tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70371782845624808792024-02-07T19:05:07.438-08:00kalkanparadise.Kalkan travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14856489426497012697noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037178284562480879.post-20162940513137135772016-05-20T06:52:00.000-07:002016-05-20T06:52:09.558-07:00Kalkan is just the same - take heart<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We have just got back from Kalkan, and everyone is agog to
know what it was like and if the atmosphere was any different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The answer is no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is absolutely the same wonderful Kalkan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no tension at all, people have been
carrying out improvements, starting new businesses, and investing in the future
of Kalkan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">However, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>bookings are
down, as people are concerned about what to expect, and so I’m sure some local
businesses will suffer this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
bookings for last year were the best ever, including several weeks of repeats
but this year is very different. We plan to let our family and friends use it
more, as there are more free weeks, and are offering discounts to those who do
come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the other hand, there is an
amazing new beach club being opened by our friend Halit and others, next door
to Patara Prince Hotel, which will also have a restaurant on a deck next to the
sea, and which will be open in the evenings also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It looks very luxurious and the swimming is
lovely in that spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Here are some photos of our upgraded apartment, including our wonderful new windows and king sized bed with the most comfortable mattress. To wake up there and gaze out at that view, I still can barely believe it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We went out with my sister, and it was her first time in
Kalkan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a wonderful time showing
her around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up in the mountains, bird
watching, a day in Ucagiz and Kekova on a boat with other friends out there,
turtles a bit scarce on the ground this time but we did see one or two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marvellous lunch – course after course, it
just keeps coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then back via Kas for
a little shopping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the most
perfect day – following the sunset on the way home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wonderful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Lynne and I were picked up by Halit and driven to Patara
Beach at 6 am one morning for a 5 mile fast walk barefoot on the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Birds had been there before us, and the sand
was marked with bird’s claw marks of all sizes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Huge sculptural pieces of bleached driftwood dot the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>beach, and we didn’t see another soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a way to start the day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">On our last day we packed up and left early and spent the
day with friends who have a villa in Gocek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They also have a boat and we spent the day zooming and pottering about
the numerous islands in the most beautiful conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lunch was freshly caught sea bass, shepherd’s
salad and chips<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on an island with just
one building on it – a small restaurant with a pontoon for boats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were the only ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We fed their goats, swam (the water was so
warm) saw many turtles but all too soon time to get to the airport and fly home
to freezing England.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We can’t wait for September so if we can we are going to try
and go back for a few days in late June.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
Kalkan travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14856489426497012697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037178284562480879.post-32973651886404841692015-11-10T06:54:00.001-08:002015-11-10T06:54:15.117-08:00<h3>
TIME FLIES, ESPECIALLY IN KALKAN</h3>
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Well a whole year has passed since I last wrote, and yet I
have been out three times. Just a
hectic year for us, and I sadly didn’t get round to recording each trip. I will try and cover all I have seen and
done in and around the area since then.<o:p></o:p><br />
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When you round the last bend this is the first view you get of the glorious view of Kalkan bay.<br />
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I came out for the first time without George and with just a girlfriend in
early June. She is actually Canadian but
has a house in England, and apart from a gulet holiday had not visited Turkey,
so it was an ideal time. She absolutely
loved it, and shamed me by swimming in the pool which I found far too
cold. She actually loved it so much she
ended up buying an apartment! She is an
artist, but her husband is retired (sort of) and she thinks this is the
adventure they both need. She found a
newly completed two bedroom apartment in a block of six, nearer to the town
than we are, and plans to let it but they want to use it themselves as much as
possible. It was great fun showing her
around, and for the first time I was the driver, and drove from the airport at
night to Kalkan, an hour and a half’s journey.
It’s a bit scary as the dual carriageways aren’t lit, and turnings and
road works sort of appear unannounced, or with very little warning. However it was an empowering exercise and
I’m glad I did it. Parking is a bit
haphazard, and the hills are very steep, but kind DB (dearly beloved) booked an
automatic so I didn’t make a spectacle of myself stalling all over the
place. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The blossom was mostly over but the wild flowers were as
always wonderful. We shopped, read, partied,
chose furniture for her apartment and caught up with six months news. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The big holiday of course was September. We had two friends staying with us who had
never been to Turkey before, they flew out with us, and stayed for a week. We had so much fun, swimming, going out on a boat
for the day, always a favourite. New
restaurants, old favourites, up to the mountains, tortoises, turtles. We had several friends staying locally so we
were often a big party. We had one
hiccup when we inadvertently locked the door to the apartment when we were
having dinner round the pool. Thank
goodness everything was on the table, including adequate bottles of wine. We didn’t have a phone or any method of communication to get help,
but in the end managed to find a young man who scaled the bougainvillea,
ripping his leg in the bargain and thank goodness all the doors were open onto
the balcony. Memorable evening!<o:p></o:p><br />
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We did our usual drive round in the hills where we often find real country markets, a bit more true to their roots than a more typical English one. This rather contented looking animal was one offering!<br />
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One of my favourite things was two days before we went home,
George along with quite a crowd were watching the World Cup in a bar (there are
one or two big screens, always well attended) and I could hear a wedding going
on down by the Harbour. I had seen one
before and loved it, so walked down. The
wedding was between two local Turkish families and was huge. It was held in what is normally the car park
for the harbour, and chairs were set out with lovely white covers
and big bows and what seemed like hundreds of people watching the bride
and groom who were on a mini raised garlanded platform. There was lots of dancing. You’ve
probably seen Turkish dancing, both men and women raise their arms out to the
side, but the men keep theirs higher, and they dance separately. Turkish music, lots of drums, lovely ryhthms so many children running round, all
beautifully dressed. Some guests were
dressed in long evening dresses, some in jeans and tee shirts, it didn’t seem
to matter. The guests file up and attach money to the sashes which the bride and groom both wear and are thanked. This all takes upwards of an hour! Then, more dancing, fireworks, I was very tempted to join the dancing and am quite sure I would have been welcomed, buit didn't quite have the nerve! Lovely joyous occasion, and as always so interesting to see another culture. <o:p></o:p><br />
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As usual left in September in glorious sunshine ready to face a long and cold winter. As I write this in November, I have just spoken to someone recently back from Kalkan. They were eating outside earlier this week at night, without any sort of sweater or covering, and swimming. Maybe we'll be back before long!!</div>
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Kalkan travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14856489426497012697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037178284562480879.post-84085997663102092752014-10-24T08:26:00.000-07:002014-10-24T08:26:16.499-07:00Still so much to learn about Kalkan
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Best Trip Ever<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Just got
back from a marvellous three weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Three perfect weeks of temperature in the high 20s, cloudless skies, and
warm wonderful sea, where the most energetic thing I do is turn over from time spent
on my back gazing up at the mountains, and villas and boats, and do a bit of
snorkelling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, and chasing the elusive
kingfisher up the coast and when I find it tread water for long minutes
watching it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">We
decided this time to take some paint out to lighten the pine cupboards and
bedheads in both bedrooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found Annie
Sloan paint which I have used before, bought it in white, and the wax which
protects the rather chalky finish, and gives it a patina of age and
silkiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the gate, just about to
board our Thomas Cook flight when George got a tap on the shoulder “Mr.
