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Kalkan Discussion => Holiday Reports and Reviews => Topic started by: Haybo on August 08, 2017, 06:20:18 AM

Title: The Klampits hit Kalkan!
Post by: Haybo on August 08, 2017, 06:20:18 AM
Not yet...don't panic!

We have 3 sleeps left before we set off on our 2017 adventure so Imthought it mightnbe time to introduce you to this years runners and riders.

As you know, i recently celebrated my 50th birthday and this trip is part of my birthday celebrations.  So we have the usual squad of me, Dave and Matthew, in our 5th year of visiting Kalkan...  we also have my parents, both in their mid 70's, living in Weymouth, haven't been overseas for 25ish years (other than my Dad going to Australia for the cricket in  2007), aswell as my sister Julie, her husband Paul and my neices Jasmine and Millie, both teenagers.

Fun fact...i have never been abroad with my parents before!

So, as you can imagine, excitement levels are high, as is travel anxiety, especially with Mum.  Friday is going to be difficult, but we will get through it.  We are staying in a hotel for our first night then headiing to Emir on Saturday morning.....

So, if you see the Klampits in town, say hi!
Title: Re: The Klampits hit Kalkan!
Post by: Bob & Jayne on August 09, 2017, 07:30:24 AM
Not long now Haybo, 2 more sleeps!  Am sure your travelling will be fine, and you'll be seeing that view in now time.  See you soon in Paradise  :D :D :D
Title: Re: The Klampits hit Kalkan!
Post by: kalkan4eva on August 09, 2017, 06:20:59 PM
Go haybo!!!!
Title: Re: The Klampits hit Kalkan!
Post by: tortoise lady on August 09, 2017, 06:52:18 PM
Time to finish the packing Haybo!   Thinking about packing - I already have two suitcases full of things for the house - hopefully room in another case for actual clothes for me!  All these reports keep us going to the next Kalkan fix - getting closer now.
Title: Re: The Klampits hit Kalkan!
Post by: Babs on August 09, 2017, 09:21:16 PM
Have fun Klampits!
Title: Re: The Klampits hit Kalkan!
Post by: Haybo on August 10, 2017, 07:13:56 AM
One more sleep!  Already at work - have lots to do today.  Have left the boys at home  long lists of chores which I know  will go un-noticed so no doubt there will steam coming out of my ears later today!

I have the unenviable task of getting the packing done this evening - would like tomorrow to be as calm as possible so that the nervous travellers don't have extra stress.  I am so excited I can bearly breathe!  This holiday has been  4 years in the making.  It all started at my parents 50th wedding anniversary trip to the Isle of Wight and a conversation in a hot tub about the next bit milestone.....come to Turkey I said, we'll pay for your accommodation I said..... and I wasn't even drunk!!....
Title: Re: The Klampits hit Kalkan!
Post by: Lizilu20 on August 10, 2017, 08:28:38 AM
Not long now Haybo! Believe me all the stress will melt away as you hit Kalkan  :-*
Title: Re: The Klampits hit Kalkan!
Post by: Haybo on August 10, 2017, 06:55:24 PM
1 sleep! The cases are 98% packed...and we are pushing the weight limit......may have to lose some of the boys clothes!

Dave still has work work to do so lets hope I'm not yelling at him in the morning as our fellow travellers arrive!

Sooooooo excited!
Title: Re: The Klampits hit Kalkan!
Post by: Mrs M! on August 11, 2017, 07:58:11 PM
Have a fab time. I celebrated my 50th there last September - it was also a long time in planning!
Title: Re: The Klampits hit Kalkan!
Post by: Haybo on August 14, 2017, 06:05:11 AM
So, here we are after years on conversations! Let's start on Travel day!

Friday 11

Due to a certain someone snoring, I was up at  04:15 hassling my mum and sister by Messenger! Mum and Dad were driving from Weymouth to Andover so that my brother in law could drive the rest of the way in her car with my Dad and all the luggage and the girly contingent could travel together....via Maccy D's for breakfast!  They were under strict instructions to get rid of their rubbish before getting to us as we live in Birmingham and as you might have heard there is a bin men strike.....the Bearded Bros that are making the national press have not made it to Sutton Coldfield just yet!

