Kalkan Turkey Forum - EnjoyKalkan.com
Kalkan Discussion => Holiday Reports and Reviews => Topic started by: joycie on September 30, 2017, 11:05:07 PM
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I'm within touching distance ofKalkan 24 hours andBirmingham airport will be underneath my feet.
What a month September has turned out to be. Normally my three weeks in Kalkan begin and end in Septemberbut this month I have become a great grandmother and with all its trauma including the most beautiful Savannah-Joyce 7lb5oz and the most adorable but naughty Bruno a staffie that I have been in charge of most of the month it has now become three weeks in October.
Then Monarch turned into a problem and may still be so. We fly out on Monday for three weeks and hopefully will do both journeys with Monarch unfettered by any worries.
I'll let you know.
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in 5 days time we will be on one of Mr Cook's planes winging our way for a week.
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Yippee Babs, Joycie and pompeyalbie! What a treat we have in store for us on the holiday report front 🤣🤣
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Can't wait to hear all about your exploits. I must admit to be feeling slightly envious. Would love to be back in Kalkan.
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Just hoping Monarch won't fold!
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So far so good Joycie, fingers crossed for you! Looking forward to hearing all about your holiday to get us in the mood for ours! :laugh: :laugh:
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Thanks Babs it's like being in a torture chamber waiting for news of Monarch. I've looked at every other possibility of getting to Kalkan including Turkish Airlines who fly out of Brum on a just in case scenario.
Brian has put extra insulin in in case we get delayed and that is if actually take off. Oh woe is me I've lost all the joy I had of my holiday in Kalkan.
The swim this Saturday going to see Yusuf at Aqua the meet up at Black and Gold a trip on the bus to Fetiyhe . Just a few of our plans and I just can't get excited at the moment.
Please Monarch get your act together for tomorrow.
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Oh Joycie, try to stay positive! I think it's the package part of the business that's in immediate trouble......fingers crossed you're on that plane winginging your way to Kalkan very soon x
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Thinking of you today Joycie. Hope you manage to find a way to get your holiday. :-*
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Fingers crossed you were able to get something sorted...I could cry for you and everyone else who may have had their flights cancelled/holidays ruined. I also feel terribly sorry for the fantastic staff at Monarch, one of the other reasons we liked to fly with them.
Sad day :(
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Joycie we are all hoping you've been able to put your fallback plan into action x
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Don't panic MrJones comes to mind. After restless night my worst fears were confirmed. Finger andI pad at the readyImanaged to book with Thomas Cook. In departures at Brumat the mo and I will reveal all later.
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Phew! Have a wonderful time - you certainly deserve it and fingers crossed for all other travellers who have booked with Monarch. I feel so sad for everyone including their staff.
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Oh Joycie I am so happy for you, have been so sad this morning for everyone yourself included. Have a safe journey and look forward to hearing about your long awaited holiday, obviously when you have had time to catch your breath. Take care and have fun.
:D :D :D :D
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I am delighted to have managed to rebook with another airline. I thought of you immediately I heard the news this morning and have been hoping you could quickly secure another flight.
Now you can really look forward again to your next visit to Kalkan and all its delights.
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So glad it's all worked out for you Joycie x
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Yes we're here. Mr Cook saw us here safely and even in only three and a half hours. I've never been best pleased with Tommy Cook short haul. Long haul has been fine but beggars can't be choosers and they dug us out of a very large hole.
Woke up early on Monday morning with a feeling of foreboding. Didn't need to switch my I pad on it was all over the early news Monarch had folded. Oh woe is me! Well I'll be blowed if I let it get me down operation get Joycie and Bri to Kalkan had begun.
My finger had never worked so hard but I secured flights with Thomas Cook from Birmingham leaving at 2oclock on Monday afternoon and return flights three weeks later with Turkish airlines via Istanbul and on to Brum. £565 in total but far better than some of the prices quoted. That included 20kg of luggage with Turkish Airlines plus meals and free drinks. TCC everything had to be paid for. Kept getting a message that I had so many minutes to complete my booking and in my haste forgot to book my luggage with Thomas Cook. Managed to check in on line and secure boarding passes but our luggage for two 18 kg suitcases cost £100 extra at the airport. It had to be done so bullet bitten we were off.
Took off on time and with a fantastic tail wind 3 1/2 hours later we landed at Dalaman. They're revamping the airport I noticed but in no time at all we had our luggage found our transfer and winging our way to Kalkan.
We arrived at Sahaine and Samet welcomed us with a lovely welcome home and that's how it felt. Didn't like to think of what it had cost us to get there but it was certainly worth it.
I actually unpacked hung everything up and then discovered that whilst I was rebooking our travel arrangements my husband had forgotten to pack his toothbrush and razor. I had left the cases open purposely so that the little items could be attended to. My electric toothbrush managed to get into the case but sadly Bri forgot to put his in.
This morning I woke up to the vista of the boats going out. It was so perfect and a view that over the years never ceases to enchant me.
We wandered down to Feners for a coffee and again the harbour was bustling and its that magical feeling that Kalkan gives you without you having to do anything to obtain it.
Noticed Samdan had closed we'd had some nice meals there last year so was sad that we couldn't do it again.
Past all the usual shops and Efes time at Bezigrans. Oh it's lunch time so Hunkars was our next stop a shared Pidet but no chips the machine wasn't working. Over to the green grocers and then Carrefour which is on our way home. Toilet rolls and bacon. Normally take bacon with us but in all the hullabaloo forgot to put it in the case.
So now we're back at Sahaine sitting drinking coffee and watching the sun glisten on the sea. It's quiet no dogs barking and indeed there don't seem to be so many dogs about. Will catch up again tomorrow. Thankyou for thinking about me don't worry I'm fine I'm in Kalkan about says it all.
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What a weekend! Blues copping a 6-1 walloping :'(! ..Monarch going under! you enjoy yourself joycie..never mind about poor old Bri with no teeth and a big bushy beard after 3 weeks :P
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Oh Lizard you made me smile. Bri has just walked to Carrefour to replace his forgotten items.
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I should have added which he forgot again the first time we were in there.
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Oh Joycie, I am so happy to read you've arrived! How fabulous, you must feel pretty relieved after yesterday. Have a wonderful holiday, and enjoy your celebrations. :D :D :D :D
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Thank you we're sat relaxing after all the turmoil.
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And breathe........Joycie have an amazing time!
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Have a fantastic holiday Joycie and glad you managed to sort everything out (including Bri :) )
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Well Lizilu you certainly know how to put the mockers on a girl! More of that later. We had a lovely lazy afternoon at Sahane our first day so we decided that nothing and doing were the order of the day and that's exactly what we did. We'd watched the boat go out in the morning and just like a trusty war correspondent we counted them back in in the evening. A couple of them hadn't left the harbour guess there's not do much call at this time of year but the spaces or berths if you want to be technical were soon taken by visiting gullets for the day.