Bird?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could you come down to the hold
please, we have a query with one of the items in your suitcase”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the event, our paint was allowed to stay,
but the wax was confiscated, and we then had to run the gauntlet of a hundred accusing
eyes, as we were the last to board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Luckily we left on time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finished
the painting, but have to find an alternative to the wax to protect it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s a photo <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of the chandelier in the single beds
room,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>which we also brought out with us <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– lovely, bright, colourful, and to my <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>joy a touch blingy, and there’s nothing I love
more than a touch of bling!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Some
things have changed inevitably.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Old
Town is enjoying a bit of a makeover, and we discovered the Courtyard and White
House Boutique hotel, run by Halil and Marion who have artistically managed to create
the most magical place whilst still retain the integrity of such an old
building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We suggested it to two of our
friends who stayed there, and loved it so much they have booked again for next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a wonderful stopping off point on your
way to the restaurants and shops, for a sunset drink with the most amazing
views over the old rooftops of ancient Kalkan. Just up the road from them, and
past a couple of small new restaurants selling traditional food, with tables
spilling out onto the pavement, and pots of flowers all round, there is a new
bar called Botanic Garden which has been created from what was almost a waste piece
of ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is magical - <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>wonderful foliage, flowers, evening perfumed
shrubs, hammocks, buzzy, and great before or after dinner until late at
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">We also
went out in a new find – Captain Ramasan’s boat for day trips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and his lovely wife do the most wonderful
lunches out at sea, if you can bear to drag yourself out of the sea to towel
dry and enjoy what they have cooked for you that morning, with a glass of wine<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(or two).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Cake and fruit for tea, then back to Kalkan Harbour to watch all the
other smart yachts and charter gulets trying to find room to tie up in an
already packed harbour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s nail biting
stuff, you can’t believe they can moor without major incidences like taking the
side of the boat out!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But they do....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Of
course we went up to Bezirgen .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whilst
we were bird watching ( and there was plenty to see) I spotted an iguana, which
was very exciting, and the first one we had seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Driving back to the road, we stopped the car
to watch a family of mother, grandmother and daughter making bread outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They called us in to the garden, and brought
out seats so we could watch them (they were just sitting on the ground).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were then given some to eat, and also to
have a go ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their rolling pins
are so thin compared with ours, so not easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They make them fast, and mounds of them, which apparently they just keep
for the week, sprinkle them with water and reheat them when they want
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their 10 year old daughter was
learning English at school, and was really pleased that we could understand
some of her sentences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Although
we are one of six apartments in our block, we were on our own for most of the
time, which is a treat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our son, wife
and baby followed us and they were alone too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The apartments are English owned, so it is seldom more than two owners
are out together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">We went
to our friend Halit’s for breakfast with about 8 other people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The table is usually full of all
nationalities, Australian, Brits, Swedes, Turks, Russians, and the conversation
is lively and informed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Halit, true
Turk, is enormously hospitable, and the table is groaning with eggs, salad,
cheeses, tomatoes, breads of every kind, jams, tahini, endless coffee, apple
tea, orange juice, and lunch is out of the question after such a feast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We usually amble into his shop most evenings,
either before or after dinner, and sit and have a tea or coffee with him, maybe
pick up a Christmas present or two, or spoil myself, and leave him to a busy
shop of customers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and his sister
feel like family now, and we are always sad to say goodbye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and his girlfriend Kim are opening a
furniture emporium on the road in to Kalkan ready for next summer, selling
outdoor furniture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They should do very
well, and are sourcing it from the Far East mostly, so they will be off on
their buying trip soon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">When I
got home I decided I must make some babba ganoush which I invariably order if
it’s on the menu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found a recipe,
which involved toasting aubergines over the unprotected gas flames.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Half an hour later, lemon juice added, aubergines
charred (I thought to perfection), garlic, tahini everything stirred in –
George ready to taste before a supper party later that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Verdict – tastes like a bonfire!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Kalkan travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14856489426497012697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037178284562480879.post-83659096822355487052013-10-24T06:58:00.000-07:002013-10-24T06:58:39.484-07:00
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">SO<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AT HOME IN TURKEY<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Part of the joy of travel is the feeling of
strangeness, the other worldness of another language, culture, food, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>religion, and the ability to be able to look
on your life in the real world and compare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have now been to Turkey so many times that it has become to feel like
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>True we are mostly with English
speaking Turks (they are excellent linguists) and their language still eludes
me except for menu Turkish and the absolute essentials, but I love their sense
of humour, their optimism, their ethic of hard work, and the feeling that
everything is possible – although their optimism sometimes exceeds reality in
this case….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We spent almost four weeks in Kalkan
during September/October and had a wonderful time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sea was a little choppy for the time of
year, but we still swam most days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
found new places to go in the hills, unidentified birds,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>tried to keep away from the more expensive
restaurants for more excellently cooked local food, and re-discovered Patara.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">George has just acquired a much better camera, and
it has been a revelation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Taking a photo
of the bee hives above Islamlar, we were thrilled to discover when we uploaded
it, that we could see the bees emerging in great detail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We did our usual trip to Kas and there I found a
doorway painted in such a beautiful way with a sort of distressed whitewash
that it has made us determined to come back in the winter and paint all the pine in our apartment ourselves, or get painted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I showed the photo to our friend Halit who said ‘Oh yes, our carpenter
can paint like that for you, it’s a water based paint we can get over here’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was also music to my ears, as I expected
I would have to pay for Annie Sloan paint or similar and ship it to
Turkey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used to do distressed painting
for a living, and I love the look of white distressed wood for sea facing
rooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">We heard helicoptors one afternoon and watched three in unison fly low over the sea in front of us, scoop up a huge sling of water and fly off to the hills. Apparently there was fire on the scrub, but couldn't see it from where we were. It was out within half an hour, but we were lucky to get this photo.</span></span></div>
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We had friends out there who had recently moved into their exciting five bedroomed villa which was miraculously built in just five months, and is the last word in luxury. We, and their glamorous young, had a marvellous day out in a boat, and visited the beach known for its mud containing mineral properties which have been used for hundreds of year. Everyone seemed to enjoy it!</div>
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Lunch on the boat is always awesome. And endless. And there's cake for tea......<br />
<br />
Below are a few views around Kalkan<br />
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Kalkan travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14856489426497012697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037178284562480879.post-53221607843799501262013-03-30T04:18:00.000-07:002013-03-30T04:18:11.528-07:00Timeless Turkey, but never time enough!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">March is the earliest we have ever been out in the year, and
