Kalkan Turkey Forum - EnjoyKalkan.com
Kalkan Discussion => Holiday Reports and Reviews => Topic started by: Alibobs on May 07, 2019, 04:11:04 PM
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I've ummed and aahed about writing a blog again, it does take up quite a chick of time but as I got so many positive uplifting comments last time, plus the fact we need to keep Enjoy Kalkan going strong here goes......
Quick recap - we are quite new to Kalkan (2012) but have been back at least 10 times since. Stay in a mixture of places depending on availability and price, this year we at the Oasis again, courtesy of Thomas Cook, not a fan of tour companies per se but this was a fab deal. We prefer to be here in June but our son is getting married this year so have snuck in an early trip. We have been in April and May before so know what to expect - it's quite nice seeing the place change day by day
We flew from a very chilly Gatwick on Sunday at silly o clock......delayed on the runway and I had a child sitting next to me ( as well has hubby - make that 2 😂)......got through the flight and landed in Dalaman in pouring rain......we were the only couple transferring to Kalkan so that was a bonus. Checked in at the Oasis - last year we got a fab upgrade, it's my birthday while we are here so wondered if we may be suitably indulged again - we weren't !!! Not to worry, the rooms here are all spacious and comfortable.
First night in town was a little chilly so we ate at Cinar - we like Rami very much and you get shelter in their without forfeiting the lovely view. Good prices too.
Monday dawned with beautiful sunshine, fab Oasis breakfast on the terrace . Hubby went off to renew his acquaintance with his gym friends while I walked down to the harbour and Fener via Yali.........so much building work going on, obviously places like Indigo are being rebuilt for the summer but there is definitely development aplenty. The Likya residence seems to be extending in a big way. Positive vibes about the season ahead. As much as I am glad for the people and the economy a bit of me is a little anxious about the change but many have said that since way before I became a visitor .
A lazy afternoon on the Sunbed then we wandered into town ......first port of call was the MiniBar to people watch and the we chose Kosk for dinner.......excellent food but very very quiet, and a tad breezy on the rooftop .
Food prices seem similar so far but drinks have gone up - hubby always says whatever the exchange rate you pay the same for an efes and I think he's right.
We made a rash decision to walk to Patara today - 12 miles. As it's cooler than when we are normally here we decided it was now or never. I'd found a map at home that I thought hubby had printed out - he hadn't, preferring to use Google maps .......lets just say a few words were said about Google maps but we got there.....we stopped twice for chai and once for a drink so it took us about 4 1/2 hours ........so bloody windy when we got there, we had a quick burger and drink at the cafe then went to get the dolmus back!!! my feet are very sore as I didn't really pack appropriate footwear but glad we did it. Got back to the hotel and flopped on the bed where I am typing this.........shower beckons, tonight we may venture up Greek St/Old St for dinner......sheltered up there I hope
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Kalkan! Nkalkan???
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Lovely report Thankyou really put me in the mood for our special holiday in June.
You walked to Patara you must be mad woman! Well done my get up and go has got up and gone as far as a distance like that is concerned but you did it!
The Likya wasn’t there when we first came to Kalkan just a long dry walk round the headland to Yali where we stayed once having the roof top room as our abode. We would occasionally go to Caretta Caretta for lunch and dinner and it was lovely.
I know that we have to move on but was sorry that quite so much building work was allowed on that beautiful headland. Hey ho progress is what they call it.
I love Old St and the Chinese restaurant too. Can’t wait till June.
Hope you continue with your wonderful holiday the way you started and hope you can keep your blog going. Thankyou xx
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Wow, thank you, the first holiday report of the season!
You mention an increase in the price of drinks, how much for an Efes this year?
I’ll look forward to further updates, have a great time.
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We are going on Saturday and I can’t wait . I love your review it’s wet my appetite.
😎⛱
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Efes between 20 and 25 so far, to be honest hubby hasn't had as many as usual by now, he has a suit to fit in to in June! Will keep you updated as I know it won't last.