We walked down the road towards Kalkan and on the corner was Asian Gate. I love a curry especially on a Wednesday at the Ash Tree near home where you get two for £12 and that includes a drink each naan bread poppadum etc. Lovely Jubbly.
I digress. Truth be told it didn't look very welcoming nobody in there but last time we'd gone Indian in Kalkan it was lovely.
Sat down ordered two tikka masalas bottle of house red one portion of rice and a naan bread. Couldn't have the naan the oven was broken. What no naan with my curry Sacre Bleu Rodney. Second time today where we couldn't have something because of a broken appliance. Anybody out there with a knowledge of mending chip frie rs and naan ovens would make a fortune in Kalkan at the mo.
I digress just watched a bit of boat rage at the harbour entrance.
Anyway we people watched and I've got to say there were a fare few people walking down into town. There were some lovely dogs frolicking and being made a fuss of and a beautiful white cat hiding under a chair in Bezigrans.
We paid for our meal about £30 including the wine. Nothing to write home about and I don't think we'll bother again.
Returned to Sahane had a lovely brandy for me and whisky for Bri and decided to turn in. This is where Lizilu put the mockers on me.
Not sure how long we had been asleep when an almighty bang awoke me. It was dark and I was struggling to find the light but put my hand on a torch instead.Bri had fell out of bed trying to go to the loo.
Patience Joy count to 10 Brian get up! I can't my backs gone but he wasn't quite right I guessed he was going. Hypo. Panic mode once more set in. Dark thoughts of the time I'd spent on my own waiting at the hospital on my own set in. What if he'd broken something and if he hadn't his neck would soon be in line for snapping by my own fair hands.
I tried to help him stand up and somehow with brute force managed to get him upright. He hadn't broken anything but there was blood running down his face which with a little wet toilet paper I managed to stop.
He'd been to the loo thank goodness so I got him into bed and managed to persuade him to drink some sugary Sprite. It's normally Lucozade at home but of course we hadn't got any here. Where's my handbag it's got the jelly babies in after another trip down stairs I found it next to my side of the bed. Pleaded with him to have a couple of jelly babies and settled him like a baby into his side.
Blow me down within minutes he was snoring. Needless to say I wasn't. I lay for a while listening to him breathe decided he wasn't going to die at least not naturally and lay down and closed my eyes.
This morning he was inspecting his bruises none given by my fair hand but boy did I think about it.
Kan
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Oh No!! Poor Bri!!
I'm going to keep my big mouth shut now Joycie ;) Although I'm very glad Bri recovered from his hypo.
I'd blame it on the lack of naan myself, but I'll do my best not to jinx you again ;D :-*
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I'm really pleased that you were able to secure alternative flights and that you have arrived safely joycie. Let's hope that the rest of your holiday is uneventful and that you can enjoy a relaxing time.
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Joycie thank you for posting, sounds like an eventful start to your holiday, but glad Bri is okay though, and you continue to enjoy your celebrations. Have to say I did chuckle at Boat rage! never heard that terminology before ;D ;D
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Joycie, please can you promise us that before you order your next meal you check that all the necessary gadgets for making the carbs to accompany your meal are working! If in doubt just continue force feeding Bri with jelly babies!! :laugh:
Now het on with your lovely holiday and no more dramas please!
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Oh my goodness ....'he's not going to die, at least not naturally' had me laughing out loud ..... you're so funny! Poor Bri! Hope he stays well for the remainder of your stay and you get some kip!
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Yesterday I decided to try and retrieve my Monarch money one flight coming out this time and two flights next June. It's frustrating when you're away from home with everything you need at hand and although my mobile has internet too the cost sometimes is quite prohibitive. Blow it I'll do it when I get home.
Daisy sent me a message saying that he'd booked new flights for next year because they're coming out to celebrate with us so I thought that I'd get motivated and find our new ones. It's been ages since we came out in June and the Monarch flights were just perfect. Oh well stop moping and get on with it.
The right honourable Thomas Cook ( I remember when they were a posh travel company) came to the rescue again. Trouble is we've booked the Villa from the Sunday and they only fly out on a Saturday around the weekends that we want. For heavens sake Joycie go for it .So I did . Premium economy I know what a laugh how can you have premium economy? Well if a girls turning 70 economy is just not good enough but premium well that's something different totally. I think. Suppose all will be revealed at a later date.
So bullet but flights booked including 26kg luggage wow who knows how many shoes I can get in there I decided that we ought to think about food. Chip less and naan bread less the day before we'd decided to eat in and the cooked chicken shop came in very handy. Bri was despatched to buy a headless chicken and I prepared the salad with jacket potatoes. The potatoes are so lovely with beautiful crispy skins and when Bri returned we opened a bottle of wine and enjoyed our meal.
We were going to go out after dinner but when push comes to shove I just couldn't be bothered. I was comfortable well fed and it was still warm enough to sit outside and have a game of crib. Bri beat me comfortably. Time for bed blood sugar at the right level although he swears it was the night before. Up the wooden hill doesn't sound right somehow up the stone steps hill and a lovely calm night ensued.
Today who knows?
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Thursday morning market day. Not really bothered with the market now got enough fake t-shirts to keep Bri going for a fair while but a walk up the hill in the sun would do us good.
We set out sun hats on avoided the traffic and steadily walked uphill.
Not so many people about at this time of year but the market was there and we wandered in. It must be the first time that I didn't get to the end. There was simply nothing that I wanted to buy. Wandered into the vegetable portion of the market and got some tomatoes and a lovely peach. I was fed up by this time and we decided to turn round and perhaps have half a pint at Bezigrans.
As we got to the entrance I saw the Junction over the road. It used be the Kalkan Elite when we first came here and I wondered what all the posh ex guests would think of it now.
Actually it's very nicely done inside and the ordered food mostly breakfasts looked very tempting. There are some lovely goods to purchase and it's well worth a look. We drank our coffee and wandered down the road.
At Bezigrans the usual people were there and a great parcel of toilet rolls occupied a chair. Now I'm sure that the same couple had a great pile the day before so we're they selling them on the black market stockpiling them for a future shortage the mind boggled with all the possibilities. Sad or what when your mind starts contemplating why anybody would want huge amounts of toilet paper. Perhaps if you're reading this and the couple concerned you could put me out of my misery.
We had our Efes wandered into the wine shop two red and one white and then to Carrefour for a tub of ice cream.
Up again back home.
You'll see there's a pattern emerging because we seem to be doing very little. We talk about it and then become so comfortable do nothing at all.
Last night however we had a great night Blue Turtle. The music was fabulous and we rolled home at 11.45. Dirty stop outs.