therefore we had to fly to Antalya as there were no flights to
Dalaman at all. We hadn’t been to Antalya so decided to spend a night there and
have a look round, hopefully see one or two archaeological sites we hadn’t seen
before, and do<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a bit of shopping for the
apartment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As soon as we arrived we realised we had not counted on the
temperature, and I knew I had the wrong clothes for the week. We hired a car
from the airport, which is only about ten minutes from the town of Antalya
which was easy to find, but is HUGE. We then spent twenty minutes trying to
find Kaleici, the old town, and which is inside ancient city walls. Turks are
so keen to help, but (please don’t be offended Turkish friends) are not very
clear in directions. I think it’s distances, they seem to have no idea, so you
end up looking for a right hand turn in about 200 yards, when it’s actually a
mile away. Could be their optimistic nature! Anyway two shouting matches and a
‘uey’ where we shouldn’t have, I jumped out of the car to a waiting taxi and
asked him if we could follow him. At the end of the week we realised another thing, landmarks are well signposted for a mile or two, then seem to peter out, nothing, no clues at all. Frustrating.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We eventually found<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>the hotel Tuvana, which was delightful, and comprised four ottoman
houses, all in the same street. Our room was above a wonderful restaurant
called the Seraser.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked through an
elegant courtyard, with a fabulous wood fire in the centre, and up stairs to our
extremely comfortable room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had time
for a little exploring of the old town before we came back to change for
dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>George decided to stay
downstairs in the courtyard for a drink round the fire, whilst I changed. There
were already diners in the restaurant, which looked quite smart, so I did
change and because of the temperature wrapped a new lovely scarf round me,
which I had bought in Istanbul the previous September and even wore high heeled
boots , which I never do in Kalkan, I descended the staircase, all eyes looking
up to see who was coming down. Believe me dear readers, no-one receiving an Oscar had ever done this better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had a fantastic meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Really really good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The highlight
was the lightest plate of mixed tempura vegetables we had ever had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I so wish I could make this, but my batter
always leaves the vegetables the minute it meets the fat, and I’m left with a
soggy mess of fried vegetables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were
the last to leave the restaurant, and when we got upstairs and I took off my
artfully arranged scarf, and imagine my horror when I found I had a hair roller
attached to the outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>George laughed
cruelly at me, I was furious he hadn’t noticed, it must have given the other
diners a puzzle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There we leave any comparison with the Oscars.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next morning I found an art shop which was thrilling. I
was able to buy canvasses, paints, white spirit etc. and just put them in the
car. In all the years we have been coming I have not painted en plein air, but only from photos when I get back home, because of the problem of transporting canvases, solvents etc. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We also saw Hadrian’s gate, triple arched, and complete with chariot
grooves, and went into the quiet space of Pasa Mosque. George had his shoes cleaned in the street, it took 25 minutes and complete with new leather laces cost £5. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">By the time we left Antalya after having got lost twice – no
map, no satnav – time was getting on if we wanted to get to Kalkan in
daylight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The site we had planned to
see, Olympos, was 17 km off the main road, so we sadly gave it a miss. The journey
was still three and a half hours, and although called the coast road the sea is
for the most part some way south. However, as always plenty to see. Oranges
were everywhere, and we passed through the town <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>which is the capital of the orange growing
area,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>where there were two impressive sculptures
of brightly coloured oranges .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had friends joining us that evening who were coming out
to finalise plans for a villa they were having built in such a beautiful
location, so we only had to cosy up the apartment which had been prepared by
our wonderful team from Lycian Homes who look after our apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank goodness we had duvets, the evening
was really cold. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many of the restaurants were closed, but those that are open
are of course inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have discovered
one or two new ones, the favourite being Ayse’s Kitchen. Turkish food at its
best, and cheapest. A wonderful selection, which you just point to -mucver,
(courgette fritters) lamb tagine, humous, a marvellous white bean casserole,
chicken, fried potatoes, stuffed peppers, aubergines, which with a bottle of
wine came to £38 for the four of us. We will be back again and again I know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first three days were cold and grey, but then the sun
came out, and our darling Kalkan was once again washed with sun, the sea
sparkled, the little streets of old Kalkan were full of dark corners and
sunlight streaming onto ancient walls. Mimosa is everywhere, white oxeye
daisies, wild flowers are beginning to show in nooks in the stone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everywhere is fresh and new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We hoped to see some tortoises, but apparently it’s about
three weeks too early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we did
our normal trip to Bezirgan village and think we correctly identified a short
toed eagle, just settled on a tree only yards away. Again we visited Pauline
and Erol at Owlsland (www.owlsland.com) who were as usual, extremely hospitable
and showed us all around, and their three wonderful guest rooms. If anyone
wants a night of simplicity in marvellous surroundings, with a canopy of stars
like you’ve never seen before, this is the place. Also included is the best
breakfast with absolutely everything homemade, and supper cooked by ex-chef
Erol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We did, however, narrowly miss running over a tortoise on the way back to Antalya.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Other highlights were doner kebab at the Fish Market in
Fethiye. We learn more each time we go, but apparently the reason why this one
is renowned is that the owners come from the region of Turkey which is home to
doner kebabs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore the lamb is the
correct breed, fed on the correct grass, killed in the correct manner, and only
the best cuts are used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along with the
expertise it is a memorable meal, but George popped a chilli in his mouth from
the accompanying delicious looking salad, and struggled for the next ten
minutes. He looked extraordinary, red in the face, tipping water down, trying
to swallow his food and not splutter it all over the restaurant. He won’t do
that again!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our friends are bridge players, we dabble, so we have had
three evenings of competitive bridge late into the night. Amazingly we’re still
talking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re really bad, and just play
by instinct, not rules. Last night we picked up two chickens which had been
rotisseried at the local market, and had them with salad, and the most
wonderful waxy potatoes, fried with rosemary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone, somewhere was
barbequing, and the smell of what could have been apple wood burning, was so
strong and wonderful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Talking to our sons back home, we know England is freezing,
our village is white with snow, yet here we are planning a morning reading,
sunbathing, and walking round getting some views for my first painting <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>out here. I know I won’t be able to achieve
the light I want, and it will be frustrating. I’m hoping to get some photos of
children, who are so beautiful, with their large dark eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do urge you to think about Turkey out of
the summer season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Mediterranean climate
is delightful, and to miss a few weeks of our dreadful winter has been a real
boost.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On the way back to Antalya we did manage to drive to Olympos, and I'm so glad we did. Also glad that we visited in the early season. Judging from the dozens of guest houses, tree houses, camping sites, restaurants etc. it will be teeming with people in the summer. As it was, in perfect sun we drove down the blissful valley of cedar, and spruce, wildflowers everywhere, wild iris, tall daisies, euphorbia, blossom. The car park was deserted, but there were a few backpackers, apart from that we were virtually alone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I'm not going to give you a history lesson, but Olympos was one of the six most important cities in the Lycian area, and coins from 2nd century B.C. It has been twice used by pirates, and although there is not quite so much to see as some of the bigger sites, the extreme natural beauty of the site, which is built on both sides of a wide creek, and ends at the most beautiful site, made it one of the most beautiful I have seen. After our visit we stopped on the way back up the hill, and had spinach and potato pancakes, pancakes with lemon and sugar, and huge glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice. An exquisite experience. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As always it's over for another few months. I miss it already. England is cold and grey. </span></div>
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See you soon Turkey. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