Dropped the dog off with my friend, got home and did some housework and waited for the gang to arrive.. they pitched up just before 10 with stories of daring do on the M40.  It seems my sister executed some fantastic stunt driving to avoid an oncoming lost tyre in the road....excellent driving, but it left her pretty shaken.

My holiday pal from July kindly offered to take us to the airport along with Dave's Dad so we were officially on our way by 11:15.

Would like to report that Mum coped very well with no stress at all.  BHX very busy, flight on time arrived into Dalaman at 21:00....bit of a delay at baggage as Mums bag didn't app er til last, but soon we were on our way to find our driver.  Big mini bus for us all and soon I started my happy clapping ( like a demented seal) as we came up over the hill to the twinkly lights.....and relax!

We bedded down for the night in Sevgi Hotel which was basic but very clean with great aircon.  It was so so humid when we arrived.  Most of the group went to bed but me and my 2 went out and got fed in Mussaka...very nice, but an expensive snack! Still we were very grateful that they opened their kitchen for us at such a late hour.  The team there are superb as is the food!

We were all up and raring to go at 8...a very cloudy start..and again so humid...felt more like stepping out of your room in southern india than Kalkan!   Lovely breakfast on the roof terrace, then we ordered a couple of taxis up to Emir as one of our apartments was ready......let the fun begin!
Title: Re: The Klampits hit Kalkan!
Post by: Babs on August 14, 2017, 02:31:27 PM
Look forward to hearing what you all get up to! Enjoy :laugh:
Title: Re: The Klampits hit Kalkan!
Post by: Haybo on August 15, 2017, 05:11:13 AM
Sat 12th

So, up early and breakfasted we moved over to Our real home for the next 2 weeks and got straight into the pool. There are some faces we know from previous visits so it has been lovely to catch up on news, exam result worries, plans etc!   Just as the 2nd apartment became available, 4 of us popped down to Atlantis for a turkish bath...a new experience for 3 of the group and we had a fab time.

Lots cof goofing about in the pool was followed by dinner at Hunkar.  We were Down there for about 7:30 only to find all the doner meat was gone already...the guy there took Dave to show him some other meat we could have, but it was a platter for 3 so those of us that had wanted doner opted for that.  It was lovely, but just meat, so was a bit shocked when it showed up as 300tl on the bill! Lesson learned.  I have to say, and know I may start a war, but I am not as in love with Hunkar as i had been in the past.  They constantly try t o upsell the meals and never have their signature doner meat.  Our bill came to 685 for 9 of us.  We paid less in an old town restaurant last night...more later. 

Anyway, the family loved it and they loved the way me and Dave were greeted as we went through the town...I think I'd had 5 hugs and kisses before Merkez!   Dave arranged with Utopia that he could watch the moto gp there on Sunday so he was all set!

Dave hit the tailors to order some shirts and I went into BSG to see about a couple of bags I had left with them for repair. 1 is a real LV so i was anxious to see if they could do anything.  They had new straps put on it and it looks amazing...a bit odd because they are a different colour but that won't last long.   They only wanted the cost of the postage...bless them! They are such lovely guys with fantastic customer service!

From there we headed to Cafe Leon as it was time for a drink...an order was put in for Alabama Slammers which the boys enjoyed.  The waiter there got my 19 yr old niece a treat..he told her you had to be 21 to have a drink (whilst Matthew was drinking an Alabama slammer) ...her face was a picture...she got a right cob on! Once the joke was up she had a cocktail but I cannot for the life of me think what it was!

We were starting to fade after that so did a tiny bit of shopping in supermarket On the  harbour before heading back up in taxis...remember the mantra..."taxi's are cheaper than ambulances"

A good first day I think!
Title: Re: The Klampits hit Kalkan!
Post by: kalkan4eva on August 16, 2017, 01:18:35 PM
C'mon haybo, its Wednesday now...where are you?
We probably need a quick round-up of your hols since Saturday to bring you up to today before the big bash otherwise the other two will be reporting on your party before you  :o :o
Think about us back in miserable early autumn UK...waiting for Kalkan snippets...
Title: Re: The Klampits hit Kalkan!
Post by: Haybo on August 18, 2017, 05:26:25 AM
Sorry K4E and eveyone else, poor internet service and lost reports have made this a frustrating process!  So I will summarise...