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Was that Bri letting off all those fireworks late at night? I tried to video them from across the bay on Facebook Live.
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There's an engagement or wedding week long apparently just down the road from us back of the beach and I believe they were the culprits. Just had a cavalcade with a band go carousing by. Certainly know how to celebrate.
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Joycie, your allowed to do nothing in Kalkan, and it is surprising how quickly the day can go by just doing nothing, sounds like a perfect day, we only went to the market once this year, we didn't even buy any spices as still have loads from last year left! I agree the mind boggles re the toilet rolls! ;D ;D
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Well Joycie, you're certainly getting into the swing of Kalkan life! ;D
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I totally agree that there's nothing wrong with 'busy doing nothing's when in Kalkan...........it is the perfect place to unwind and, like a lot of visitors, I usually plan to do a lot but end up just enjoy relaxing.
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Woke up yesterday to another beautiful Kalkan day. Bit different today but I'll save that for my next report. Brian has had a really bad cold and cough since we arrived so the night was interrupted looking for cough mixture downstairs and trips to the loo for a good coughing spree. Morning was a blessing believe me.
Went downstairs prepared the breakfast bacon tomato egg and toast. Always the same Daisie is normally the chef when we share but when we're on our own I become Gordon Ramsay. We also normally bring bacon with us but in all the hullabaloo of our departure on Monday we totally forgot. A large packet of streaky from Carrefour went into the shopping basket. I remember years ago at slimming club they used to say streaky bacon was the best! Well don't believe them.
Anyway breakfasts have been fine. We've contemplated going out but Bri being diabetic and the palaver of taking his needle with us and then trying to do it without looking guilty is just too much. So home breakfasts it is.
Lazed about on the roof terrace and then a seismic sound of Turkish music invaded our ears.
Couldn't work out where it was coming from so Holmes and Watson donned our deer stalkers
and pipes (couldn't do a bit of detecting without a pipe but don't remember it being a bit of plastic hosing in the Sherlock Holmes stories. Still I suppose when I said to Bri go and find me a pipe I ought to have known what to expect.
We slithered down the hill and at the bottom in a Turkish garden a party was ensuing. Very posh they had there own band and a buffet of some kind and all looked to be enjoying themselves. We were told later that it was an engagement party by the man from Sunset restaurant who we met last year when he was posting flyers through the door and then knocking to make sure that we had got them. Bri opened the door on the third knock and I said Sunset restaurant we met last year. Non plussed he carried on with his end of season sales talk and then told us about the engagement down the hill.
So I digressed again. After finding the source of our welcome to Kalkan music we decided to lunch at Kleo. I was pleased to see the tables and chairs overlooking the beach and Seaport the same. So we plonked ourselves down ordered two Efes As per usual the menu. Mushroom omelette for Bri and cheese and mushroom toasted for me. Perhaps a bowl of chips too. Where was Al when you needed him? A very nice gentleman who didn't speak any English and why should he for heavens sake were in his country and we should at least be able to order our lunch in Turkish or point to the English version on the menu. He didn't have pen and pad to write it down so after a couple of repeated versions of our mime he went away like Basil Fawlty muttering our menu requests. So we thought.
The omelette appeared so did my toastie no chips.
Do we attempt another Turkish mime oh well on this beautiful sunny day overlooking Kalkan beach what else had we to do. Perhaps if we mimed in Turkish instead of English we might have more success. Low and behold he got it and the most delightful bowl of chips appeared along with a sweet chilli sauce. We couldn't eat all of them but they were lovely.
Meandered back to Sahane through the town looking for Black and Gold. It had changed venues since last year. Didn't find it so gave up and went home.
Spent a pleasant afternoon on the terrace. The Turkish engagement party entertained us with their music and then they decided to tour Kalkan. Cars and Turkish flags and a pick up van full of musicians came past and made their way down into town. We didn't follow decided to pick up on the delights when they returned.
So tonight we had decided to eat at the Marina. George Clooney had gone home to change but we were welcomed and seated in a pleasant spot overlooking the boats.
Bri had salmon and I had sea bass. They were both lovely and because of the lack of carbs for Bri we decided to have pudding. The ice cream was lovely and mine had a lovely burnt toffee on the top. Paid our dues and vowed to return for a lunch time fish and chips.
Up the hill by DoyDoy and then I remembered where Black and Gold was. So off there said hello and because Bri and his chest weren't at their best (I'm a poet and I don't know it) we meandered home.
Went to bed Bri had a coughing fit finally settled and went to sleep.
Bleep bleep woke me were we being burgled Bri was snoring so could have been pillaged and he wouldn't have a clue.
Found out this morning we'd had a power cut so relax!
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Power went off about 11:30 and came back at 2 in the morning, another short one at 10 this morning in Kisla.
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Loving your reports Joycie, hope Bri is feeling better soon, and you really must try the Marina's fish and chips (if you haven't already) it is fab! :D :D
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Yesterday was so different weather wise that we had to batten down. A great gale of a wind blew all the umbrellas over and anything else in its way so we decided to move the upstairs umbrella and take the cushions off the chairs for safeties sake. We noticed the umbrella next door had fell over so complimented ourselves on doing the right thing.
It wasn't cold just blowy and we'd decided to dine at home tonight. Is brought some different chicken sauces with me so chicken in red wine sounded nice so that was our choice.
First of all we were going to wander down to town to watch the return of the swimmers. The boats hadn't gone out because of the weather and we weren't sure if the swim would take place. Truth be told we hadn't got a clue when we got down there. There were lots of people milling about and we decided to walk round to the harbour wall. It was lovely and sheltered past the boats and Poseidon which I had been lucky enough to celebrate my 60th on stood proudly in the harbour. As we got to the unprotected bit we were nearly blown off our feet so we decided to walk back and have a drink.
We meandered up to Yali bar which has so changed over the years. All the tables and chairs match no dirty cushions from housing some of the Kalkan cats and no friendly faces welcoming us with a basket of pop corn. I had a lovely white wine Bri had his usual Efes and then it was on up the hill to the greengrocer X.
We always use the same one. I love getting my shopping bag and filling it with lovely fresh veg. Potatoes cauliflower broccoli mushrooms tomatoes and all for about £4.
On to Kipa I needed hairspray. Got to say it's really well stocked and it saved us our usual trip into Carrefour.
We meandered up the hill to Sahane. The groceries stowed away Bri went for a lie down to see if he could shift this cough and cold. I prepared the veg.
Sue and Shaun had invited us for a drink on their lovely new sun terrace at the Villa which we are lucky enough to have next year. We'd had a week there last year but couldn't believe the difference a year had made.