Kalkan travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14856489426497012697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037178284562480879.post-83435929924725239682013-02-05T02:21:00.002-08:002013-02-05T02:21:37.143-08:00WHAT TO EXPECT IN KALKAN
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We occasionally see British people behaving strangely in
Kalkan, and thought you may like to know a few essential facts about Turkish
people so that you don’t hurt their feelings, and give them a bad impression of
their guests.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first thing you will notice is how incredibly friendly
everyone is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Really helpful,
attentive,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>keen to show you the way or
explain things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their English is mostly
good, and everyone seems to know a few English words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try and learn a few Turkish words, even just
Merhaba – hello, means you are trying to fit into their world, and you will get
a big smile and a replying Merhaba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As you walk along in the evening – maybe trying to find a
restaurant you think you will like, there will be someone outside each restaurant,
hoping you are going to visit them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
may speak to you, asking you to look at their menu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t just stare straight ahead, they won’t
hound you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just say that you have
already booked elsewhere, or have eaten in your hotel already, or that you will
look at the menu and maybe come back another time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if you don’t intend to, then don’t
promise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Porky pies are no better in
Turkey than they are at home!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shopping is a marvellous experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hard haggling is frowned upon, but you can ask
with a smile if they will take something off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Most will - if it isn’t enough, say so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They probably won’t want to lose your custom, but obviously still want
to make a profit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Turkish waiters really enjoy their job, which we are not always used
to at home, to say the least.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will look after you, and make a
fuss of you, and take pride in what they serve you with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have a gripe, you don’t have to make a
big fuss, they will meet you halfway all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will be amazed at the quality of the food
and presentation in general.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try
different things, again the waiters will help you with your choices, and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>remember that you are often given quite
generous portions of complimentary appetisers which can fill you up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The loos in all restaurants in Kalkan are squeaky clean, and
European, so no worries about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
hardly ever hear of anyone getting a tummy bug, hygiene is excellent. The sea
is amazingly clean and pure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
NEVER seen anything on the beach or floating in the water I would not want to
see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Swimming in the sea is one of the
best things about Kalkan for me, warm, clean, calm, turquoise and clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The markets are fun, they are a bit more pushy than shops,
but they all have such a great sense of humour - talk back but keep walking,
with a smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re only trying to
make a living, and the prices are really good anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I still find their mimicry of us saying 'Just 'avin a look' very funny. </span>They expect you to bargain, but do remember
they have to make a living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spices,
leather belts, bowls, Turkish delight, all excellent gifts to take
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if you’re self catering, fruit
and vegetables are beyond anything you have ever experienced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also at the market treat yourself to crepes,
or flat bread cooked in front of you, then filled with cheese and spinach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In our part of Turkey, and particularly in Kalkan, you won’t
see stag parties (although occasionally groups of girls on hen holidays),
or people getting raucously<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>drunk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although there are a fewcafes which serve English
breakfast, there aren’t the long strips of restaurants offering little
else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Try Turkish style breakfasts, much more suited to their climate, and amazing. </span>Most offer Turkish food with
English menus, which is cheap, delicious and healthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pizzas are available – slightly different,
but moreish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The food is one of our delights on holiday, and I buy ingredients and cookery books every time I go out. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Don't cram things into your case you can buy on holiday. I don't think there is anything now you can't get there.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Just enjoy one of the best places you'll ever go to.</span></span></div>
Kalkan travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14856489426497012697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037178284562480879.post-10530029366242788332012-11-06T01:32:00.002-08:002012-11-06T01:32:34.898-08:00
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><strong>September
2012 - Still Faithful to Kalkan<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">This has
been the year of The Wedding!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Youngest
son was married in our village of Betchworth in August, and now all have flown
the nest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We flew to Dalaman in early
September.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The usual packed flight out,
but three and a half hours is nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We always try and arrive early afternoon, so that we can get to Kalkan
in time to unpack, get in some supermarket shopping, bowls of fruit,
honey,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>yoghurt, and then hit the town
for our first scrumptious meal out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Walking
into the apartment is always a thrill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is our view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>breathtaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There’s no other building in our sight as you walk up to the balcony,
the sky is cerulean blue, cloudless. I know every contour of the hills
opposite, in the afternoon light they are blue, at sunset, pink, violet,
purple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sea is turquoise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes the surface is alive with diamond
lights, sometimes like a painting with swirls of deeper blue, or reflections of
the sky swirled through it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I am
back in England during the winter, I look at photos, or go to the webcam online
just to remind myself how beautiful it all is, and that it’s still there,
waiting.....<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">We now
know so many people in Kalkan that walking down the street is like taking the
dog for a walk at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can take half
an hour just to say hello and what sort of a season are you having, what’s new,
how’s your little boy, so you’re married, what did you do in the winter?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These people are our friends as much as
those at home, and this year they continued to show us the kindness and
interest we have come to take as normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Turkish people are very politically aware, and love discussing their
government, the EU, the Mayor, and world affairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Restaurants have moved premises, changed
hands, chefs have moved on, new restaurants and shops have opened up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So far Kalkan has handled its inevitable
growth well, and we have no reason to believe <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that this won’t always be the case, although
the hills above the bay will become more built on, it’s inevitable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The road that has been built above the town
has made a scar, but hopefully this will green up quickly, and on the
marvellous road that now exists from Dalaman to Kalkan, we have noticed they
are quickly planting trees on both sides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you ask a waiter in Kalkan who was not born there, why he chose to
work in Kalkan, he will shrug, point to the view and smile!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">We
always hire a car now at the airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The holiday then starts from that moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time we just drove the short distance to
Gocek, where some great friends have just bought a villa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent a lovely first evening with them,
and the next day went out in their smart boat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had lunch at one of the hundreds of small islands dotted around, and
swam from the boat in various different spots.( Img. 2554) As I was swimming
back to the boat at one point I thought I had scratched my foot, as it stung a
bit, but when I got on board I saw lots of black spines sticking out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been stung by a sea urchin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got as many as I could out, and when we got
back to Gocek went into a chemist to see what the remedy was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had heard you should pee on the sting, and
George did offer, but I didn’t fancy it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The chemist’s advice was to follow local fishermens’ custom, and soak
cotton wool with olive oil, strap it to your foot, wrap cling film on and keep