House wine was 65 lira in cinar and it was Villa Deluca. In Baharat last night it was 80 but it definitely wasn't Vila Deluca! perfectly quaffable though
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Walking to Patara is one of those things I will only ever do once .........
So last night we hobbled out -literally . A huge blister on my foot. totally of my own doing so tried not to complain too much. It was quite breezy and we both felt a bit chilly, hubby had got too much sun on our jaunt to Patara ....we stopped at Minibar and decided we would eat inside at Olive Garden....wandered down and it wasn't open yet!!! They were putting the furniture out at Merkez with lots of cries of 'Tomorrow, tomorrow' ..... this threw us a bit so after a stroll down Greek st we headed back to Baharat which is our usual default restaurant. It was buzzing, we were quite early but by 8.30 it was full. All around you could see empty terraces, one table in use at Chata, the Small House only had the balcony being used......I had lamb shank, hubby the wild boar ( that's what he had, not a description😉) .....lovely food , definitely an increase in prices, 99 lire for the main courses we had but still good value compared to home.
feet felt a lot better walking home, amazing what alcohol can do.
This morning hubby is back at the gym, I had a short walk but yesterday's efforts mean I can lay on the sunbed for at least three days now and not get fat
😉
It's a beautiful day today, no wind so far...if it stays like this we will definitely eat at Akin tonight, fingers crossed X
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What a super report Alibobs and thank you.
I'm feeling very guilty as we've been twice now since Christmas and I haven't done a blog, however we are back again in 4 weeks so I might just put finger to Ipad if the wifi is good enough.
The weather was quite changeable last week, 7 lovely days but our last 2 were windy and rainy. We managed to pack in a boat trip and a visit to Kaputas and the Patara dunes for sunset which was magical, but sadly we used transport rather than on foot. Just exerting ,myself up and down the dunes with picnic provisions was exercise enough for me. I admire your stamina.
Looking forward to your next installment.
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Great to have the first holiday report of the year. Whatever made you want to walk to Patara Alibobs? You're both obviously very fit. Let us hope that your exploits will encourage other members to share their experience......Lizilu20..........I'm counting on you. We're not out there until September but .......Keith can........and will write a blog ..........in Kalkan.
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Keith, walking to Patara seemed like a good idea at the time.......it really wasn't though, I didn't bring trainers/ walking shoes with me so wore sandals and flip flops - both sturdy but not good. I've dealt with the blister by lancing it and wearing a delightfully huge plaster. My calf muscles and gluteus maximus muscles are protesting .
We always have a daily constitutional in Kalkan, to Kalamar, Kisla or up to the Mediteran.
As it was cooler this year we thought we'd go further afield . My mother always used to say 'You know what thought did?' I never knew what she meant until yesterday
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Yep.... Thanks for a first taste of the season!!.... Although the beer price made me do like that picture "The Scream" Hope your aches get better and wasn't Gluteus Maximus in Gladiator? ;D
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Efes, from 20 tl upwards at the moment.
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So a really lazy day yesterday , the best day of weather so far so stayed by the pool until about 6.......love listening to our fellow guests chatting about where the best place is for dinner etc especially to new arrivals. One poor lady was given the name of at least 6 different places this afternoon including Chillies, Isos kitchen and Salonika ........how do you tell someone the best place. I always say it's the restaurant I'm currently in.
We wandered (hobbled) down to the harbour to see Adem Yildiz but no one around so we we whatsapped him instead. How things change . I know it is very early in the season but wondered if the captains are much less reliant on the passing evening trade in these days of technology. I guess so. And I guess the passing trade last night was limited although the harbour had a few in....a quick drink at Jimmy's then off to Akin.......wine 49 lira a bottle and as always delicious food - hubby had the mixed grill and me the seafood atom.........delicious. I love the people in Akin, so friendly yet not overbearing.