We can go through the garden at Sahane to the villa so we did. It seems a bit rude to go through some bodies back garden but all was fine when we were greeted by Sue and Shaun and their lovely adopted house cats Freckles and Buster. I say lovely because I think they are but Freckles is not best pleased with me because I used to stop him from coming into the Villa. Didn't know he was allowed.
The lovely couple from the apartment below Jim and Carol were also invited and when we ascended to the sun roof the change was amazing. Bedecked with lovely furniture a fridge for your cold Efes I knew where I would be next year. Oh Joy stop wishing your life away!
So we had a lovely couple of hours with a Prosecco or two reminiscing about how Kalkan was when we first came but agreeing we still all loved it as it was now.
Back to Sahane a brandy and a whisky for medicinal purposes and then up the wooden hill.
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Hope Bti feels better soon.....he's a bit of a pickle this holiday?
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Don't despair of me doing nothing we've actually got two trips booked. One on the Falcon tomorrow and one up to the Kaya farm on Wednesday. All will be revealed at a later date. Yesterday the weather was back to normal although now cooler in the mornings beautiful through the day and we just lazed the day away at Sahane.
Can't believe that this time last week we were at Birmingham airport waiting for our Thomas Cook flight after the Monarch disaster. We've had a lovely week interupted by an iffy spell of weather on Saturday but that has gone and we're back to normal. That's if Bri and I could be described as normal.
We'd decided to eat at Aqua in Kalamar last night. Decided to walk but I'd forgotten about the blessed hill up to our destination but as it was cooler than last time I'd done it I made it.
None of the restaurants were busy and Bread and More looked closed.
We made it to Aqua and sat down with a glass of white wine and an Efes. It looked likeYusufs family were having a picnic there and he bought me over a delicious potato cake which one of the ladies had made.
A young gentleman came in on his own then four more who originated from Southend and a really nice atmosphere was generated. We decided to share a stuffed mushroom starter and with a complimentary warm bread and butter it was a lovely start. I decided to have fillet steak and Bri had tuna salad. The steak was to die for it just melted in my mouth mmm mmm! I had a sort of cocktail ice cream for sweet and Bri had vanilla ice cream. It was all so lovely and it was such a shame that so many people walked into Kalkan past the restaurant. They don't know what they're missing.
We bade our farewells and started the trip back this time downhill. The usual Kalamar dogs were chasing the traffic and I was pleased when I could see the Chilies sign and next door Blue Turtle where we were headed.
Martyn saw us and we sat down at his table and waited for Fiona to arrive. She was organising a trip on the Falcon boat on Tuesday which we wanted to go on.
The music started and it's absolutely brilliant. Aklan has a wonderful Mellow voice and Martyn on lead guitar Baris on bass and I'm so sorry I've forgotten the name of the guy on drums (well a box which he sat on too of) and loads of my favourites were played by these four great musicians.
I believe the Blue Turtle is up for sale again. I hope whoever buys it keeps the wonderful music.
Wonderful end to a great evening.
This morning we walked down to Feners for our usual coffee. There were some guys and a tractor trying to get a small boat out of the water. Well what a palaver! It finally left the water without anybody being run over by a wayward tractor but the old elf and safety would have had a field day in Blighty.
Decided to lunch at Kaya and it was delicious. I had the pomegranate juice from their farm and it was so lovely I ended up buying a litre of it which I'm going to try with a brandy later. We also booked a day at their farm on Wednesday. Have always fancied doing it but never got round to it.
So with a bit of excitement on the horizon I'm going to read my Jilly Cooper on the top deck.
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Wow Joycie, I can't believe a full week has passed! Sounds to me like you and Bri are having a wonderful time relaxing. Note to self - next year we will definitely eat at Aqua. Your meal sounded delicious but so far we have only had cocktails there. Enjoy your boat trip tomorrow and hope you don't get too engrossed in Jilly to miss out on a mud bath. ;D
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Oh Joycie, what a lovely few days you have had. Aqua was one of the restaurants we said we wanted to try this year, but didn't get round to it in the end, but will definitely put on our list too next year. Look forward to hearing about your boat trip and day up in the mountains with the Kaya boys. Have fun :D :D
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Thank you Joycie for confirming that Fener is open again.......anyone who is in the Facebook group will appreciate my relief!
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Woke up to another beautiful day. It's quite cool first thing but once the sun rises it doesn't take long to warm up. Today we're going on a boat trip. We've done Kekova boat trips bu apart from the beach club trips we haven't done a boat trip in years.
The Falcon was our chosen boat and it was absolutely fabulous. Welcomed with a Turkish or apple tea we settled on the fabulous sun beds on the top deck.
It was a nice crowd who also settled with us but then Kalkan holidaymakers are generally a nice crowd. We watched the Poseidon and a couple of smaller boats leave and then we followed them out.
The sea was choppy but bearable and we sailed round to our first stop at Kaputas. People flopped into the water but we stopped on board
Off to the next stop where lunch would be taken. After a swim we moved downstairs to a wonderful Meze style lunch with a portion of grouper fish which was delightful. We'd had a couple of gin and tonics and then we moved on to red wine and Efes. The food was lovely and we shared a table with Martyn and Fiona and newbies to Kalkan who had already booked to return next year.
Lovely lunch and then on to our next swimming stop. We declined and made ourselves comfortable on the fabulous Falcon beds. Ice creams were brought round and the most delightful plate of fruit. It was all done beautifully. The loos on board were fabulous and we had a sneaky peek round a bedroom door which disclosed a fabulous bedroom so I guess overnight ers would be fabulous.
We headed back to Kalkan harbour and arrived about 5o'clock. Puffing and blowing we got back to the apartment washed and changed and meandered back down the road to Kaya. Had a lovely dinner there and said we'd see them in the morning for our trip up to their farm.
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The sky is bright red almost on fire but it's an absolutely fabulous night and we have had a wonderful day.
We've been on the BBQ day with the Kaya boys Errol and Kadir. Over the years I've seen it advertised but never took the next step. Whilst having a meal in Kaya the other day Kadir suggested that we ought to go with them up to the farm. So us and 21 others boarded a coach with Kadir and the chef and set off to Errols.
The coach was quite cosy but it's a nice way to get to know new friends. My seat wouldn't stay upright but I smiled and gave up in the end passed the Werthers originals around and gritted my teeth for the journey.
It would have been quite spectacular at least I'm led to believe so but you have to take people at their word when your eyes are tightly closed.
We turned on to a farm track and after some time we arrived. It was lovely very bohemian wooden tables and seats and some rickety old stairs down to the pool.
We took residence by the pool there was a cool breeze blowing because we were quite high up but it was lovely. Drinks could be obtained from the bar and a tab was opened and although I'd asked for an Efes I got a brandy Turkish of course and a coke. Bri had an Efes. After a while we were asked to come and look at the Meze. Wow spoils for choice eyes bigger than bellies we paraded round the table in an anti clockwise direction. Now this is very important because if someone cocks it up and goes the wrong way all hell can let loose.