it on for about three days, when all the stings should come out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nice idea, but first of all, it’s not a very
good look wandering round in a clingfilmed foot, and secondly I was also
following an alternative bit of advice about soaking my foot in wine
vinegar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What with the oil and the
vinegar I felt a bit like a walking salad dressing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I write this, nearly a month later, some
of the spines have come out, about nine are left, but now tiny little greyish
dots under the skin, which I suppose may or may not come out on their own
accord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the first time I have
heard of anyone getting sea urchin stings, in all the years we have been coming
to Turkey, which is surprising.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I had
painted a boat I had taken a fancy to, from a photograph I had taken at one of
the beach clubs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took the painting out
to Kalkan and had it framed there, and now it is in our apartment. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggT2eIl-0mIufbC7tplWkD-d_sw3zHfkBxRXrGwxN51JHbc0U8A0AteQsz2pr-2h8ow31dfoiRY8t2501R0ump0te6b7LT5zT7LBRzcxdf_QJYt6MiC8ZnjfnND_JfbtwMez1Xtr_AC-U/s1600/IMG_2607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggT2eIl-0mIufbC7tplWkD-d_sw3zHfkBxRXrGwxN51JHbc0U8A0AteQsz2pr-2h8ow31dfoiRY8t2501R0ump0te6b7LT5zT7LBRzcxdf_QJYt6MiC8ZnjfnND_JfbtwMez1Xtr_AC-U/s320/IMG_2607.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">
I plan to do more over the winter, some for our house here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From this same beach club, the Yali, </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbw-K5a1nS7yZXGLHESChIIDByOETUWNW0J68Y1C8kZQCuEOBD1CFFtmwUEOuMnQFvoKmfQ3cNyhpaigyIqNBgt3E_meiF8AfGTO6RryQgAIZQrftHESTpniMqDu40blnhmrFdvBYPoM/s1600/IMG_2023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbw-K5a1nS7yZXGLHESChIIDByOETUWNW0J68Y1C8kZQCuEOBD1CFFtmwUEOuMnQFvoKmfQ3cNyhpaigyIqNBgt3E_meiF8AfGTO6RryQgAIZQrftHESTpniMqDu40blnhmrFdvBYPoM/s320/IMG_2023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> George and I saw a kingfisher, on several occasions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I swam following it, and saw it sitting on a
rock just metres away, and then it dived into the sea, and flew away behind a
rock, presumably to eat its catch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thrilling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, at the Yali
Beach Club, I had my first scuba diving lesson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just a taster, but what a wonderful experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went down about 9 feet, I couldn’t believe
how many and how beautiful are the fish, but found my ears quite painful,
probably because I didn’t really relax and communicated that I wanted to go up
probably more often than I should have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I will definitely do it next year if I have the opportunity and try not
to be such a wimp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">One day
walking back to our apartment we stopped a cyclist, a Brit, who was absolutely
laden down </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQt482eYAP8w8CRd1Zt5z6jaxaAX6ZSyPpNovOiOLigAphWjyNkU7OMC6jY5dzqOKez_9E38qOVIQOTxCz5UfoqicdRaFt0U-1lqVtyY3XmFljKMCu0DmG-LzzCvEjF0ZZLtwFL1DzA88/s1600/IMG_2663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQt482eYAP8w8CRd1Zt5z6jaxaAX6ZSyPpNovOiOLigAphWjyNkU7OMC6jY5dzqOKez_9E38qOVIQOTxCz5UfoqicdRaFt0U-1lqVtyY3XmFljKMCu0DmG-LzzCvEjF0ZZLtwFL1DzA88/s320/IMG_2663.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It turned out he
was cycling from Big Ben to Beijing fund raising for International Childcare
Trust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robert is a carpenter who had
decided to do this, and take six months off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was absolutely charming and if you feel you could give him a bit to
support him, have a look at his website – he writes a blog, and you can follow
his journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I last looked he was
still in Turkey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://fromheretotherebybicycle.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="color: blue;">http://fromheretotherebybicycle.blogspot.co.uk/</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>there’s video, photos, anecdotes, history,
what a guy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">We did
the things we always do, mostly nothing, gazing, sleeping, reading, swimming,
eating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had friends to stay with us,
and other friends came by in a yacht which they keep at Marmaris,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and took us out for the day.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-n1J2ZcslJ5fxbhUhps7UcEzL4FkKiJ69hGpw-xWQNeQDnZesH5AR-Kihjbj4g138T3G-I51rHEVoCK1uQ8lL26QQzsnrCxNg0BLvd8yA8pyo7Q0xhG7hTJE5BnzIFTx-EarcuuQmZNo/s1600/IMG_2608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-n1J2ZcslJ5fxbhUhps7UcEzL4FkKiJ69hGpw-xWQNeQDnZesH5AR-Kihjbj4g138T3G-I51rHEVoCK1uQ8lL26QQzsnrCxNg0BLvd8yA8pyo7Q0xhG7hTJE5BnzIFTx-EarcuuQmZNo/s320/IMG_2608.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a barbeque for them in the evening,
and they sailed on the next day eastwards for another two weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went up into the hills two or three times,
in fact our favourite restaurant is up there, and this time the owner took me
into his immaculate kitchens, and showed me how to make helva pudding (can you
imagine that happening in England).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
also were taught how to beat the dried linseed crops to release the seeds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is all done by hand, and is hard
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We just stopped to watch, and were
called into the fields to help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVTcjvOQsAQLMaUWg5sPTrCrWZ1OVvYl_EA02R0vIjzV047oMdwdbpadVfRhEpsZnHpL-R-hh6vXdv2CGfFPiEfmj2ox8jT1O1bp4zgTYT6KHXjgD5-CliuoBeBBQR1dtGqAYgDdRQnc/s1600/IMG_2672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVTcjvOQsAQLMaUWg5sPTrCrWZ1OVvYl_EA02R0vIjzV047oMdwdbpadVfRhEpsZnHpL-R-hh6vXdv2CGfFPiEfmj2ox8jT1O1bp4zgTYT6KHXjgD5-CliuoBeBBQR1dtGqAYgDdRQnc/s320/IMG_2672.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Img.
2672)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">We once
again had breakfast at Adams, THE breakfast in Kalkan, home made and mostly
grown in his own garden, and all the time this view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3qlUzTtTiVo56f0RgiPdEQRvYJaYDdDb84TmHRN17niXu4DuLUpnIhDELfzXFUVdhQLOEk1PM8-nzi_ihSzEbISQLZBF04FJLHnPfr6CZwSHFcISAeRrcFYaKGHN0_zICG5aJzsCXEAQ/s1600/IMG_1954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3qlUzTtTiVo56f0RgiPdEQRvYJaYDdDb84TmHRN17niXu4DuLUpnIhDELfzXFUVdhQLOEk1PM8-nzi_ihSzEbISQLZBF04FJLHnPfr6CZwSHFcISAeRrcFYaKGHN0_zICG5aJzsCXEAQ/s320/IMG_1954.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeCSL-0Jd81BrbSXRk14F92BE7hoP9MTeFoqunWZmptbQL9JhTubgElFeZ3waHn4SwP1d7SehQJS-9piiWyJZ7b2xNqABiPHP0TLMcncPNqijnsvKVPdpsTITim73EBgTdMf5t-iLrnE/s1600/IMG_1957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeCSL-0Jd81BrbSXRk14F92BE7hoP9MTeFoqunWZmptbQL9JhTubgElFeZ3waHn4SwP1d7SehQJS-9piiWyJZ7b2xNqABiPHP0TLMcncPNqijnsvKVPdpsTITim73EBgTdMf5t-iLrnE/s320/IMG_1957.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDb4FGL4d906x96tonMZDiEnUWENjlXu-hkcvjPraN3eiH5cohab1Ix_xutvt_yH-RW0iWCFipFhgf5hER8PdHPF9upZDbA2RMGl2_v4SPaPSEP4LiSsvZHg96pJGfWCVep3lpwJtRkI/s1600/IMG_1956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDb4FGL4d906x96tonMZDiEnUWENjlXu-hkcvjPraN3eiH5cohab1Ix_xutvt_yH-RW0iWCFipFhgf5hER8PdHPF9upZDbA2RMGl2_v4SPaPSEP4LiSsvZHg96pJGfWCVep3lpwJtRkI/s320/IMG_1956.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I try
and walk into Kalkan most days, and past and on to Yali Beach Club when I’m
particularly energetic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The following
photos give you an idea of what this commute is like!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Better than the gym.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCj_vOCxNWDsdpR6ZtI37xNIOPhOl5z8Qp-cOwfkNxTp_bdhTNeXC959UJnGHmR7L8_eoMzMe5YtUoxrolEWdA-QNfph4S2noCnoEQhZkhO2DdjjuOreYKiEFTIgYDDUVfrxby5cpP6fk/s1600/IMG_1996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCj_vOCxNWDsdpR6ZtI37xNIOPhOl5z8Qp-cOwfkNxTp_bdhTNeXC959UJnGHmR7L8_eoMzMe5YtUoxrolEWdA-QNfph4S2noCnoEQhZkhO2DdjjuOreYKiEFTIgYDDUVfrxby5cpP6fk/s320/IMG_1996.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7oKO9krMdoqNJSHubu5Pm_zQFuaNlzdOrCD7cq3_YFX8TQBMkFV3wXaEUbyj0q-HelrIS_CysL4y7CNWd6XG6He79Zieb0zBXHLli1F-PY5Ucw8Dw4T5Gyvf7sLDqzEyKWCjgnIffvgo/s1600/IMG_2000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7oKO9krMdoqNJSHubu5Pm_zQFuaNlzdOrCD7cq3_YFX8TQBMkFV3wXaEUbyj0q-HelrIS_CysL4y7CNWd6XG6He79Zieb0zBXHLli1F-PY5Ucw8Dw4T5Gyvf7sLDqzEyKWCjgnIffvgo/s320/IMG_2000.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlOaNeY8UtV4TWOBIMDrZ5Hbazm7j5tvev_rqg9yAoD4R55jvbWXKve5b6t9hWSFx7lBZ4NS7DptynhWebN-_1WKUZfPlXiJG_HOuyWMPQERsN1oQsdbQZP1j7qiTLXSvNXWhZY0fvZc/s1600/IMG_2009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlOaNeY8UtV4TWOBIMDrZ5Hbazm7j5tvev_rqg9yAoD4R55jvbWXKve5b6t9hWSFx7lBZ4NS7DptynhWebN-_1WKUZfPlXiJG_HOuyWMPQERsN1oQsdbQZP1j7qiTLXSvNXWhZY0fvZc/s320/IMG_2009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOmk2TTjJIDpQdLIPeLKZ6ZiosEWPCWSSFgE4o7uehEKsG8ROI2ut0sgqQhuUWdrjCZex2bD-2JDmPDArAcXcqJ-NOGMtLG9gLJTxjas1bBo2SzN7dR-TwuKZ_iN83KWnyDXwq6OrnPE/s1600/IMG_2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOmk2TTjJIDpQdLIPeLKZ6ZiosEWPCWSSFgE4o7uehEKsG8ROI2ut0sgqQhuUWdrjCZex2bD-2JDmPDArAcXcqJ-NOGMtLG9gLJTxjas1bBo2SzN7dR-TwuKZ_iN83KWnyDXwq6OrnPE/s320/IMG_2010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPPJalgcHhrToUcp7zCgtIH8FR0bHM-1mTu4S-Tko9-A7fyOg_pH3xY1YH2fKpfYC7QxMlyOxWLqhYCKXMClgaD1nOhR5sISTLC-Y0uXCLbpoijs8L27qVnMXamw_mQ3ucaIiHmMm4Ng/s1600/IMG_2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPPJalgcHhrToUcp7zCgtIH8FR0bHM-1mTu4S-Tko9-A7fyOg_pH3xY1YH2fKpfYC7QxMlyOxWLqhYCKXMClgaD1nOhR5sISTLC-Y0uXCLbpoijs8L27qVnMXamw_mQ3ucaIiHmMm4Ng/s320/IMG_2014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4XyXhYQAg7HwqCQjswuPcXgQ3-slG6nj79rcBRDIFYkHPe19-bJ57gqjX3u-iWqFyLJf-_TJ5I6_ZcJedBot1eQoSQq8KZpzhRghjIEb_MC9vut0zc05L0viINFwG0rAMwOoVuPrkGA/s1600/IMG_2040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4XyXhYQAg7HwqCQjswuPcXgQ3-slG6nj79rcBRDIFYkHPe19-bJ57gqjX3u-iWqFyLJf-_TJ5I6_ZcJedBot1eQoSQq8KZpzhRghjIEb_MC9vut0zc05L0viINFwG0rAMwOoVuPrkGA/s320/IMG_2040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">At this time in the morning tables are being
set, pavements washed, goods set up, and everywhere ‘Merhaba’ ‘Good