Walking through the restaurants it was noticeable that the guys were more 'hard sell' than the town (but none unbearably so) . I think this has always been the case but hubby doesn't remember it so. I guess it's early , they are all very keen as its a new season and the numbers are limited at present. lots of work has been done Doy doy looks smart, Sherlock Holmes does too although I'm not sure of their objective - lots of waiters in hats ( not deer stalkers) .....a new ockabasi up by Fener too......
After dinner we walked up through town, Merkez is now open, that to me is proof enough it's holiday time in Kalkan!
Today.........hubby suggested a walk to Kalamar , foot depending........I remembered its market day though so we will proceed up there and see what happens. Hubby suggested I buy some trainers, he got a suitable response along the lines of that horse has bolted!
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Forgot the most important thing -Efes in Akin - 15 lira!!!
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Thats a good price for Efes now, many places put their prices up end of April.
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We recently got back from our first visit to Kalkan this year. We had a very lazy two weeks doing little more than walking around catching up with old friends and sampling the various bars and restaurants. This time we made a deliberate decision to try a few new destinations alongside our old favourites.
The find of the trip was definitely the Atkin restaurant, after years of ignoring it we were persuaded to give it a try by the greeter and had one of the best meals we have ever had in Kalkan. It was so good we came back again the next night, partly to check it wasn't a one off. It wasn't, the food was just as good and we booked it again for the last night of our holiday.
For this I decided to risk trying their fillet steaks, risk because despite following several recommendations for places serving "to die for" steaks, so far I had never had a good steak in Kalkan (yes I am very fussy). Happily I got a very good steak cooked to a perfect medium rare, being picky it wasn't the best steak I have ever had but it was by a long way the best steak I have ever had for around £11 (88TL). Other food highlights were the chicken livers and sea bass both sampled twice and perfectly cooked each time. In addition to serving great food everything is great value, including as noted below Effes/Tuborg at 15TL.
Another new to us restaurant we tried was Yelken. The menu contains a wide mixture of cuisines usually this is a bad sign but everything we tried was very well cooked. For some reason I found myself ordering a Chicken Schnitzel which was excellent. Add in the very nice décor and reasonable prices and this is another restaurant we will be back to in future.
The old favourite restaurants we tried were Small House, Selonica, Kaya and the Blue Marlin. All lived up to our expectations with their usual combination of good food, friendly service and reasonable prices.
One thing that might be alarming for some visitors is that we were told a number of restaurants are boycotting Effes. Apparently the company has tried to strongarm the restaurants into accepting very poor terms for their beer supply this year .
The only restaurant we noticed that wasn't serving Effes was Selonica, although there may have been others as we prefer Tuborg anyway.
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Really enjoying your posts Alibobs, thank you. Sounds like your having a fab holiday. :D
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We too only discovered Akin last year - I agree , a fab find. Yelken is on our to do list this time
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Reader, I did something shocking today......went to town wearing a pair of hubby's socks under my stroppy sandals which are made by crocs ( not the crocs but my daughter says they are as bad)..... it was the only way I was going to be able to walk anywhere and it worked.....when I challenged hubby as to how bad it looked he said 'I am really surprised you are even considering going out like that' which translates as very , very bad!!!
His solution was to buy a pair of trainers in the market but I couldn't bear the thought of trying any shoes on .....so off we went, a mental note made NEVER to be sarky about people's sartorial choices ever again!
Walked through the market which was full of traders but devoid of customers - took us ages to get through as we were the only targets for banter but it was ok. We then headed over to Komurluk/Kisla to find the Castle - heard lots about it last summer......We were made to feel very welcome by Daisy the owner and an excellent coffee - I think it would be well worth a revisit for dinner but by her own admission it's still chilly at night so it may be
a date for future visits.
A wander back via the bakers to grab a sandwich for lunch then an afternoon by the pool.......think we are off to Isos kitchen tonight but we have been very dithery this time so that could change. I'm hoping I might be able to manage without remedial footwear too!
