats arestill in dry dock, this time last year we watched them going back in the water. Everything seems slower this year. With only a couple of weeks until the start of the season, it's amazing how it will all suddenly come together.
Town was deserted yesterday due to the referendum, with most people up at the school casting their votes. We had a stroll down the harbour and checked out the restaurants. Trio looks amazing with it's refurb. and is open for business as is aubergine and gusto. Yakamoz is surprisingly open too but with only a couple of thrones gracing the patio outside the restaurant, rather than across the road as is usual. Seaport is opening tomorrow ( I think) and as we walked along by kleo and then up by sunset and the fish terrace, there were signs of work happening, although it was deserted.
We then jumped back in the car and headed over to Kisla, somewhere we've never been before. We weaved our way up and down the steep hills and nosied round at the beachclubs. The view from over there is beautiful and we both said that we'd like to stay over in Kisla at some point. We found a steep hill and ascended, and was greeted by a lovely view of the Bezirgan plain, 'what's your name, Bezirgan plain' we both exclaimed in unison (as in the Roxy music song Virginia plain) as we usually do when we pass it on our way up to Adams restaurant. We really didnt expect to end up there but it was a beautiful scenic little route back to the D400. It felt like we were in the countryside, a million miles away from Kalkan, not just over the hill.
A few sundowners later and we decided to eat at the Yelken as planned. The boys were all crowded around the tv watching the referendum results come in and we felt a bit mean disturbing them as there were no other customers,but they welcomed us with open arms.
We had a beautiful meal with complimentary lavas and dips. We had garlic mushrooms and prawns to start, Automan had the fajitas and I had the creamy garlic chicken. We managed to stuff down a pud to share too, which was scrummy, choc brownie and ice cream. Complimentary brandy and almond liqueur and we were good to go. The bill coming to 205 lira, with wine beer and a 2 bacardi and cokes.
I was very well behaved until I decided to traverse a step that didn't exist so I tried to turn it it into a little wiggle and thought I'd got away with it, only for the waiter to say 'Liz, why are you falling over a step that isn't there'? ::)
So I swept out as elegantly as I could trying to appear very much like the responsible adult I aspire to be. ;D
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The wiggle only works if there is music..you can add on air punching to make it look like you are doing a bit of hip hop otherwise it just looks like you need the toilets..The usual thing is to look around and see if you have been clocked by anyone,then glare at the floor as if it was the floors fault.I tend to go for the Norman Wisdom as if I meant it >:D
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Oh I had high hopes when you said you went for a run! ;D ;D We've done more exploring of kalkan since we've been visiting in October than we ever did when we visited in August.....quite nice to have the odd cloudy day! Sounds like you're still having fun though and thankfully not being too responsible!
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Tuesday 18.04.17
Thanks for the tip 're the air punch BL, that's definitely going in my repertoire ;D
Yesterday dawned and was so beautiful if a little hazy, that we took advantage and managed to laze in the sunshine for a couple of hours until it was time to get ready for our lunch up at Uzumlu with Debbie and Ramazan. I very nearly had to cancel as it is now me with the dodgy tummy and it's not alcohol related for a change ;) I'm blaming the red hot chilli paste given to me by turac that i made a delicious menemen with but who knows. ??? I managed to hold it together and off we set on the minibus up the winding mountain track to Uzumlu.
It was a bit of a dicey drive as the tyres skidded on the gravel of the narrow and steep country lanes, dodging chickens and sheep as we finally arrived in style with a ceremonious skid announcing our arrival.
We were greeted warmly by Debbie, Ramazan and their dogs and my word, what an amazing view over the tomato laden greenhouses as far as the eye could see to patara and beyond. Apparently on less hazy days, the island of Rhodes can be seen according to Ramazan.
We were ushered to a beautiful rustic seating area which was bedecked with nibbles and glasses for our alcohol, of which you bring your own. My glass was soon filled and we mingled with the other guests. Enjoying getting to know each other and talking about our love for Kalkan of course.
It was then time for lunch and oh my word, what a lunch it was! Debbie is an amazing chef, home cooked food and gigantic portions. The table groaned with delicious food and I really did my best to do it justice. Thank goodness my tummy held out and I enjoyed every mouth full.