Sunday - fab day by the pool just relaxing and getting properly into the holiday mode! Dave and M went off to watch the motogp  and also arrange a new venue for my birthday get together...long story short, having a casual BBQ at our appt complex was getting out of hand financially so we needed to find another venue.

Dave had a chat with Mustafa at .alternatif who saved the day! More on that later.  Us threee had a lovely dinner at Ata and met up with a family we met on our first holiday so taht was excelent!

Monday

We headed off to Indigo beach club and loved it.  The beds were comfy and the staff were attentive.  The lunch was superb.  Lots of dips in the sea, watching the parasailing, then back up here mid afternoon, via Oscar Watches for M to begin the watch choosing process!

We ate at the Olive Garden which was amazing.  The food was lovely as usual although I am really struggling to recall what I had! I think it may have been king prawns in an aniseed sauce.  The complimentary puddings are a welcome treat.

From there we went on our evening mooch and into the watch shop just before Misty May.  Both M and my Dad made watch ourchases so that was good.  M loves his Tag!

Tuesday - boat trip for 7 of us..an awesome day on Yildiz 3 doing all of the usual.  My family were suitably blown away by the trip! My parents had a quiet day that included a trip back to the watch shop for Dad as his wasn't working properly...no issues, just a straight swap. 

Tuesday evening was spent playing cards and chilling on one of our roof terraces.

Wednesday...big relaxing day by the pool, heading up to my birthday meal.  We got ready and headed down to Alternatif for 7:30 as guest were arriving from then onwards.  I was escorted up the stairs to a beautifully decorated terrace with extra baloons and a big banner that had been up at my party in the UK!

Bob, Jayne, Lizzie, Shaun, Lucie and Michelle were soon in their seats to enjoy a fab evening of catching up, working out who knows who.  Shaun said to Lizzie that Michelle reminded him of a lady they had met called Nicky, only to find out they are twins! We also established that my Dad and Paul had bumped into Jayne on one of her early morning jogs!

Mustafa did us some fabulous mezze od aubergine, boreks and samosas, with everyone then choosing whatever they like from the menu...I had a wonderful chicken dish but saw plenty of steaks being delivered! 

Suddenly the whole restaurant was plunged into darkness and out came a fab cake and the fireworks! The other diners must have wondered what the heck was going on! There were sparklers, flares and even some sort of foam that covered everyone...some more than others! It was hilarious...but I did have to apologise to other diners who got covered!

The rose man came and Mustafa treated the ladies...bless his heart! We rounded the meal off with cake and prosecco..a top, top night.  Thank you to those that came and the surprise gifts I received!

We left there and headed i to town where M got himself a lovely wallet.

Sorry for what has probably been a post filled with spelling bloopers, but I fear if I dont hit Post soon it will disappear!
Title: Re: The Klampits hit Kalkan!
Post by: Babs on August 18, 2017, 07:06:38 AM
A lovely catch up, thanks Haybo!
Title: Re: The Klampits hit Kalkan!
Post by: Lizilu20 on August 19, 2017, 06:50:15 AM
Glad you managed to catch up Haybo. It's hard to find time to blog when fun in the sun beckons. Thanks again for letting us share your birthday celebrations.  :-*
Title: Re: The Klampits hit Kalkan!
Post by: Haybo on August 22, 2017, 05:44:02 AM
Morning folks! Just managing to grab a few quiet moments before the day begins!

Holidaying with a group is a whole new experience!

Thursday - after our lovely night out, we spent the day by the pool...thank you to everyone who came once again...it was a lovely evening and thank you so much for the wonderful gifts...you hit the nail right on the head...I am looking forward to wearing some beautiful scarves over the next few weeks!

Anyway, afternour usual hi jinks by the pool and a surprise visit from Bob and Jayne, we headed down to The Old Trading house for dinner...its one restaurant that I hardly hear mentioned. 
I had stuffed sea bass, M had a prawn dish and D has their duck speciality.  It was ok but not one I would race back to...this is nit a bad review, just my observations.  It isn't really near to another terrace so its quiet dark and lacking atmosphere.  Please don't be put off my my thoughts!