Coronation chicken a Turkish type of coleslaw cheese rolls and so many other side dishes it was impossible to take it all in.
We ate steadily but I was defeated , Kadir then gave us some fascinating facts that I hadn't heard before. As a boy of 11 he left school because he said he'd had enough and hated the school. I marvel because he's worked in Fethiye in London and various other places. His English is superb and even with my grammar school education there is no way that I could speak Turkish as he does my native language. Bri told him a joke which he remembered from a Christmas cracker and he laughed politely and said he must use it next time. Oh Kadir you are lovely.
We returned to the pool. Water polo shouted Errol. Go away shouted Joy if you think I'm getting in that freezing tub of water! I didn't but some hardy idiots along with Errol jumped in and proceeded to play. They did well to stand it as long as they did. We sat on our sun beds and then we were told the BBQ was to be served. I didn't seem as if I had long eaten my lunch but I managed dome chicken and a little rice. The little beef burgers were very strong to taste and Mor and I would have called them dogs breath burgers. A lovely pudding after which was far too sweet for the diabetics among us but I ate mine.
The air rifle was next. Perfect for the little boys in our group and some lovely bottles to aim at. Didn't have a go but everybody seemed to enjoy it.
Back to our sun beds for a final half hour then back to the bus for our journey home.
What is it about Turkish bus drivers mobile phones and steep windy roads. Don't Ask!
We finally arrived back at Kaya after a really great day.
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Just catching up with your blog, joycie.
Sounds like you are having a fab time....that Bri is obviously doing his best to spoil ;D ;D
Enjoy the rest of your stay, look forward to hearing more about it.
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Loving your reports joycie.
The kaya trip sounds fab. We keep saying we will go and never get around to it but maybe next year ...
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Joycie, sounds like another perfect day for you and Bri, totally agree the boys at Kaya are so nice aren't they, we haven't ventured on that trip as yet, but maybe we will one day too :D :D
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After yesterday today was a day of doing nothing. I went to bed early I was tired and felt that I had the start of a cold. I did and I have. Heard Bri get out of bed at about 12.00 but didn't seem to be returning. Oh no here we go again. Bri are you going hypo? I'm trying to get the boat back was the reply. Yes he was going hypo. Where were the jelly babies? Downstairs as usual so off I ran hunted in my bag and found the sweets. Grabbed some Sprite from the fridge and back upstairs I went. Bri is sat on the edge of the bed normally he can be quite awkward and believe me murder could be committed but tonight he decided to behave. Three jelly babies and a swig of Sprite seemed to do the trick. Blood sugar checked 2.3 quite low but I knew once the jelly babies got into his system all would be fine.
We awoke at 7.00 he cooked breakfast and we retired to the roof. The views are spectacular and the sea was glistening as the boats left.
I read my Jilly Cooper Bri played on his I pad . Lunch was a light salad with lovely fresh bread. Back to the roof and proceeded to do a lot of nothing again.
For dinner we had decided dinner and a Pidet from Hunkars. I put some jacket potatoes in the oven and Bri went off to fetch the Pidet some tomatoes and a bottle of white wine.
He was gone some time but arrived back with a lovely cheese and tomato Pidet 10 chicken wings on a bed of rice a box of salad some bread and all for about a tenner.
It was delightful and we couldn't eat it all and decided next time we would have Pidet or chicken wings not both. Just too much.
So there you are were worn out from our doing nothing day.
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Now come on Joycie move yourself! It's so beautiful here and the weather is lovely we've done a lot of the trips over the years and the only one I was quite interested in nobody else seems to be. Although we've done Fethiye market etc there was one advertised which ended up at Ola Deniz. Just fancied having a nose but it doesn't look like anybody else does so a trip to Kas on the bus instead by the looks of it.
We wandered down to Feners for a cup of coffee and first time ever there was nobody in. It felt strange the harbour was bustling still lots of boats going out but nobody in Feners just us and one dog.
We leisurely drank our coffee and a few more people appeared. The boats started to go out and we noticed that the Falcon was going out today and that there were a few on it. Lovely lovely boat and I heard somebody say I think on our boat trip that they're building a smaller version. Somebody suggested that it should be called the Kestrel.
Brian has lost his hat. We think he lost it on the boat so we climbed up the hill to buy him another one. Sports Direct was our milliner of choice and as Bri had got dark shorts and a dark polo shirt on a lovely black baseball cap with a big question mark on the front was purchased. About says it all really.
We carried on climbing purchased four Efes at the wine shop by Bezigrans. They were 40tl.
Up the hill to Carrefour Efes only 37 there but didn't feel it was that much of a difference so that it would ruin my day.
Bread cheese shampoo more ice cream a few of things we were fast running out of. Got back to the Villa and decided to depart to the roof. Picked up my Jilly Cooper and a bottle of wine and some Efes to put in the fridge on the roof and fought the umbrella to get it in the right direction. Don't know why but the sun always shifts when I've organised my sunbed and umbrella and I seem to spend all my quality time trying to evade the sun. This is where the serious bit comes in. I had a melanoma removed about three years ago. I spotted it actually when I was in Kalkan had it looked at when I got home was referred speedily had it removed and now regular check ups. I spend half of my time in the sun looking at other peoples moles and wondering if I should tell them if one looks a bit iffy. Sad or what?
Anyway another lovely day doing nothing and washed and changed we wandered down to Bezigrans for a drink. It was busy. Drank up and meandered over to the taxi rank for a ride to Cafe Aqua.
Didn't have time to sort my seat belt out we were there.
A few in and I'd messaged Yusuf to save us a table good job I did. Music night was lovely very mellow singer and the place was packed. We had lemon sole and it was so delicious. The cheese cake was lovely afterwards Bri had ice cream and oh the stuffed mushrooms for a shared starter. Think including drinks it was round about £40 for the two of us and absolutely beautiful.
We meandered back downhill to Kalkan. Nowhere near as many people in any of the other restaurants and Yusuf and his staff are so lovely and the food to die for.
Another lovely day doing nothing in Kalkan
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Another enjoyable read Joycie. I always find that, even though I want to be adventurous and go on day trips etc, Kalkan is very hypnotic and I just end up relaxing.
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Oh what a wonderful holiday we are having. Saturday I woke up full of cold deep Joy. Oh well make the most of it. Not moving today a bit of shopping needed so sent Bri to Carrefour.
He arrived back with a complete list now that makes a change and I departed to the roof terrace. I love it up there a complete panorama. Boats going out boats coming in. A possee of workers on the wall above cutting thebushes down and throwing them down below without a care for anything that may be driving on the road. They kept looking over the top perhaps to see if they were lucky enough to catch a passing car or motor bike. Teetering on the edge I kept thinking what would happen if they fell over the edge? They didn't so sticking plasters back in my bag.