We had delightful company at our table, 2 friends we already knew and the marvellous Rose who swam across to the islands in lake Windermere as a teenager to impress Eric! There Rose, I did it!
We laughed and chatted and the atmosphere was perfect. Fantastic company, Christina and Kalkan magic were there too among others and it it was a fantastic group of people.
There was a special twist to the day in the shape of 2 handsome young brothers, one of which is the up and coming new singer called Brendan Cleary (google him) who entertained us between unctious courses with his guitar and fantastic voice, singing a mixture of old and new and a lovely duet with his brother. I'm sure he will go far.
All too soon the day came to an end and off we set back on the mini bus to Kalkan, not quite ready to go home yet.
It was decided we'd all meet up in black and gold to finish the night off but we waited and we waited and sat there and no one turned up, at last another couple who were up there came in and so did some friends so we were no longer 'Billy no mates ;D and we enjoyed cocktails and beers. I had a lovely champagne and strawberry cocktail called 'be naughty' but I was a good girl and we didn't stay too long, both shattered after a long day of delicious indulgence.
As we weaved our way up to the taxi rank, we popped into the supermarket to be greeted by a very apologetic Christina who had spotted us in there. It turns out that the rest of the group had only made it as far as Bezirgan's pub, before collapsing in there, so we joined them for a quick catch up before we made our way home. We were absolutely shattered and were in bed for 10pm :o completely unheard of in the lizilu household! I think I must be turning sensible in my old age! ???
We were wide awake again at 3 am as a spectacular electrical storm raged above, so we peeped out the window, too scared to venture ootdoors. The thunder crashed and the lightening lit up our bedroom like car headlights! So we snuggled up until eventually lulled back to sleep as the claps of thunder gradually faded into the distance.
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Am just loving your blog Lizzie, yesterday sounded such a fab day and looking at the photos the food looked delicious :D. SO glad your dodgy tummy didn't prevent you from not going. Glad the sun is shining for you today. Enjoy the rest of your holiday and plenty of days left for a few more blogs!! :D :D :D
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Oooo.....I love a storm, but glad business as usual has returned as far as he weather is concerned. Have a good evening!
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Thanks for taking the time to post, Lizilu. Really enjoying reading about your holiday and so far so sensible... :P
The trip up to Uzumlu sounds fab and wait till Brendan is the next Ed Sheeran - that'll be one to tell the grandchildren :)
I'm not a fan of thunder and lightening storms...would have been hiding in a cupboard until it was over.
Looking forward to the next instalment.
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Wednesday 19.04.17
Hope you are all enjoying the last of the Easter break or are settling back into work. All too soon the end of our holiday is looming and it will be us having to get our heads around packing and preparing for counting down the days again until our next Kalkan fix. Meanwhile we are still here and still savouring every minute.
Yesterday was absolutely glorious. The sun was beating down and we decided to have a lazy day around the pool after breakfasting at the Yelken. My tummy is still not right but thankfully I've not felt ill, so I didn't want to venture too far away from home. OH tucked into a full Monty breakfast of bacon, scrambled eggs, sausage, beans, tomatoes, musrooms, peppers and toast, while i gracefully had one slice of toast with scrambled egg and a sausage on the side but I probably should have just rested my tummy really but It was just too tempting to refuse.
The Americano coffees were delicious and served on silver platters with milk on the side, with an ameretto style biscuit and milk and white chocolate coated coffee beans. Such a lovely experience.
We spent the rest of the day lazing around, OH nipping off for an hour for his hair cut and I took the opportunity to blog. A Turkish hair cut for a bloke is presumably like a day at the beauty salon for us women. OH thoroughly enjoys the experience. It's a real ritual of soap, lather up a few times, cut throat shave, zits popped, nose and ear hair singed followed by a relaxing massage. Only it wasn't quite as relaxing as usual due to a bit of a heated exchange with some waiting customers over the referendum outcome. Apparently one voted yes and one voted no and all hell broke loose, but the barber yanked them out of his premises with a smile on his face and flourish of his cut throat. Normal service was quickly resumed with all political talk firmly quashed along with the knots in OH's shoulders. :)
We eked out the last of the sun's rays with a sundowner or 2 until it was time to get ready and decided to eat at the newly refurbished Trio.