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So Isos kitchen it was ....what a great choice, it was particularly chilly last night so we ate inside where they had a log fire roaring. I had lambs liver, hubby had chicken schnitzel.........we had starters of borek and imam bayaldi and shared the fig and ice cream dessert that seems to be synonymous with the place - all absolutely delicious ......can't believe it's taken us that long to eat here ..ISO's wife had slipped the day before and broken her wrist, she has it in a cast for 6 weeks, such unfortunate timing at the beginning of the season. The waitress in Akin had cut her hand on a beer glass and was bandaged and Kadir at Kaya has hurt his hand again too.....
Today I wandered down to Merkez for a coffee and to watch the world go by...it's really warm but lots of cloud too.......lunch was a picnic by the harbour, a massive sandwich each from the bakers, can of coke and bag of crisps ....all for less than £4.00...... back at the hotel pool now chilling.
I splashed out on some ball of foot cushion things in Gratis which seem to be doing a sterling job......tomorrow I think we are going to walk up to the aquaduct ???? Yildiz 3 booked for Sunday, doesn't the time fly when you are in Kalkan?
th
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Another enjoyable read Alibobs.........it sounds as though you have your blister under control. Time always flies when in Kalkan but I'm really pleased that you have enjoyed some amazing food and hospitality. We always visit Akins and it's good to see that other members have found this gem of a restaurant. Hopefully it won't be too busy when we visit in September (just being selfish as we want to ensure that there is room for us).
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Well yesterday turned out to be a different kind of day.
Last year hubby was at home idly flicking through the 'Friends of Kalkan' page on FB when he saw an unusual name he recognised from work back in the early 00's.....he contacted the person and it turned out to be the same guy. He is an owner here but lives in Bahrain .....he is a British Pakistani who married a Turkish woman ( from Istanbul) who he met at Luton Airport of all places ........anyway long story short, he flew in yesterday for a few days to do some maintenance on the property .He wasn't with his immediate family but his mother in law and sister in law have been here, from Istanbul for 3 weeks and are returning today. He contacted us to arrange to meet , he chose Alternatif but 20 minutes later it had changed, we were invited to the villa......a quick trip to buy a box of chocolates from Anka/Yali and we were away. We had a fab evening, they don't drink so we didn't ( although he said we were welcome to we decided it would be respectful not to) Khalid speaks English, Spanish, Punjabi but not Turkish (his wife teaches English ), his sister in law spoke some English and his mother in law spoke only Turkish. We managed to communicate just fine and they were so welcoming. His sister in law used to work for a company exporting cherries to the UK for M&S and Tesco. She said the M&S buyer used to get a tour of the cherry trees by helicopter so revered was he! The women had cooked up a feast in a couple of hours, soup, bread, stuffed aubergines, salad, beans and pasta ......delicious. The mother in law kept giving me things off her plate which was a bit perturbing but we had a lovely evening. The villa ( which we had seen from the outside last year when we had a nosy around) ) is beautiful, up near Arcelik so amazing views.
We were quite late leaving but opted to walk back into Kalkan and stopped for a glass of wine at Lime Bar.......a couple of very drunk Brits spoilt the ambience , not aggressive but irritating ......we are normally tucked up in bed by then!
And Lime Bar was very pricy - 30 lira a glass. Won't be rushing back.
Today we are meant to be exploring the aquaduct but his nibs says his legs are sore......watch this space......happy Saturday everyone
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Great post.
Just out of interest, what are you paying, on average, for a glass of wine?
pw
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A glass is about 25 - 35 lira , tbh we normally buy it by the bottle in restaurants - cheapest so far Akin @ 60 lira......dearest 90 Baharat I think ........
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So the aquaduct visit was put on hold and we visited the sunbeds instead.......read and played our favourite game of observing our fellow guests which entertained us for a while. The hotel is getting busier by the day but still has plenty of space for all.
Mid afternoon we wandered down to town, hubby called in at the watch shop where they made an adjustment to a watch he bought last year - we will be going back later as the adjustment has sent the damn thing haywire!!!
The on to Fener for a waffle and ice cream and another people watching session ........
