Back from Turkey

Well, got back from Turkey around 6.30 this morning, after 7 nights in marmaris all-inclusive with Ruth. Was brilliant! And I've finally met my little niece Ruby-Jane! Just fed her and burped her which was a new experience. Off to G&G's wedding anniversary tomo in Shropshire.

So, arrived around 5am last Saturday morning at Marmaris Palace, our 4 star hotel (except for the beds, which def werent 4 star standard). Saturday we just spent down by one of the 2 pools. Sunday we went down to the beach, drinking lots of cocktails, of course. In the evening, we saw the comedy show (crap) and tried to find the disco afterwards, but didnt succeed. Monday we went on the shopping trip, stopping off at a gold centre, leather company (where I modelled a cringe-worthy pink leather coat), a Turkish delight-making place, where I bought lots of it even though personally I dont like it, and finally to the bazaar at Marmaris where I bought a scarf, fridge magnet, belly-dancing skirt, lamp and plate.

Tuesday we had a Turkish bath (scrubbing with an exfoliating pad), then a soap down with this giant bubby airbag - both of these after a wet steam room, of course. In the eve we just chilled out in the reception area over a few beers and gin and tonics and played cards. We couldnt afford to go on the trip to the ancient ruins at Ephesus. On Wednesday we went to Icmeler market on the Dolmic bus, but I had no money to spend.

On Thursday we went to Dalyan. We went by bus to a carpet cooperative, then we went by boat down the river to the mud bath and spring bath. We then went back on the boat to a restaurant down the river for lunch before looking out for loggerhead turtles and seeing the ancient tombs in the walls of caves and ending up at the beach. Shortly after which we went back to the bus and came home. In the evening we wen to a Turkish night at a local bar where we had a 3 course meal (def nothing special!) and unlimited wine and watched traditional Turkish musicians and dancers, a fire-eater and belly-dancers, and I got roped into taking part in a belly-dancing competition. The 3 of us competitors got a bottle of wine afterwards! There were over 150 people there, Id say.

Yesterday we went back to Marmaris so Ruth could buy some more presents (I had no money let - had managed to buy a second scarf in Icmeler). Sadly, due to money and time restrictions, weather issues and clashes in timetables; we couldnt go to the dinner and jazz evening, visit the hotel's indoor pool, hire bikes, go on pedalos or canoes, or do the boat trip either....