It was a lovely dining experience. The menu was as we remembered it and the ambience superb. The decor is fab. Very stylish and modern too.
We shared a starter of calamari and I had salmon stuffed with avocado as I thought this was light enough for my tummy and OH had sea bass stuffed with prawns. It was really delicious and the bill came to 200 lira with wine and beer. Very reasonable to say it was such a lovely setting and quite a fine dining experience.
We had a wander through the old town, noting that doy doy is now open for business and had I managed to drag a kicking and screaming Automan into class leather as we neared the top of the hill. ;D
I actually did not really find anything I fancied so we made our excuses and left. The relief on OH's face was priceless and it was nearly him doing the air punching but don't worry, we still have more days left and more shops to peruse. ;D
We settled down for a drink up at shade lounge, along the 'Greek Street' and spent a very merry evening chatting, then probably slurring into our drinks, with a fab American couple who live in Yalikavak. They have moved to Turkey from L.A., he was butcher to the stars and she ran a cafe which Ozzy Osbourne used to frequent. I was a little starstruck I must admit but I won't reveal any juicy secrets, including my own as I was on form last night. It made a nice change not to get disapproving glances from our girls though.
All too soon it was time to drag ourselves home to bed and I awoke at 3 am this morning with my sunglasses on and a full Bacardi at the side of me. Hee hee, I never learn ;D
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I'd have been more impressed if Ozzy Ozbourne was in Greek street!... an absolute legend and mad as a box of frogs....Shaaaaron! ;D
(loving your posts)
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Thursday 20.04.17
What a fantastic day we had yesterday. The sun streamed in through the curtains, telling us it was time to wakey wakey, rise and shine. First things first, breakfast but none for me as I still wasn't feeling the love :( really weird, I've been very delicate in the day time, never straying too far from the facilities (I'm trying to be ladylike in my description ;D) and seem to come alive again and I'm starving by tea time. I promise it's not the booze ::) really, anyhow, enough of that! It was breakfast time and OH thought his throat had been cut, he was so hungry so he threw in a couple of eggs to poach. And threw them out as they were little more than hard, crumbly pale yellow blobs by the time his toast was ready :D 2 fried eggs later his tummy was filled and off to the pool we ambled. We stayed there until around 3pm when we decided on the spur of the moment to take a trip to patara.
I had bought some little bottles of prosecco at Dalaman when we landed so it seemed a good time to let one see the light of day, so we loaded up the car and set off down the D400.
What can I say, Patara was fantastic. We were virtually the only ones on the beach. No loungers out and the beach cafe was being renovated and 're painted however they were setting the tables up inside.
The sun was beating down and there was a warm breeze coming from the ocean. We walked towards the small dunes where the beach curves round and found a lovely spot to lay our towels out.
Oh my word it was the best experience, prosecco, sun, the lapping of the waves and the beach virtually to ourselves. It was like a second honeymoon, so relaxing and no care or responsibility about anyone else other than ourselves and no worries about time. It was idyllic.
We stayed until the sun started to dip and finished off our afternoon with sun downwers on the balcony.
We very nearly didn't go out last evening but seeing as there aren't many days left, we decided to make our way to the harbour and the Marina restaurant.
As always a delicious meal there. We had calamari to share and then steak in pepper sauce. With wine and beer, this came to 240 lira.
By 10pm we were wilting and the only thing that stopped me from nodding was the sight of 2 blokes snogging in the bus stop opposite :o :o actually they weren't but at the angle we were sitting at, it jolly well looked that way for a few seconds. :o
We realised we'd probably had too much sun and this mirage was telling us it was time to go and get our weary and sun burned bodies home to bed. ;D
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Saturday 22.04.17
No need to check the date today as this date is imprinted on my mind. It's going home day :'(
I am excited thinking I'll see our girls again soon but it's the only thing keeping me going. Well that and the thought that we will be back again in 15 weeks. :)
So, no blog yesterday. I do apologise but the demon drink that I was encouraged to swill down my neck by Kalkan Gems put paid to that ;D only joking, I claim all responsibility for any misdemenour I may have inadvertently carried out and for the record, I returned the 'borrowed' pashmina sheepishly last night ::).