Walking back to the hotel it clouded over so we read for a while. Hubby wanted to watch the rugby, the bars were showing footie but the hotel bar came up trumps for him. I joined him in the second half, so did a few Leeds supporters from the hotel but they waited patiently for Saracens to win before it was turned over for them. Quite late by this time and chilly so we headed over to Kaya........it never used to be my place of choice food wise but the menu is much more simple now and the prices are very reasonable- don't know if they will go up this season but chicken shish 34 lira, mixed grill 58 and wine 70....... Error and Kadir their usual selves and looking forward to a good season.
Quick nightcap in the mini bar and back home.
It's my birthday today, the sun has just come up over the mountains and we are off for a day on Yildiz 3 .......not a bad way to spend a birthday , just a same I'm getting so old! Maybe I need a mud bath 😉😉😉😉😉
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Hello, have a great birthday and a pleasant cruise and thanks for your daily blog, we are out in August and can’t wait, T99
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Wishing you a very happy birthday Alibobs........hope that you enjoy a terrific day on Yildiz 3.
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Happy birthday from me too, Alibobs. Enjoying your blog and making me look forward to our next Kalkan visit very shortly.
Pleased you have at last tried Akin. It is one of our favourites. Not just a good dinner there but a great place for a long quiet lunch looking over the harbour. We have quite a few lunch time photos from there.
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So , as always a wonderful day out on Yildiz 3 .....as it was Sunday little Mehmet ( or not so little now) was helping his Mum And Dad.....slightly choppy after we left harbour but soon settled down and enjoyed the day. Eleven on board, always meet such nice people on the trips, fantastic lunch as always .......what's not to like? The temperature has suddenly ramped up too so perfect
A quick turn around back at the hotel, birthday messages going mad on What's app, amazing what a few hours without wi fi does to your in box. As always 'we weren't really hungry after the boat but......' but I decided I'd have a
pide - we would normally just pop to Ata or Oz Adana but as it was my birthday I decided we'd wander down to the new okabasi at the harbour - Ahi.......( where My Bar used to be) .......wasn't expecting too much but my goodness it was delicious........amazing pide, hubby had a spicy Adana.... it was really tasty, a simple menu and they will have a shish when it's busier.....great if you don't want a full meal......saying that we had balloon bread and salad on the house and foolishly ordered chips 😳......they charged 80 for a bottle of Angora. Think my pide was 30 something so you could say it was expensive for pide but I thought it was great value for harbour side side dining.
A wander back through town stopping for a coffee at Merkez........booked a table for the Olive Garden on Wednesday , opening night ........
I've had worse birthdays although it was odd not being with the family .
This morning hubby went off to the gym and I walked to Kalamar ......stopped at the beach club for a coffee as I've done many times.......went to pay and was told 12 lira..... handed over 20 lira, no change forthcoming .....was then told it was 20 lira.......I wasn't happy , I felt ripped off...the waiter who'd told me 12 lira looked sheepish but the cashier guy wasn't budging ........I said my piece and left....
Now back at the ranch ....laying on the sunbed again
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Happy birthday for yesterday Alibobs sounds like the perfect birthday, loving your reports. Tortoiselady hopefully we'll see you soon :D
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Hi Bob and Jayne,
Yes, coming out very soon now. I will p.m. to discover if you will be still there when we arrive. There might be some olive oil coming your way.............
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So the rest of Monday was spent lazing on a sunbed followed by a trip round town trying to find a new cable for my iPad.....the Friends of Kalkan FB page was very helpful, sadly I have an I pad 2 and nothing available. in future my posts may be even more typo riddled as I will be using my phone! I use my I pad for reading as well but will have to pick up an old fashioned book!
Last night we eschewed the mini bar in favour of a drink along Old/Greek st and then dinner at Begonvil , one of my favourite places and some where we always visit. Didn't disappoint, lambs liver again for me, chicken for hubby.Great value food and house wine 70 ....