We showered and changed and meandered down to the old how . It's so lovely these days and we decided to eat at Pera. The food was lovely and the bar opposite had a celebrity drinker in. Katie Hopkins! Katie who I know I didn't have a clue but the waiter was very impressed.
We ate up paid and meandered towards BlueTurtle whereAklan and the Ealing fakes were playing for the last time this season. They're do good and were rewarded with quite a large audience.
There were two weddings in Kalkan yesterday. One was Adems daughter celebrated at the bus station and the other celebrated below Blue Turtle somewhere. The cars set off lights flashing horns tooting to celebrate the nuptials.
Bri and I meandered up the hill towards the Villa. We accompanied a young couple who told us a car had come over the top and some poor soul had died. We hadn't heard anything.
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So another beautiful day dawned and we decided to go to indigo beach club today. We normally walk down and today was no different. Money changed by the barbers near Bezigrans and a meander down the steep Kalkan streets.
Oh go on then we'll have a coffee at Feners first. Couple of Turkish families eating breakfast and I had noticed more Turkish people this year which has got to be good for Kalkan. The cheeky sandy coloured dog which barks at everything based itself under our table so we drank up quickly and meandered round the harbour to Indigo.
Up the concrete steps and again lots of people eating there. We descended to the sun deck and decided to sit in the shade. People were in and out of the sea. We weren't. I read my book and people watched and then a nice crowd from Leeds came in and sat down by us. It turns out that they own the Villa next door to the one were stopping in and friends have come out for a holiday. They were going to Rhodes from Fethiye on a stopover for a couple of nights. Apparently it's only just over an hour on the ferry so it's an interesting option for future visits.
We haven't been adventurous this holiday both with heavy colds we've gone for the doing little but often option. Think we've bought half the cough medicine in Kalkan.
Had a lovely day at Indigo but instead of getting a taxi we reversed our footsteps and walked gua Yali bar where surprise surprise the football was on. Oh go on then seems rude not to a brandy shandy and an Efes were quickly ordered. Watched a bit of the football and then onwards and upwards home.
The cats were waiting to be fed. Buster is greedy but gentle and freckles just lets him get on with it so I feed them separately. Important job done where were we going to eat this evening.
We hadn't been to Chilies for ages used to love it when Mr Happy was there and he used to massage your shoulders. So Chilies it was.
There was nobody in there so were seated offered drinks and the menu. Fish in foil it was. Had the obligatory puffy bread with dips. Bri didn't have any but I ripped a chunk off so as not to be rude.
Our fish arrived and that was lovely too. Bri had ice cream and I had a crepe with bananas and honey. Another two couples had arrived meanwhile and then the wife of one of the lads arrived with their new baby. She was raring to go (the baby not the wife) and one of the young lads there was enthralled by the baby and she was placed gently in his arms.
We left them to it. Noticed another couple of restaurants were closing for the season and realised that in a weeks time we would be winning our way home from this fabulous place.
Don't think about it Joy just make the most of your last week.
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Lovely reading your reports - thank you. So glad you're feeding 'Freckles' the Cat, we stayed just below you at the beginning of September and she was a frequent visitor - we all adored her! We had stayed there too last year and she was about then so hopefully she'll be waiting for our titbits next September!!!!
Enjoy the rest of your Holiday.
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Monday and we're both full of cold. Oh woe is me Brian with a cold is enough without my snotty nose and bad chest.
We're going to Kas today. I love the ride round the coast road past Adems and the little rocky beaches and beach clubs. First was a stop at the chemist to get some more cough mixture. Miming sugar free is difficult but after you've worked out the mime and then executed it and then find that the chemist has perfect English of course you're worn out before you started. Back to the bus stop.
There are five people waiting for the bus already. All Turkish abs I wondered if they were going to the hospital as the bus goes that way. One young Turkish lady had a tiny baby which she lay on the bench whilst she waited. The baby had hat bootees and mittens on and was wrapped in a lovely shawl but I was sweating and I wondered how the babe was coping?
The bus arrived. Don't ask! It was full the lady and the baby were offered a front seat and everyone else bar us got on the bus. We decided to walk to the bus station.
It was uphill of course. Past the Nur hotel where we'd had some lovely holidays at the Nur apartments. The Nur coffee shop no we mustn't stop for one although it was very tempting.
The market and opposite the Junction and not far now. There were some benches so we sat down for a breather. Right by the cemetery so I whiled away the time reading the grave stones and working out how old they were when they passed away. Alright we've all done it at sometime.
The entrance to the bus station appeared and of course there was already a queue for the next bus. We waited patiently.
When it arrived there were already passengers on it. Two got off and the queue started to move. I thought here we go again why didn't we just get a taxi? Got on the bus and the 2/6d were already taken but there was a lovely padded bench which four of us managed to sit on.
Trouble is the sliding door ran at the back of the bench and Bri's back slid with it.
Right full to the gunnels we're off.
Past the stop where we tried to get on first time up the hill and somebody wanted the next stop. There were people here too one with a baby in a pushchair. Back doors of bus opened and Mother and baby sandwiched into the bus. My husband ever the gentleman stood up and let her have his seat. She sat down and promptly put the baby on my lap. Beautiful child who didn't seem fazed by being plonked on some English woman's lap. She got herself adjusted and recovered her child. Bri who was standing up had nothing to hold onto so he grabbed an old Turkish gentleman and held onto him.
A couple of stops later mother and child wanted to get off bus stopped and Bri and a couple of others got off to allow Mother and child departure access. There was a queue waiting for the bus and Bri somehow got himself at the back of it and only just scrambled back on as the bus departed.
There was a diversion on the main road and the bus went up the hill didn't stop right by the hospital as it usually did and carried on through a Turkish village and back onto the main road by the beach club. Past the lovely Marina and into Kas and the bus station.
We gratefully got off the bus and meandered down to the harbour for a drink to soothe our dry throats. One Turkish cay one Efes please. The waiter bought a jar of flowers over to the table for you he said. The drinks arrived and were placed in front of us. Cay for me Efes for Bri. NO Thankyou the Efes was mine and I drank it like the nectar it was.
A visit to the loo was required. Last time I used the public one in Kas I payed my one lire was given a sheet of loo paper and off you went. This time no loo paper .Well what now? The loos are regularly hosed down and galoshes are needed to paddle in. Always clean basic but a lot better than some of our toilets at home. Low and behold there was even soft toilet paper on a loo roll holder. Could start breathing again.