morning’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">All too
soon our time is up. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last sunset</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZdnPLfWX9Bos1XOL9Q0KzXYcmWAub9oGzX_zE_OabwTeYdFPTopuTiNaA2Vt-Rm-kK1gMhrb7nx5zCL8TtpusnzMG6_Ndzw0Uj5SybJKRmg5CQZVXYGjGaS_leX-gEwwXtGPEzHpUz4/s1600/IMG_2652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZdnPLfWX9Bos1XOL9Q0KzXYcmWAub9oGzX_zE_OabwTeYdFPTopuTiNaA2Vt-Rm-kK1gMhrb7nx5zCL8TtpusnzMG6_Ndzw0Uj5SybJKRmg5CQZVXYGjGaS_leX-gEwwXtGPEzHpUz4/s320/IMG_2652.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">, the last meal out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time George the perfect organiser (self
styled!) surpassed himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having
realised, albeit a little late as he’d pressed the OK button and committed us,
that 0145 is actually early in the morning, not after lunch. He as usual took
possession of the passports and tickets and told me when we were leaving and
when we had to vacate the apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
we were packing in the afternoon, he sheepishly asked me to have a look at the
tickets – we should have been there 12 hours earlier!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We drove to the airport, but there were no
flights, and all were full for the next three or four days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stayed the night in Gocek, and our
wonderful concierge there found us flights to Istanbul the next day, where we
spent a packed six hours, before bed, and a 5 am start to catch a British
Airways schedule flight back to Heathrow (not Gatwick where we had
started).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All in all a very expensive
mistake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">This
winter we have made arrangements to have all the wood in our apartment painted
white.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will look even more
Mediterranean – a bit shabby chic I hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And as usual, can’t wait to go back.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Kalkan travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14856489426497012697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037178284562480879.post-74423380704755491522011-11-08T03:13:00.000-08:002011-11-08T03:13:52.827-08:00Jottings and highlights of our last holiday in Kalkan<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With memories fast fading of our longest holiday ever in Turkey I thought I should get my thoughts down before Christmas takes over completely.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our apartment had been let right through the summer, and the reports coming back had been fantastic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It appeared that the sun had been shining for months and we were we looking forward to our visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine our consternation when we arrived to white cloud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, as if just to teach us not to take anything for granted, by the next morning the sun was back to cobalt, or is it ultramarine, with hardly a colour change at the horizon for the sea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We rushed down to swim, and for 20 days spent hours in the water, just lazing around for George, and for me trying to use it as a workout as I am missing my exercise classes out there. I started to do a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>three quarters of an hour swim (there and back) to a little cove towards the harbour from the Yali Beach Club which this summer seemed to be our preferred place. I’m always happier swimming with someone, as I always worry about getting cramp, but so far this has never happened. At four o’clock each day the owner’s dog goes swimming with the chef, and this is always a must watch, before we go home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daily afternoon swim</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had two lots of friends staying with us, neither of whom had been to Kalkan before, and we love watching people fall in love with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s always the view, then the sea, restaurants and people, in no particular order at the risk of sounding like an<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>X Factor results announcer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The time just flew by. As always we explored the mountains again, and thought we saw a short toed eagle, but no tortoises roaming around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think they are on the move more in the spring whilst they’re looking for a mate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We visited Bezirgan, the village over the mountains from Kalkan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was harvest time and we photographed the sesame crop being put up into wigwams to dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(At least that’s what we think they are) In Bezirgan there are rows of sort of overlarge chicken coops which we have always wondered about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time with a lot of sign language<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we found out that they are grain stores for the villagers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barley was one of the crops being stored there, and another black seed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took some home and gave it to our farmer friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had been told it was animal food, but it wasn’t anything he recognized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were loading some poor patient horse with these sacks, presumably with grain in them, and perhaps they were taking them to the mill but we couldn't make ourselves understood enough to say that we would have liked to go to the mill.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>got talking, or rather signing to a very kind local resident who took us into the mosque, beautifully decorated and quite ornate for such a small village, and then to his house where he gave us grapes, apples, and pears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are met with such hospitality here, it is quite overwhelming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am always banging on about the restaurants and how good they are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A A Gill was critiquing some trendy<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>restaurant in the Sunday Times last week, saying it seemed to be run by a committee who knew everything about catering and nothing about hospitality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is exactly<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>why the restaurants in Kalkan are so good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another instance of this was at Adam’s restaurant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is just a mile from our house, with the most wonderful views, and owned by Adam and his wife who does the cooking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had the best breakfast possible, everything homemade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jams, yoghurts, village eggs (these are fried with spices and are delicious), honey, etc. etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we were leaving Adam gave us some homemade tahini, and fig jam to take back to our apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where else in the world………</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Melons were in season – and figs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A large bag of ripe, juicy, perfumed figs - £2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We live off Mozarella, melon and figs for lunch, drizzled with honey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although we try and stay in a few nights for financial reasons and not eat out in restaurants all the time, we now know where to go to find just a snack, say a lamacun (pronounced lamajun) a sort of Turkish pizza with minced meat and delicious, or we have just a few mezze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then back to sit with a drink or two looking out at the lights of the yachts moored all round the bay, and off to bed listening to the water and the crickets, and longing for another perfect day.</span></div>
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<br /></div>Kalkan travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14856489426497012697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037178284562480879.post-72817981046752690042011-11-08T02:58:00.000-08:002011-11-08T02:58:12.542-08:00More relaxed ramblings about Kalkan, Turkey<br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To think
that a whole summer has passed since I last wrote.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent the summer months just longing for
September and our longest stay ever in Kalkan, 18 days.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were
very fortunate in letting the apartment really well during our first year, and
had some wonderful comments, which we will post so that you can read them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nearly everyone <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>says
they want to come again and for most it was their first time in Kalkan, so it
was lovely hearing afterwards about what they particularly enjoyed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One couple, friends of our son, had actually
proposed to his girlfriend in the Hotel Mahal just beneath us, but now married
and with a baby boy couldn’t actually afford that luxury again, so rented our
apartment and had the same views, but at a lesser price, and still swam in the
same sea, and lunched in the Mahal’s beach club.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch at Mahal Beach club (with wine)</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our 18 days
were wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had three lots of
friends staying, two were going on a cruise in a gulet after leaving us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hired a car, and were able to show them
the unspoilt parts up in the hills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On
one occasion George and I stopped near about 200 bee hives, with an amazing
view of Kalkan Bay, the sun was setting, the noise of the bees was amazing, and
the sky was alight with azure blue birds darting after the bees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were so fast it was difficult to have a
really good look at them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were
either bulbuls or bee eaters, but I’m not really sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A local man stopped and we asked him, and he