On the way into town we saw a procession for a young lad that was having thenequivalent of a barmitzfa ( spelling an issue...). He was dressed in some fine clobber...we think the celebrations continued at the bus station as there were fireworks and loud music.  Looked fun, but maybe not so much for him....I saw Alper just after the procession passed and asked what it was for...he just looked glum and made a scissor motion! Who needs words!

Friday - jeep day! Well actually jeep 2 days.  Alper at Ege Rentals sorted us out a superior vehicle this time....so, me, my 2 and my brother in law set off on a road trip baby!

Tradition dictated that our first stop would be Pinara.  If you get a chance, please go and visit.  It is up in the pine forest and just so peaceful.  There were actually other people there this time...4...so you are hardly on top of one another!   After a couple of hours clambering over the ruinns, we headed back onto D400 for yet another tradition...an icecream frommthe PO petrol,station! Very nice too!

We were then heading to Kayakoy to go th Cin-bal the BBQ restaurant.  We fired up the sat nav and it gave us 2 options..backmon the D400 and in via Hisaronu ( which looks nasty to me) or over the mountain tops....so yes we took the scenic route! It was an interesting and beautiful climb up..we had the perfect vehicle for it..but a white knuckle ride  descending! Well worth it though as we had a fab late lunch of salads, mezze, kofte, lamb shish, chicken, liver, lamp chops and sausage, bread and drinks for 250tl for 4of us.

On the journey back we thought we deserved another icecream, so dipped into the petrol station again...the truth was I needed the loo really badly! Oh and my opinion of Hisaronu didn't change on the way home...I almost forgot to mention that our satnav was at 2% as we drove through Hisaronu heading to the D400 so there was a very real danger that we might get lost there!

Anyway we made it home in time for a shower and a wander down into town shopping and enjoying cocktails in Yakamoz....my first time in the thrones and I now see what younare all on about!

Saturday...the boys headed out on a boys day out...they headed to the Gorge and Tlos..coming home withnlots of oranges to make fresh orange juice with mixed results!
The rest of us lounged around all day - we're getting the hang if it now! Dinner was at oz Adana...the total bill for 9 of us was 240 something.! Not fancy, no frills, but how the Turks eat!

Bumped into Bob and Jayne....you can read about her adventures on a motorbike on her blog! Then we shopped..M bought himself some nice sweatshirts, and then we wnnt to Black and Gold for cocktails..I had done the cocktail making class in July so wanted to see Burak in action! We had some very dramatic drinks delivered all of which were exceptional.  I had him make the drink he had taught me...the jury is out in whose was best! Only joking!

Going to post now without spell checking as that seems to be when I lose everything.....hope it made sense!
Title: Re: The Klampits hit Kalkan!
Post by: Haybo on August 25, 2017, 06:02:57 AM
Oh dear, it's our last morning and I am well behind!

Inthink there is little chance of me remembering everything in the right irder so I will provide highlights!

We have had lots of fun in the pool...if you know the Emir complex, we have pretty much commandered the bottom pool...despite all the steps back to our apartments!

We spent an afternoon at Kalkan Beach Park which was hot, hot, hot ...I don't know if I had missed it before, but they have a little swimming pool surrounded by decking aswell as someone offering massages...very civilised!

My brother in law has spent several afternoons fishing by the harbour with very little to show for his efforts except a tanned face!

We did a BBQ boat trip on Tuesday that was not quite what we had in mind...as the boat left the harbour it was so so windy that Adem asked whether we wanted to go or not.....  all he could do was limp over to Firnaz bay, so no different stops and no sunset.....that was ok for us but a little tricky formthe guy who was all set to propose to his girlfriend as the sun set!   So big congratulations to Paul and Lucy...she said yes of course!

As you might expect, the food was awesome as were the stars...we had a swim and so all was not lost!

Bit of a disappointment....I'd emailed Osman to get on a boat trip on 24th and saw one come backmsaying yes you are booked on, so didn't actually open the message properly....sadly in the message it asked me to confirm and I didn't see it so when we left the boat on Tuesday saying " see you Thursday" Adem looked perplexed!   They had no spaces so no 3rd trip for us.