Ablutions over we wandered through Kas and up the hill to the beach clubs. Lunchtime was fast approaching and the Nur Hotel beach club advertised food so down we went to their food level. There were some lovely sun beds there and a really pleasant guy who ordered me a cheeseburger and Bri a tuna salad. They took some time to arrive but I've got to say the cheeseburger was one of the nicest I've had. Two white wines later we left fully satisfied and meandered back down to the bus station,
Very uneventful journey back hopped off the bus at Carrefour and straight back to the bliss of the roof terrace at the Villa.
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Joycie just catching up with your kalkan adventures, what a lovely holiday your having, sounds absolutely perfect! Your bus journey sounded eventful but glad you managed to get there in the end. We went to the Nur beach club this year it's lovely isn't it? Thank you for sharing your holiday with us all and hope your colds are better very soon :D
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Hey joycie...enjoying your reports.You are keeping Kalkan fresh in my mind!
P.S If you see Katie Hopkins again can you throw a spud at her 100TL if you get one on her head ;D >:D
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Trouble is Lizard I wouldn't know her if she sang Happy Birthday to me!
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Trouble is Lizard I wouldn't know her if she sang Happy Birthday to me!
If you scream and run off then it is probably her.
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Had a bad night because of my cold and decidedly feeling sorry for myself thought a day at the lovely Villa Sultinyhe was much needed.
It's a beautiful villa a stones throw from the Old Town (hm I wonder if I threw one if I'd hit the sea) perhaps better not aim not too good at the best of times.
Bri cooked breakfast and I retired to the roof. I was pleasantly surprised to see how many villas and apartments are occupied at this time of year. All the ones round about us seem to have someone in and I heard a very brave young English child having a wonderful time in a cool pool by the side of us.
Moved the umbrella to shade me from the sun and noticed that Sahane was also occupied and Cennet below it too. We acknowledged our neighbours and carried on reading.
A little later Bri fetched the bottle opener and we shared an Efes in the heat of the mid day sun. It's still lovely and hot and having the fridge on the sun deck is a big bonus.
Lots of boats toing and froing and I didn't regret my self imposed exile at all.
I had decided to cook chicken in a garlic and rosemary sauce. I had cut some potatoes into wedges par boiled them and then put them in the oven when I put the chicken portions in. We had a lovely cauliflower in the fridge so used that and all in all not a bad dinner.
Had a glass of white and Bri finished hus whisky which he'd bought duty free. Still got a bottle of brandy so all is well in the Boland household.
Booked a table for Friday at Cafe Aqua in Kalamar. Their music nights are excellent and the food is some of the best we've had,
Game of crib (I beat him) and then another restless night with my bad chest awaited me.
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Joycie, you're being so good and keeping your posts up! So sorry to hear that you and Bri have had awful colds but hope you're feeling better now.
You've now shamed me into updating my post/blog! :laugh:
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Apologies to Babs with my faux pas. I hi jacked her page yesterday. Not feeling brill decided to update and because I wanted to reply to Babs just never went back to my thread. Head full of cold and that’s my defence and I’m sticking to it.
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Did I tell you I love Kalkan. Perhaps not
if gets a bit boring but it's so fabulous here I can't believe that were nearly at the end of our holiday.
Woke up today after a bad night with my cough and cold. Bed clothes in a heap and decidedly lacking sleep. Oh well smile another fabulous day awaits,
We had scrambled egg on toast for breakfast. Saw it served at Feners the other day and decided that my next breakfast would be just that.
Breakfast finished Market Day today and money required to service the rest of our holiday. We set out it was warm so we stopped at Kaya for a fresh orange. It wAs lovely others were eating their breakfasts but onwards and upwards so we did.
The market is much quitter at this time if year but I realised that I hadn't bought any apple tea this year. First stop apple tea and some pomegranate too.
Phew remembered. Through the market but nothing else took our fancy. Got olive oil cream lemon juice etc,
We walked out of the market and my husband mentioned that I hadn't bought any shoes this year absolutely true I hadn't,
Down to the old Yali store . We've tended to shop at Carrefour and Kipa and Yali or whatever it's called now didn't attract us to buy anything.
Beer at Bezigrans was our next port of call and a bit of people watching ensued. Bri changed some money at the barbers and we bought a couple of bottles of wine next door.
Back up the hill into Carrefour for our Efes and then home,
Buster the cat was waiting no sign of freckles. We gave Buster some tuna he scoffed it.
Up to the sun deck the washing drying nicely and we snoozed the afternoon away.
Did a bit of ironing fought with the ironing board and got ready to go out.
Meandered down the road to the old town. It's so lovely now and we ended up in Pera again.
Back home into Carrefour for some cat food and home.
Another fabulous day in paradise.
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I'm really enjoying your reports Joycie and I'm not bothered whose thread they are written on ;D
Hope your cold is better now.
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Thanks Lizilu. I.ithought my cold was getting better till last night and as usual coughed my way through the night.
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Joycie, I do hope your cold gets better very soon. So exhausting when you are coughing all night. You still seem to be managing to enjoy your holiday and I am following you blog with great interest and looking forward to the next visit.
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Thank you still managing a great holiday but cold and cough certainly dampened it.
Went to bed together last night but my cough soon got the better of me and I ended up in the spare bedroom.
Today we stayed put a day at the Villa perhaps would cure my terrible cough. We stayed on the swimming pool level. Too cold to swim but really lovely on the sun beds so that's where we stayed,
Oh go on then a nice lemon tea would be perfect. It's so lovely and peaceful that it's difficult
To believe you are on holiday.
Watched workmen at the a villa itfront dismantle the tarpaulin protection from the sun and wondered next year in June whether all will have been reinstated.
I t seemed quiet on the sea today. Weather beautiful but not much movement on boats.
The after noon was very sedate. Lunch an Efes and then back to tod sunbed said.
Have decided to build a Kosc at home. Looked at the lights outside the villa and two would be perfect in my Turkish garden.
Will let you know if it ever happens but I gave a picture in my head so watch this space.
Had decided to go to Aqua in Kalamar for our nearly last meal. Such a good choice and the reason why my 70th birthday will be spent there.
Taxi. Back and finishing my report well satisfied with our meal.
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Four twenty this morning an alarm in my ear. Jumped out of bed like someone possessed and realised that my I pads alarm was going off.
Alright I hold my hands up my fault because we've got to get up early on Monday for our flight back home I've set my alarm on my I pad. Trouble is its gone off two days early mind you it has gone off so that's something. Just won't go to bed between now and Monday.
Another lovely day dawned and so did a power cut. Luckily we had matches so could cook breakfast without too much trouble and it was delicious.
Waited to see if the power would come back on I'd got a bit of washing to do but no luck so we decided to meander down to the harbour and Feners.