said bulbuls (I think) and indicated that they were good to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely not!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, we saw several people with shotguns in the area, and certainly
heard them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went again twice with our
friends, but on the second occasion only saw a few of these vividly coloured
birds, and the last time, a week later, same time, none at all.</span></span></div>
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<br />Beehives in the mountains behind Kalkan</div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have nearly
tried all the beach clubs now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each is
very different, but we love them all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although our pool is wonderful, so clean and sparkling, there is really
no substitute for swimming in the sea, and we have to have our daily fix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have wonderful large umbrellas, and
comfortable sunbeds, and it so easy to doze off after a glass or two of wine at
lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We always
take things out for the apartment, and food we can’t get there (actually it
gets better and better, but good muesli for instance is difficult to find) and
always clothes I never wear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can never
quite believe I’m not going to be wearing killer heels in the evenings, but the
streets are cobbled and you could topple over so each year, two pairs at least
sit in the wardrobe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m an avid reader,
and packing five or six books is another cause of friction with George, my case
is always bordering on the maximum weight allowance, so<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>this year top of my wish list is some sort of
e-reader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a love affair with
books, and don’t know how I’m going to feel about not having the book actually
in my hand, but even if it’s just for holidays it will be very welcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is
now a shuttle bus running past the top of our road regularly to Kalkan, and on
to the other side, and back again up until 9.30 at night, and this is wonderful
for all those who don’t hire a car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However also next year I think the new footpath will be open all the
way, without having to walk to the top and down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to do this however, it gets some
calories burned off after all the eating and drinking we tend to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This summer once or twice when I was walking
the bus slowed down to ask if I wanted to hop on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I resisted, and carried on walking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There can’t be many walks into town with such
a wonderful view.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kalkan
people are wonderfully friendly and very generous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The number of times we’ve been allowed to
take off the price of small change we didn’t actually have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are always free canapés on the table,
and complimentary drinks afterwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
were really shown kindness this year when we had to find accommodation for son
and girlfriend for two nights after they arrived, and before we and our friends
left the apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were offered a
brand newly built apartment near ours, complete with infinity pool absolutely
free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will I hope be able to repay
that kindness in other ways, but it is typical of Kalkan people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<br />Debbie enjoying infinity pool</div>Kalkan travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14856489426497012697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037178284562480879.post-87026048438119346942011-11-08T02:55:00.000-08:002011-11-08T02:55:55.657-08:00SPRING IN KALKAN<br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>APRIL/MAY
2011<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Spring in
Turkey is magical as we keep discovering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ve just got back from a week there with George’s <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>brother in law Ian who is a keen birdwatcher ,
and also very well informed about botany, ancient sites and ancient
history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day at Tlos</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIm5blc5IE3d61fjS32s3xUVKkhoYVtvF-wStM-zmujo_DAylrwb61dlKPWIQlTJQ21nBfPmK3-HQU62i87IhlBGXZd-1j0CHU9K1x8zDnU3Gk_CeHzocZeOwgAkpqThiwoTUic0Z8Qyk/s1600/IMG_0972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIm5blc5IE3d61fjS32s3xUVKkhoYVtvF-wStM-zmujo_DAylrwb61dlKPWIQlTJQ21nBfPmK3-HQU62i87IhlBGXZd-1j0CHU9K1x8zDnU3Gk_CeHzocZeOwgAkpqThiwoTUic0Z8Qyk/s320/IMG_0972.JPG" width="320" /></a>Turtles at Letoon</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh124jaeYL-hh7G2x71sk6gfML7SDvb1WSZzIR18VRzGbm8xWZYGCd7cVleJ6JM54mcKFthZld_NURX-JjL-etQV464cQM1K5LS6qpMLxIKGeogotwMH6BTg2rDZsF7Kz04Y7gPRSkZHcE/s1600/IMG_0989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh124jaeYL-hh7G2x71sk6gfML7SDvb1WSZzIR18VRzGbm8xWZYGCd7cVleJ6JM54mcKFthZld_NURX-JjL-etQV464cQM1K5LS6qpMLxIKGeogotwMH6BTg2rDZsF7Kz04Y7gPRSkZHcE/s320/IMG_0989.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild flowers near Kaya Koy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The date we
picked caused a panic – 29<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> April.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When we found a suitable flight on that date which suited the three of
us we booked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A week or two later we
realised that it was the same day as the Royal Wedding, a day I had planned to
be glued to the tv.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously we
couldn’t change without vast expense, so I had a brainwave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My family had clubbed together to give me an
ipad for Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was the time it
was going to come into its own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could
watch iplayer, you tube etc. and see everything when we got to Kalkan in the
late afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I set off feeling pretty
smug – we didn’t even pack our laptop which we usually take for George’s tennis
court lighting business, feeling pretty sure that we could cope with everything
from the ipad.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we
started to go through Security, I felt rising panic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where was the ipad?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Safely at home plugged in for a last minute
charge in the bedroom, that’s where!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
didn’t live it down all week!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
unpacked, sat on the balcony for our first drink watching the sunset, hoping Ian
was impressed, and then went into Kalkan for a first meal, and chose Doy Doy
which we love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was thrilled when about
10 o’clock their large tv screen came on with the wedding highlights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They sweetly served my pudding at the bar, and
I sat and watched it – happy lady again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We followed
son Giles and his wife Bukky out there for their first stay in the apartment
and Giles<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>installed a film centre for us
a library of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>films to view, and a
DVD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a wonderful addition to our
facilities, and very easy to use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We spent a
week showing Ian the sights and sites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had a telescope which we took in the boot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The car is a very good hide, and although the
quantity of birds was a little disappointing, we saw quite a variety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One memorable afternoon when we were round
the pool, a flock of about 40 or 50 bee eaters visited the area, and were
flying around us for about an hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Wonderful colours, wonderful flight patterns, unmistakeable sounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were definitely the birds I hadn’t been
able to totally identify up in the hills the previous time we were over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> However I wasn't sufficiently on the ball to have my camera ready, so it's just a wonderful memory. </span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For those
who are interested these are the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>birds
we saw:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Great White
Egret,</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">White Stork,</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lesser Kestrel,</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Black-winged Stilt,</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Audouin's Gull,</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yellow-legged Gull, Eurasian
Turtle-Dove, Eurasian Collared-Dove,</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Alpine
Swift,</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Common Swift</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">European Bee-eater, European Roller,</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Crested Lark,</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Barn Swallow,</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin,</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">White Wagtail, Blue
Rock-Thrush,</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Eurasian Blackbird,</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Common Whitethroat,</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Spotted Flycatcher,</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">European Pied Flycatcher,</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whinchat, Black-eared Wheatear,