When we strolled out about 5.30 to look for a cable the town was BUZZING......Migros and Carrefour very busy with new arrivals. Several new arrivals in the hotel too ...Begonvil, Salonika and old st cafe were packed ....8t seemed busier than some of our June nights out. The weather has changed this week too , so sunny and much warmer at night although cardi still required.
Today we are allegedly finally going to ge t to the aquaduct, have my sock/croc combo at the ready. Then dinner at Chillies with hubby's friend , not the in laws.......then I do believe we are painting the town red, well Black&Gold.....its Motown night...
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Hi
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Sorry meant to say. Hi can you tell me where Akin is. Thanks
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If you go down the hill opposite Moonlights and carry on round the bend at the bottom.......Akins is on the right. It is fairly small but provides some welcome shade, great hosts, lovely food and views of the harbour.
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So Tuesday became a bit of a day........
After breakfast we decided to go for the Aquaduct walk. Temperatures have rocketed this week, feels more like our June days so we set off early and stopped at Migros for water. There were a couple of dogs playing outside. When we got to the D400 we noticed one of the dogs was following us.......we are neutral about dogs really , don't love them but would hate to see them come to harm. We accept that in Turkey street dogs are part and parcel of life so we respect that, preferring to donate to KAPSA rather than feed and 'adopt' the dogs while we are here - think that can cause issues .
We turned onto the d 400 and still the dog followed us. We made no eye contact with us and it trotted on behind us. Then it started to trot out into the road, I was so anxious as I thought it was going to cause an accident and not only get itself killed but cause a lorry to swerve into us and get us killed too!!!!
We were umming and ahing about would to do when I stumbled off the verge and fell over........the bloody croc/ sock combo! I fell quite lightly but grazed my leg and arm and then my head against a crash barrier. A little bit of blood goes a long way!!!!
Composed myself and decided to carry on walking......found the entrance we expected opposite the Lavanta turn off........then had a couple of false starts before we found the right path.......set off but eventually had to admit defeat......the path was very overgrown in places, we had shorts on rather than trousers and were getting shredded to bits......plus the damn dog was still following us! So we turned round and headed back......a guy was parked up , hubby told him about our dog issue hoping he'd take it back........he didn't........we managed to cross the D400 and get to Ackitim for a welcome cold drink....Lassie came too and laid down behind me. When we left Hubby asked them to hold on to the dog for 5 minutes but they didn't ( and nor should they really with hindsight) We walked back through town, still being followed and managed to lose him/her by the bakers! What a relief!
We had a much needed swim and chill by the pool........came back to the room to shower and the bathroom was flooded - the 'fixing man' came ( he is the gardener and pool man too!) , he mopped up, tightened a few pipes and said 'tomorrow'......its been OK since though.
Last night met hubby's friend for a great value delicious meal in Chillies - fab Hunkar lamb .....house wine 60 lira - it was full.
Then we headed of to Black and Gold for Motown night - again a full house, we drank wine and efes rather than cocktails - good prices. Nice people next to us, chatted about restaurants, they always eat at the rooftop ones, didn't know about the town ones even though they have been here for years
We wandered home via the Mini Bar and had a coffee.....it was 1 am, no jacket required and town was still so busy! This week is buzzing.....a lazy day today, I have a couple of fine bruises on my arm and bruised fingers but fortunately nothing more.......
Olive Garden opens tonight so we have booked a table, I'll report back.
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Looks like you aware being busy for the two of us , I hope you are ok after your fall . All I can say is I’ve nearly finished my 3rd book 📚
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Lynne, had a chilled day today! A pedicure at Jasmine’s was as exciting as it got so far! We love to walk and explore but only when it’s cooler . Temperatures like these are definitely for sun beds and reading 😉
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I love the food at the Brothers, sadly we won’t have time to get there this trip . We’ve neglected the Kalamar road this time 😉
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So last night we visited Kaya - their mountain trip starts on Saturday, it will be our last day so a good way to spend it....then a drink at the Mini Bar and dinner at the Olive Tree....first night, every table taken.....had a great meal, lovely evening so nice to be up high..... years ago we had a not so good experience there and hubby has never really been a high fan but he said last night he’s converted ! Today we may go to Kas .....there’s a restaurant hubby would like to have lunch in .....its another scorchio and it’s market day here so let’s see
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So Thursday we walked up to the bus station via the market - we play market bingo.....'cheap as chips' , we've got your size' , 'genuine fakes', 'no Primark shite'........we'd got a full house within about 30 seconds......we never buy much but like to have a look, I know some people are put off by the sellers but if you have a bit of banter we've never had a problem.