Thursday was a blustery windy but bright day and seeing as we missed the market last week, we thought we'd have a peruse following another eggy breakfast. OH is a bit concerned he's going to end up egg bound with all these eggs he is consuming but I told him that's impossible seeing as the last time I checked, he didn't possess any fallopian tubes, Oh and he's not a hen either ;D
Anyway, on to the market which was very short compared to the usual almost endless stalls, but the basics were there. You could kit yourself out, head to toe in quality crap, watch a few movies, spray yourself with lemon and genuine fake perfume, swing a rip off handbag on your arm and spice up your life with the fantastic smelling herbs and spices on offer. Sadly we did none of that as there was nothing that caught my eye and I'm well stocked with spices at home. I'll restock again this summer when we are back out.
After the market we went for a walk along the harbour, starting at Indigo, we walked or should I say, were blown along theblustery harbour walls to the lighthouse, then dropped down into the harbour itself which was beautifully sheltered and still with no breeze at all. We walked between the boats, watching the captains working away, painting and varnishing to have them shipshape and ready for going back in to the water possibly next week. There are a couple of boats out already and offering trips.
We walked all the way round, along the first part of the beach and up the steps to find that the road by yakamoz and fener (that was) was being cemented which I'm sure will make it more aesthetically pleasing to the eye and safer to walk along as it did look a bit of a mess previously with crumbling and irregular paving.
We then jumped back in the car and headed over to kormuluk as we'd been invited over to view our new friends apartment. Oh wow!! What a view, we will definitely have to stay over there at some point. We enjoyed a pleasant hour or so then decided we were peckish so headed up to Actim Kofte by the arcelik shop for a late lunch. Wow, its lovely up there looking over kalkan but best of all is the food. Not a huge menu but very traditional and we enjoyed a delicious lunch of piyaz, Kofte, chicken wings and chips, with 1 beer 1 bottle of water and 1 soft drink the bill came to 69 TL. One of the best lunches of our holiday.
We came home and the weather had deteriorated somewhat. The black clouds appeared along with the rain and I had to rescue my washing.
That evening We were meeting up with Kalkan Gems as it was their first night. I'd already had a cpuple of wine's watching the rain, we then met up in kaya, where i managed a couple of Bacardi's and on to kalamaki for our meal where Mrs Gem and I shared a bottle of wine. We had a brilliant night but by the time our food arrived I couldn't even remember what I'd ordered,but apparently it was Persian chicken and it was delicious. With our tummies full, we decided a nightcap up at the Shade lounge was a good idea. Why?? It was a terrible idea as I was already full to the max with alcohol, but boy did we have some fun. I also met up with an old friend along the way. They thought they'd hidden him for me but I spotted him lurking in the old town bar's interior, up the alley by the steps up to olive garden. None other than mine and Jayne's old mate captain Jack sparrow and I was soon draped around him for an impromptu photo shoot.
So, another few Bacardi' s and before we realised, the time was 2.30 am and we we thought we'd better go before being chucked out by the lovely and long suffering Hash from shade lounge, the whole of 'greek street' in darkness. And this is how I ended up inadvertently pilfering the pashmina.
Well I don't quite know how we made it home but we did and were in bed just after 3am which was good going seeing as I couldn't walk straight. ::)
Yesterday was a bit of a do nothing day, but after a fantastic feast of a full English at chillies (My first ever in Kalkan) OH and I were feeling much better and spent the day around the pool as the sunshine slipped through the clouds and provided lots of vitamin D for our weary bones.