Eating wise, we has a fantastic night out at Adam's restraunt....great location, food and family....at the end of the meal Adam asked if his youngest could bring over some bracelets she had made for sale..my Dad treated the ladies! What a cute little girl! So grateful!

We have also eaten at Aubergine, Lime, Teras and a last supper at Alternatif.

Each place will get a TripAdvisor report when we get home as this wifi is doing my head in!

I especially have some great things to say about Alternatif....

It's funny how each trip we get a new 'place' ...it's been Cafe Leon, Cafe Del Mar, Yali bar and this year, I would say it was a split between Yali bar and Yakamoz....7th trip and first time in the thrones...how did that happen?

Must get packing and then off out to Kaya for breakfast.  ...will do a final report from Blighty tomorrow!
Title: Re: The Klampits hit Kalkan!
Post by: Bob & Jayne on August 25, 2017, 09:47:49 AM
Fab report Haybo, sounds like you have had a very enjoyable few days. Sorry about the mix up with your boat trip. Have a safe journey home, it will be us next week now in single figures! How the time has flown by! Thank you again for inviting us to celebrate your birthday. Was a fab evening  :D
Title: Re: The Klampits hit Kalkan!
Post by: Lizilu20 on August 25, 2017, 12:31:40 PM
Gosh, home time already! it sounds as though you've had a brilliant birthday trip with your family and thanks again for letting us join in the celebrations.

Safe journey home.  :-*
Title: Re: The Klampits hit Kalkan!
Post by: Haybo on August 30, 2017, 04:16:49 PM
So the final few days were spent soaking up the sun as we knew it would not be present when we got home!

Wednesday was as you might expect with lots of daft carrying on in the pool , trips to the barbers for some of the guys and dinner for me Dave and Matthew in Teras - it was lovely...there was a fantastic sunset which we could enjoy from that vantage point!  The sad thing about the entire evening was that we were the only table in there at 8pm- 9.30pm...

Kalkan seems generally busier, but for some reason this restaurant was not popular!  I had stuffed sea bass, Dave had a very extensive sea food platter and Matthew had something equally as lovely that I can't remember...I did that alot with his meals this trip!  We were in a rush to leave as we were meeting my gang to do some hardcore shopping.  We were a bit late as they brought us a really lovely complimentary cheesecake dessert! 

We met the gang at Yali Bar and left the boys drinking whilst us girls hit the shops......Just Silver aka The Cave of Wonders was our first port of call...Mum wanted to by Julie and I a gift so I am sporting a lovely silver and amethyst bracelet, Whilst Julie has a pretty diamante thing!!  BSG next for phone cases galore and then the bowl shop...1 large and 2 smaller bowls heading for the UK in hand luggage.

We also spent a bit of time in Yasemin's husbands shop...Mum had purchased a gorgeous necklace in there earlier in the week - I had admired a silver pomegranate so we went back to buy it,  My sister got one too so we are pomegranate twins!

We went to scoop the boys up only to find a cat on my Dad's lap - he detests cats so we all found it really funny - this thing had settled down for the night.  Had we been a less genteel group there would have been lots of crude jokes to be made, but we refrained!

Thursday - market visit for the hard core - I was particularly envious of some ugg slippers my sister had purchased but not envious enough to haul myself up there ...Dave an d M went for a shave and were late back so I couldn't even try to persuade them to go for me! 

The Last Supper was to be held at Alternatif so after a bit of packing, we got on our glad rags for the last time and headed down the hill...  good news for me, they had the Ugg slippers in Sports Direct so I now have a nice pink pair...yay!

Dinner at Alternatif was amazing - they really look after us in there.  Pretty much everyone had steak which was to die for.  Mustafa was an absolute gent and gave us a box of turkish delight each...although there were some panics about weight and luggage allowances!!  I will be posting a great Trip Advisor report when I get a minute.