Nobody in Feners but we ordered two fresh orange juices and watched the boats go out. The little Mahal boat came in turned on a sixpence and went scuttling back across the bay without stopping in Kalkan. When it returned it had four or five people aboard so it was obviously worth its speedy departure.
We drank our oranges still nobody else in Feners and as I looked across to the Town beach nobody there either.
Climbed up the hill past the shops many not open but probably would be later in the day and Carrefour loomed in front of us so two tomatoes and some fresh bread later we carried on back to Sultinye.
My two mad dog friends were causing chaos in the traffic.
Home and apple teas made we retired to the swimming pool level and sat comfortably on he sun beds.
The villa at the side of us has a young family in it and Dad was doing his morning exercises in the pool whilst keeping an eye on a young baby lying by the pool on a changing mat.
Forgot to say that on our wAy down a gentleman in one of the old houses reminded us of the Kapsa fund raiser to be held on Sunday.
Lunch was had and we spent the rest of the day reading and snoozing.
Decided to go down into town for our dinner. Kosc was our choice tonight so that's where we turned up. I've got to say it was one of the nicest meals we'd had. Trouble is that's Kalkan and I seem to be saying that a lot lately.
Only six of us eating in there but attention to detail was fantastic. I had the fillet steak followed by the most delicious cheese cake. We shared a garlic mushroom starter and Bri had sea bass. Two large glasses of red and an Efes it really was delicious about £41 in total. Fabulous value for money.
We went over yo Yali bar to watch Blues lose at football and then back to the villa and bed.
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Hi Joycie, you obviously didn't spot us pegged out on the town beach for our last few hours! :laugh: It got quite busy down there yesterday especially as there were a few Turkish families, just imagine having it as your local beach! Enjoy your last bit of time in Kalkan
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Tomorrow we fly home. Dalaman Istanbul Birmingham. Thankyou Monarch it could have been a lot easier. We leave at 5.30 in the morning and should touch down n Brum at 4.00 pm.
Went up to the KAPSA sale this morning. It was busy and I bought a necklace. Didn't look ayt the clothes because I was conscious of my suitcase being overweight.
Had a fresh orange with Kadir at Kaya said our farewells and wended our way back up the hill.
The villa was a lovely haven from the sun. I picked up my book sat on a sunbed and enjoyed the luxury of the beautiful Villa Sultinye.
We had pizza for lunch followed by ice cream and a glass of red wine. Sleep on my sunbed ensued and then a nice Apple tea to wake me up.
I'd done some washing so I headed upstairs removed it from the airier ironed it and placed it in the open suitcase. How lively to go home with a suitcase of mostly clean washing.
I'd managed to check us in on line but couldn't work out how to print our boarding cards. I knew a man who would so after showering and changing we made our way to Bezigrans. Bri watched the football and I went to the stationers for help in printing our boarding passes.
There was a queue but I waited patiently and sure enough he completed our passes. 20tl cheap at half the price. There was a big football match on tonight Fennebrace v Galarasray. The stationers wife had bought the kids football shirts gif the occasion. We meandered down the town to Alternatif.
The meal didn't disappoint. We'd ordered garlic mushrooms in a lovely cheesy pastry to share Chateau Briande and I had a banana split and Bri had vanilla ice cream. It was delicous.
After a free coffee we went down the stairs and straight into a huge group of football supporters. They were enjoying the match and we walked through them with hardly a murmur.
Met two lovely dogs along the way and fed them the remains of the fillet steak which we couldn't manage. Terrible waste really but two lovely Kalkan mutts had the benefit.
So we're here suitcases nearly packed checked in and boarding passes printed.
Hopefully complete the journey tomorrow at home.
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Hope your journey is not to eventful Joycie!
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Well Babs where do I start?
Had a restless night 5.30 am away and although I'd set my I pad alarm and although I knew that it worked I just didn't trust it. Tossed and turned and finally my I pad alarm along with my phone alarm went off. Time to get up and bite the bullet.
Finished off the cases weighed them and waited for the white knuckle transfer ride.
Bri says I worry too much and it was dark so I didn't have THAT view as we left Kalkan thank goodness.
Nice comfortable transport but still Stirling Moss at the wheel. We stopped at a petroleum station for the driver to get a drink. The car in fronts driver got out cigarette in hand in a petroleum station for goodness sake but our driver was as bad left the car running whilst the petrol tank was filled. Don't know why I worried nobody else was.
Back onto Brands Hatch and off to Dalaman..
Never been through the domestic terminal before but well organised and Istanbul flight on time. Through security I beeped and was frisked twice nothing found.
On the plane plenty of legroom and in a one hour flight we were served breakfast and a drink very nice it was too.
Got to Istanbul where incidentally I am now and it was chaos at assport meant passport but think the first one serves better control.
The big football match last night meant everyone was returning home. The queues were horrendous and I fell out with an obnoxious Latvian gentleman who tried to push in. Got his come up pance though when he hadn't got the right security info and back to the back of the queue he went. Childishly I thought nah nah de nah nah. Then three delightful young Frenchmen showed me their tickets and mimed could they go before me because they would miss their flight. Me and my schoolgirl French came to the fore and I ushered them through. We finally got through to security beeped again and short of stripping down to my knickers I haven't got a clue what's setting them off.
Oh well here I sit in Istanbul airport wishing every horrible thought about Monarch and completely forgetting the most fabulous holiday that we have just had.
I've no doubt I'll find an end of holiday report in me but Thankyou for your patience.
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Oh Joycie, I hope you are boarded and home to the UK soon, I know how you feel it is always manic at Istanbul, but normally everything goes smoothly. Just sit and think of the next time you will be back in paradise, and the wonderful holiday that you have had. Thank you so much for sharing your holiday with us all. Have a safe journey.
J&B
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Were home safe and sound after a day of days. Got to say if you could get a more direct flight with Turkish Airlines I wouldn't hesitate to travel with them. They took off on time and landed early so bonus bonus. Lovely meal served plus alcoholic drink in price of flight and staff very amenable.
Bri and I had a bit of a chuckle because the real Citizen Khan was on our flight but his hair was fried red
Well it could have been fried red but I meant dyed red.
He was the spitting image of Adul Ray who plays Cutizen Khan and as we were getting off the plane in Brum he was going up the aisle the other way with a drink of water in hus hand,WHY?
Oh well we have had a fabulous holiday met some lovely people eaten some fabulous meals and of course stopped in fabulous accommodation.
Now on countdown for June next year will speak to you then.
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Thanks for sharing your holiday Joycie. I've thoroughly enjoyed reading your posts and you have helped to extend my memory of Kalkan. Who knows we might get to meet next year.
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Thanks Keith it would be lovely to see you next year.
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What fabulous reports from you again Joycie. Sounds like an arduous journey home but I bet you were relaxed by the time you were in that plane headed towards Brum.
Until next year. :-*