Last night, after a swift drink in the Yelken, we taxied down and said our goodbyes to the Kaya boys. We had such a giggle and it was hard to tear ourselves away, but we needed food and decided to dine in style down at Aubergine. It was delicious. We enjoyed complimentary hors d'oeuvres then a starter each, mine being baked halloumi and Automans prawn rolls. I had the Persian lamb, I think it was called, very delicious melt in your mouth succulent lamb with raisins and apricots, served in an ottoman style dish, with beautiful accompaniments of veg, rice and braised red cabbage. Automan had spag bol which he'd been craving. The bill was an amazingly good value for money 166 TL.
We then headed back up to the scene of the crime - shade lounge where I hung my head in shame and handed over my stolen goods. Oh joy! Turns out I hadn't stolen it, it really was borrowed as there was Mrs Gem handing over hers too. Apparently we were wrapped up in them to ward against the chilly air for the walk home by a very kind and caring Hash and Charlotte. Such lovely people. It would have been rude not to have a drink while we there there but only the one as we needed clear heads for today.
And that brings us to today. Going home day. We have until 6pm so we plan to breakfast at the Marina then come back and leisurely pack our cases. The weather is a bit iffy again. Breezy and overcast so I selfishly don't feel too bad about leaving and as i said, the thought of seeing our girls is uplifting.
So goodbye lovely Kalkan and we will see you again soon.
I realise that there are some very serious issues happening in Turkey right now and lots of uncertainty over many things, especially for property owners, holiday rentals etc and I know that this blog is trivial in the whole scheme of things, but I hope it's brought a bit of light relief to some of you, sitting at home, counting
the days down until your next Kalkan fix, just as we will be again soon.
I will be back at work on Monday where I will return to being the responsible adult I aspire to be until August when my hair comes down and along with our partners in crime Bob and Jayne, we hope to
Do it all again. ;D 8) :-*
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Ahhh it has all gone so quickly! Sounds as though you have warmed up nicely for the summer antics!
I have my first trip 10 weeks yesterday and then back again 16 weeks yesterday! I hope we can catch up with you so you can help celebrate my birthday!
Xx
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Ah well Liz all good things must come to an end, so they say. I have loved reading your blogs, you put us to shame, you have done more in the short time you have been here than we have done in the 4 months we have been here, we have 6 weeks left to catch up. Then it's home for 3 weeks then off to USA for a 3 week driving holiday, can't wait.
Re the 'rental' saga, I think, well really really hope it's all a bit of a storm in a teacup, time will tell so fingers crossed
Safe trip home, until next time
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really enjoyed reading your blog, we are just about to set off to the airport for a week in Kalkan and you have left us with a big problem we are only there for 6 evening meals............ decisions decisions 8) 8)
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Lizzie that is one fabulous and definitely uplifting post to read on a dreary Saturday morning in not so sunny Dorset. Thank you for sharing your holiday with us, the only sad thing about it for us is that we weren't with you to share it, but we too are very much looking forward to fun in the sun with you guys in August. So glad you had a fantastic time. Have a safe journey home x x
J&B
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Thanks for sharing your fun with us lizilu.....look forward to more antics in the summer!
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Thoroughly enjoyed reading your posts Lizilu and can definitely say that they have put me into Kalkan mode. Can't wait to be there in 8 weeks time..............just trying to think up an appropriate title for my posts.
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I just love your posts, they really do make me laugh - you remind me very much of my Husband and I when we're there! Roll on September..... Thank you very much for sharing Liz.
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Well done Lizilu, great first holiday report, go to the top of the class. You were actually loads more sensible than I thought you would be...but I guess you need your partner in crime (Jayne) to be utterly irresponsible. More of that in August :)
Thanks for posting, really loved reading your blog - light relief in the current climate is just what the doctor ordered.
Safe journey home.
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A dreary first day back at work, and just taking a sneaky peak on EK, but no final post! shame on you Lizzie!!!! I know you are probably fed up back at work too, but there really is no excuse!!!! ;D ;D ;D
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Monday 24/04/17 and yes back at work :'(
Thank you so much everyone for your lovely comments and thank yous. It's been a pleasure to start the season off and I'm now looking forward to Keith carrying on the baton in 8 weeks, unless anyone else (Hobbo???) can sneak in there first? ???