We ended up at the bus station where a dolmus was waiting so off we went to Kas. Had a wander around , managed to find a replacement cable for my ancient I pad which was a bonus. Wandered around the harbour then went up to a beach club we like, Cinarlar....had a coffee there and watched the sea awhile......another walk about and then to a restaurant we like also called Cinarlar......a lovely pide lunch with a freebie of garlic bread pide first! the last couple of days I've eaten more and more bread, keep telling myself I can eat fresh air up until my son's wedding! Came back to Kalkan about 3.30 and chilled by the pool until after 6 - so, so hot today.
Hubby bought a watch from Oscars last year that has worked like a dream until we came back to Kalkan when it's kept behaving oddly - took it in last week and they looked at it - it's been better but still not right.....went back last night and he replaced it for him - we were really impressed with that, thought we might just get offered a discount on another one .
Dinner last night at Belgin's kitchen - another restaurant we've walked past every time ......it's fab up there - the terrace is in a great spot - you can see the terraces of Mey&meze, gourmet, kalamaki, Lal, old trading house, Smyrna rami, gironda .......I had no idea .......lovely food too, very small menu ......great ottoman seating level where we had coffee and I realised how old I'm getting when I tried to stand up! Wine was 75 a bottle
A nightcap at the Mini Bar where we were 'joined' by someone from the hotel.........a bit tedious but hey.......we escaped and had another one in the hotel bar before bed...
Today I will be buying Turkish Delight for work while hubbies in the gym.....every year I say I. won't buy it last minute but do......then a lazy day, haven't made it to the beach club this year, or sakklikent, or quad biking ( hubby's wish list not mine) .....next time!
As we are out with Kaya boys tomorrow we will have our proper 'last supper ' tonight so expect the sunbed convo today will mainly feature where to go!
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Once again many thanks for sharing your holiday Alibobs.......very much appreciated.
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So it's Sunday and home day ☹️ We are being picked up at 8.35 flight not until 1 something ....the joy of the TC shuttle! We could have got a private transfer later but the TC shuttle is usually ok and usually just the two of us ......famous last words.
Friday night we went to Mussaka , had a good meal but I have forgotten what I had! I'm at that stage when it's all melding into one! It was good, I think we had a more expensive wine but again not sure😳 We have had a couple of pre dinner drinks at Merkez this time, another great people watching and their wine is only 16 for a glass.....hubby says it is a smaller glass than elsewhere but I thought it was the same. Efes 18
We said goodbye to Rami at his kofte place and had a coffee with him.
Yesterday we did the Kaya mountain trip. The first one of the season, it was as good as ever, a lovely bunch of people on board. The area by the pool has been Astro turfed,very posh! Food as good as ever and the usual volleyball and shooting fun.
We came back via the new Bezirgan road - OMG, not officially open but the driver ignored the signs......no crash barriers in place ......it was an incredible view but I couldn't look.
Got back into Kalkan about 6.30, showered and packed......not hungry but hubby wanted his doner fix so we went to Ata - they'd run out!! We stayed there and I had a moussaka, very good.......no wine for me as I had had plenty already, Efes 20
Back to the hotel...... woken up this morning to no electricity. Looks like I'll be arriving home with Crystal Tipps hair!
I will try and do a summary of highs and lows in the next couple of days.
Kalkan is really buzzing this year - such a feeling of optimism everywhere.