Great Tit,</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rock Nuthatch,</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Woodchat Shrike,</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Eurasian Jay, Hooded Crow,</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">House Sparrow,</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Spanish Sparrow,</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">European Goldfinch,</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cretzschmar's Bunting,</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Black-headed Bunting,</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Corn
Bunting</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once again
we drove to Ucagiz, had lunch on the quay and took a boat over Kekova, the
sunken city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is about 8 miles of
hilly countryside leading from Kas to Ucagiz, mostly scrub, it is where we saw
the roller and three kestrels, and we stopped to watch a small group of people
making charcoal, (see the photographs).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was absolutely fascinating, and it seemed that no kiln was involved,
but the whole huge mound of burning wood was covered with earth and just
smouldered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They walked round it putting
out any small fires which ignited with a spray of water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are the memories you take away with
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I took out
a small Dualit mixer/blender/chopper, which was a great help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We try and eat in once a day, even though the
restaurants are very tempting, and some very cheap, and I usually cook as much
in the Mediterranean manner as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The greengrocer we use is superb, and for £5 you can buy about two
carrier bags of everything, mostly seasonal produce, bursting at the seams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bread although it looks wonderful is a bit
disappointing, but I think that perhaps I haven’t yet found the right
bakers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their flat bread is more
interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This was my
first holiday with my new Kindle, and a much lighter case!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whilst it is overall a great gadget to
have,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>there is a lot frustrating about
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your choice of books is still
limited, and until the pages are marked it will not really feel like a book,
but I enjoyed having it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">During the
winter the apartments have been painted, the railings round the pool and
balustrades, and everything looked wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We loved it
so much we’ve booked to go back for 10 days in two week’s time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bookings are excellent this year, and we
haven’t a great deal of availability left during the summer, but hope to go
again in September or October, when the sea is at its warmest and the nights
are still balmy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time I shall make
sure we have the ipad, and have downloaded an app in readiness of the night sky
for easy identification of stars and constellations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>Kalkan travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14856489426497012697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037178284562480879.post-41514217983164744162011-11-08T02:53:00.000-08:002011-11-08T02:53:29.656-08:00Out and about in Kalkan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRv4dSWzVqVfwosCkUllYuTw0daG0IOJPZO7fEAtSAlqZWoGUeV6710BPkmhRsoHGJ9qZWcxntxyt39KrgbSmHlWnBVdKDQ0Tttz0GUyLhrY1Ff09uWWcpRhwRg8s5X3Ib29zXtudMoFo/s1600/IMG_1107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRv4dSWzVqVfwosCkUllYuTw0daG0IOJPZO7fEAtSAlqZWoGUeV6710BPkmhRsoHGJ9qZWcxntxyt39KrgbSmHlWnBVdKDQ0Tttz0GUyLhrY1Ff09uWWcpRhwRg8s5X3Ib29zXtudMoFo/s400/IMG_1107.JPG" width="223" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just got back from another<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>10 days in our favourite place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Arrived to rather murky weather, still warm, but overcast, and some rain
(a rarity in May/June).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The jacaranda
trees on either side of the apartment at the back were in full bloom, and they
really are a wonderful colour, more fully enjoyed by the people who are in the
apartment at the back, but a lovely backdrop to the block.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Photos of Meis Island</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This time we had decided to really flop around doing not
much, but it is difficult when there is still so much we haven’t seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had no guests staying with us, so could be
really selfish, and did indeed spend a lot of time reading and swimming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of our trips out this time was to Meis,
the Greek island with a very interesting history, off the coast, near Kas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We drove down to Kas to get the ferry on the
first Saturday, only to be told that it only sailed on weekdays,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>so as we were down<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>there, we drove around trying to find the
ancient ampitheatre of Antephellos, which seemed to be pretty elusive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just on the outskirts of Kas on the road to
the peninsula, we saw about fifty men sitting outside a café having what was
obviously going to be a feast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was
loud music playing and a really festive spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I just love weddings, we parked and walked back, and I took a photo
of the men receiving a blessing before the start of the meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then sat at a patisserie owned by a
Turkish/German woman and ordered a coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She had two friends with her, and they were sharing a birthday cake
which looked delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She obviously
saw our envious looks and brought us a plate of cherries which were delicious,
followed by a plate each of the most delicious cake! which she wouldn’t accept
payment for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>True Turkish hospitality,
and the sort of thing that happens all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another example of this happened later in the week, when we
were parked outside a barber’s in Kalkan, whilst George bought some screws in
the hardware shop which sells absolutely everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The car was next to a tree covered in a sort
of canvas tarpaulin presumably so that no fruit could fall to the ground,
either that or to protect it from birds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I watched a man came out of the barber shop, scaled the tree and
started picking the fruit and throwing them into the canvas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked him what fruit it was, I had never
seen it before, and he gave me a handful to try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They looked as if they were overripe –
white, squashed gooseberry type things, but were the sweetest fruit I had ever
tasted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said they were called dut –
but that was as much as we were able to communicate apart from my thanking him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had just finished reading The Junior Officer’s Reading
Club – immensely unputdownable and fascinating, and I am in awe at the modern
soldier’s bravery and skill set – but I remember reading that the children in
Afghanistan were scrabbling on the ground to eat the Toot fruit – obviously the
same thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have since looked it up
and it is a white mulberry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very short
season, difficult to pack so seldom seen in markets or shops, and sometimes
made into jams, but the best thing seems to be put it in your mouth as quickly
as you can and just savour it……</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One morning we went with our friend Halit who owns the local
glamorous silver shop, a must for every female who comes into Kalkan, to
breakfast at Adam’s, which is a family owned restaurant just outside Kalkan
with absolutely jaw dropping views over the sea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and his family have lived there for
generations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ordered Turkish breakfast
and within ten minutes the most wonderful spread was laid out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Olives, fried halloumi cheese, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>yoghurt, honey, tahini, butter, tomatoes,
baked eggs, breads of all sorts, jams, mekez which seemed to be a sort of grape
or maybe other fruit jelly, and which Halit taught us to mix with the tahini
and spread on bread.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please don’t come out to Turkey and look
round for full English breakfasts, you will be missing so much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One evening we sat next to a Turkish couple from Istanbul,
who were on their first holiday together, having met on the internet a month
ago, and had a lovely long conversation about Turks, the Muslim faith, the
forthcoming election and food!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People
are so sharply divided about the merits of the candidates<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we
are of course extremely interested to know the outcome, although it is unlikely
that our position as British<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>owners in
Turkey would change, I suppose you never know. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We once more visited our favourite carpet shop, and this
time bought eight cushion covers made from a really attractive kelim for our
new cottage in England.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we got them
home they look perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also bought a
runner .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also treated the apartment
to a wonderful citrus green bean bag for the balcony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Snuggling down on that with a book early
evening and a glass of wine is just my idea of heaven, keeping an eye on the sunset
as you read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>Kalkan travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14856489426497012697noreply@blogger.com0