We enjoyed a fab breakfast/brunch at the Marina on Saturday, my menemen was really delicious, one of the best and OH really enjoyed his full English too. Unfortunately the weather was just dull and dismal as we were feeling, so I just leisurely packed and relaxed while everyone in Kalkan was enjoying the Tourism celebrations, wishing we were doing the Patara walk with them rather than the Dalaman drive.
We decided to wait for our taxi downstairs at the Yelken bistro and enjoyed a nice glass of wine while reminiscing about our child free holiday.
1. Is it only in Kalkan where the local shepherd takes his sheep for a walk (like you would your dog) and a graze around Kalamar, ending up on the beautifully cultivated lawn opposite the Yelken bistro? If you hear the cow bells you know they are on their way :o
2. Is it only in Kalkan where you can feed the sparrows almost out of the palm of your hand?
3. Is it only in Kalkan where we can drink the same amount of alcohol in 2 weeks that would normally last us 3 months at home?
4. Is it only in Kalkan where you can put 8lbs in weight on in 2 weeks, while trying to be careful and previously being slimmer of the week at slimming world? I've got that weigh in to look forward to tomorrow night :-\ ::)
5. And finally, is it only in Kalkan where you can feel the tension seeping away from your body and the endorphins rise giving yourself a permanently stupid smile on your face for 2 weeks and your joints magically becoming a little more flexible again?
I'm not sure, but for me Kalkan is my special place and regardless of any imperfections, it has my unconditional love.
I'm sorry it took me a couple of days to reply (Jayne ;D) but yesterday I felt the arthritis rise and the endorphins disappear as I unpacked and washed, shopped, cooked and prepared for work today and here I am back on my countdown until August! :'(
Thanks again to you all, hopefully there will be lots of other blogs and reports heading our way this season and I'm sure Shirl and I will keep you informed of our summer antics which will allow me to become totally irresponsible again for a wee while.
Over and out until August. :-* :-* :-*
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You've done yourself proud Lizzie, fab finale and thank you for sharing your holiday with us all. Hope you've got your count down app on, counting down til August! :D x x
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Thanks Lizzie ...I too have been regularly checking for the final installment of your blog....... it's not quite the same typing up your thoughts when you can't see Mouse and Snake or hear the mosque man giving it some welly is it?
I'm sub 70 days to my first trip of the year and am already more excited than I ought to be! Look forward to catching up in August xx
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Us too Haybo and you're right re the thoughts comment. Jayne, app is installed ;D
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In the words of Simon Cowell, that's five yeses! Ok well a bit of artistic license there! ;D
Glad you had a lovely time and are now looking forward to your next visit. I think K4E may be next, possibly,just pipping Keith to the post??
Obviously if anyone else is going sooner and hasn't owned up yet please spare a thought for those of us in Blighty who hang on your every snippet from our happy place! :angel:
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Oh Lizzy were not going till October this year and it will be the latest we've been. Really looking forward to other reports which will keep me going till then. Have my Kalkan sandals already to be packed bought on one of our recent narrow boat trips but no doubt one or two more will be purchased in Kalkan.
So please anybody and everybody who is going to our special place before October write down your thoughts so I can sigh deeply knowing that my turn is still to come.
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Lizilu.......you are going to be a hard act to follow. It would be good if other forum members could post their holiday experiences over the next 8 weeks as it really does help us all to remember the special place that is Kalkan. I will definitely look forward to keeping you all updated with Keith Can.......In Kalkan!!
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I would like to add my thanks to Lizilu for such an interesting blog. Gets us in the mood for our next Kalkan fix, coming up soon.
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Fab reports Lizilu
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Thank you so much, honestly it was a pleasure. :-*
It wasn't a pleasure when I had a puncture on my first day back at work yesterday >:( back to earth with a bang! :'(
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Oh no...welcome home :P
At least you have another Kalkan trip to look forward to this year and that'll be here before you know it..!
Good luck with the weigh in :(
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Thanks, I think I've managed to whittle a pound off since Sunday, not that that will make much difference, still it's in the right direction again. ;D
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About 6 weeks for us - but with Drones upsetting so many people, aircraft and the authorities, maybe I'll need a nom-de-plume? ;D ;D>:D