I hope we may be back in September ........watch this space
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Thank you for your lovely blog , hope you made it home ok
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So I am sitting at home in not so sunny Surrey writing today's post. Porridge will be today's breakfast of choice, the amazing Oasis buffet breakfast just a memory . Have for most of the washing done but the ironing is today's highlight then back to work tomorrow ...
We had a great transfer back, just the two of us again. Driver was very jolly, he stopped for petrol and got us both a magnum ice cream! 9.15 am! Some may say he was after a big tip but we had a great journey.
The downside was we were at the airport an hour before the check in opened! although we had a TC package we had Easyjet flights. The transfers are always so early, I guess they need time to find missing guests etc and allow for any hiccups. We weren't the first though so chatted to pass the time. Usually use the CIP lounge at Dalaman but after my first visit to the new one I said never again. We holed up in a corner and read until the flight was called. Then a straightforward, on time flight. We'd bought a sandwich from the bakers in Kalkan on Saturday night which was our in flight snack
So .....highlights of the holiday were.........
As always - Yildiz boat trip and Kaya boys mountain trip. The walk to Patara is sort of up there but more as a personal challenge 😂
Food was all top notch but I would rate the new Ahi ockabasi, ISO's kitchen, chillies, akin , Olive Garden and Kaya. Used to find Kaya menu a bit too 'fussy' , too much going on but it has been streamlined and the prices competitive. Always a place in my heart for Begonvil and Cinar too. Pre dinner drinks at the Mini Bar but also had a few at Merkez this time, it remains my favourite place for coffee and you still get Turkish Delight with the the bill .
Lots more dog activity than usual but probably because it was earlier and therefore cooler .
Hopefully we will be back in September with our daughter who has Ben to Turkey but not to Kalkan - watch this space
Thank you for reading , I look forward to reading about other's adventures over the summer
Apologies for the typos and grammar errors - I don't proof read!
Sent from my iPad
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Alibobs, care to expand on why you wouldn't use the new CIP Lounge? (For reference only, of course).
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Chris , If you look at my ‘kakantalya’ post from last year I detailed it there .........I can’t remember all the negatives but there were many .....the old lounge was grim but at least there was plenty of space and comfy seating and it was quiet
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Chris S, used the CIP lounge at Dalaman today. I thought it was an improvement on the old lounge. Comfy seating area overlooking the duty free and also an outdoor area for smokers. Food not bad too, plenty of salad items and some hot food as well. Only drawback is you have to pay extra for alcohol.
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What a joy it's been to read your reports Alibobs and thanks so much for sharing all your adventures. I really admire and actually covet your exercise levels! If it was up to me, I'd lie on a lounger and read and read and read all day long, interspaced with topping up my wine glass! I'm glad really we usually have a hectic social life while we are there otherwise there would be no hope for me!
Hope you manage to make it back in September, I'm sure your daughter will love Kalkan and have a lovely day at your Son's wedding. Hope all goes well and thanks again for a very entertaining read to whet my appetite for our next trip in 18 days. :)
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Thank you so much for posting Alibobs, have really enjoyed reading your holiday reports. :D
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Thanks about CIP info- shame we can't get the KTLN discount voucher anymore!
Suppose we'll have to make our own opinion…
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Alibobs! What a fab holiday report which I have just binge read at stupid o’clock- such an insomniac! Your walking is truly admirable, but I winced at your fall and to be perfectly honest I also winced at your croc/sock combo :laugh:
Thanks for posting and getting me in the mood for our next trip in oooh 9 days time :)
We have not eaten in Atkin but have popped it on our ever growing list for this year. We also love Cinar - it’s so under the radar!
Wishing you and hubby the best day ever as parents of the groom...what a special day! Our youngest gets married in June next year so we will also miss our regular June trip. It will feel strange to be in UK at that time of year.
Hope you get back in September :)
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So......we did book a trip back in September. We were very kindly given the use of our friend's which meant we could swallow the flight prices.....daughter and her bf coming too for their first Kalkan trip . In the meantime for those of you going out over the next few months I wish you safe travels , happy holidays and hopefully I may be able to read some reports to keep me in touch