One day left......
Title: Re: The Klampits hit Kalkan!
Post by: kalkan4eva on August 31, 2017, 04:37:09 PM
Cant believe you're still there...! Its been a lovely long break for you all this time and lovely to share it with your family. Safe journey home.
Title: Re: The Klampits hit Kalkan!
Post by: Haybo on September 01, 2017, 03:42:09 PM
no, I'm not still there...written from the comfort of my desk......
Title: Re: The Klampits hit Kalkan!
Post by: Haybo on September 04, 2017, 04:10:15 PM
our last day was spent mostly soaking up the last rays of sun and worrying about how we were going to get all of our purchases into our luggage!  We had planned to head to Kaya for a breakfast, but as with alot of these ideas, enthusiasm wanes when you need to get dressed to do  it and then walk back up the hill!!!  So, more sunbathing it was, then we got ourselves sorted to head to Ata Kebab for our last lunch.

Another fab meal...I had to have an iskender kebab - I think theirs is the best..Oh I love the bread it sits on......amazing!  Dad took Mum off to the jewellers to look for a birthday gift, my sister and her lot headed back and we sat drinking Turkish Tea and eating baklava until we couldn't put it off any longer!

We schlepped up the hill for the last time and into Emir complex to find the guy from BBC - Dominic Littlewood standing at the top of the steps - I know he is friends with Lev and Jane from Cafe Leon, but they weren't anywhere to be seen.  Sent a little buzz of excitement around the complex!! 

Anyway, before you knew it I could hear the clumping of cases from next door being dragged down the stairs so it must be time to leave.  A big shout out to those still in the pool and hugs for Aytac and Turgay and we were off.  The journey up to Dalaman was uneventful, but a revelation to my family as we had arrived int he dark and so they hadn't seen all the greenhouses or the lovely mountain vista's.  It is lovely that the holiday just keeps giving gifts until the very last moment!!

Dalaman airport was less of a joy.  My handbag was going back and forth in the first security checks....they tipped it out and kept going back into the machine with it...eventually they decided my safety pins ( which have made at least 5 journeys through Dalaman) were FORBIDDEN!!!  what a rebel I am.  Somehow the ones my sister and Mum had were ok but not mine - obviously a more dangerous type of safety pin is available in Sutton coldfield!!

The fun continued at check in.  On the way out, we had asked specific questions about a battery charger for M's phone and were told it was fine on the way out but should be int he luggage for the way home.  So, we packed it in the luggage as directed.  At check-in we were asked and I responded it was in the luggage - whereby the handler demanded to see it to measure it, so I had to pull out all my dirty large's ( I don't have smalls) until it was found.  They then decided it was too big and confiscated it!!  Not happy campers.

Pretty stressful experience which was pretty arbitrary as they dropped the checks this week.  Anyhow, the flight was fine and we got back to Casa Haybo at about 1:30am. 

Blow up beds were blown up and we tried to get some shut eye, but we were all up an about ( except M) at around 6!  The rest of the fam headed off back down south and I cracked on with the washing and food shopping..how soon normality returns!

My sister is very keen that I let you know that a daily drink of Ayran has revolutionized her life.  After many years of 'struggles' in that department, her digestive system was the best it has ever been whilst in Kalkan ( 10 yrs ago they had a holiday in Marmaris where she lived on water and Twizzler lollies for the week!!) The big issue at the moment is that her corner of Hampshire doesn't seem to have a need for it so things have gone back to normal a bit - we are however trying to find a regular supply for her so if you have any ideas please let me know.

Over and out til next year!
Title: Re: The Klampits hit Kalkan!
Post by: Kalkan regular on September 04, 2017, 06:43:01 PM
You can buy it in Asian shops and it's called Lassi. Supermarkets also have it but it's fruit flavoured (asda/Lidle have it). You can also make your own and there was a recipe a while ago on Friends of Kalkan I think. This is one I've just googled. https://www.giverecipe.com/how-to-make-ayran/
Title: Re: The Klampits hit Kalkan!
Post by: Lizilu20 on September 05, 2017, 09:32:01 AM
It doesn't take long to get back into the daily grind does it.  :'( At least you have lovely memories and thanks for sharing them with us.  :-*

Title: Re: The Klampits hit Kalkan!
Post by: Haybo on September 05, 2017, 01:14:50 PM
Thanks for the recipe.  She has found that none of the similar things are available in Andover either!  I guess the supermarkets only stock based upon the profile of their customers.  We can get Ayran in our local supermarket.  i will send her a batch!!
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