Annoyingly, I couldn’t turn my head off last night, for the first time in a while. Not sure why, and the whirring mind was all positive stuff, unlike the previous few years. But it did mean I watched the sun come up from behind Babadağ mountain before falling asleep, so that’s a plus.
When I did finally wake up, Jane was downstairs on the balcony having breakfast. Bread, cheese, “ham” and tomatoes, with a cafetière of coffee (Colombian, not Turkish for now – maybe later), for me.
Then, a stroll down the hill and the 20 minute Dolmus (bus) ride into Fethiye.
Off at the final terminal, we then wandered down through the old town, past the spice stores, through the fish market and then narrowly swerving the very friendly chap looking to flog us some perfume (“English always in a rush”, apparently) and on to towards the harbour.
Having had a little glance in to a cafe that we’d been recommended, to spy out for later, we stopped and sat in the shade for a moment. Next to an e-scooter parking bay.
Needless to say, I downloaded the app, set up an account and then signed two scooters out on a group ride (I pay & am liable for both).
I began explaining to Jane how you “push off with a foot, then press the ‘accelerator’ thumb button whilst…”
I never got to the “covering the brake with your left hand” part. She shot off and, out of control headed for the nearest boats. Thankfully, intuition (& fear) kicked in and she regained her composure and her e-scooter.
We then had a fabulous half hour, riding the harbour side bike path, the 6.6km all the way to Çaliş Beach. It was great fun but not without its moments.
‘Half-Throttle h’Airey” seemed intent at stringing this out despite me repeatedly reminding her that we get charged by the minute. “Time is money”, but not for Jane – “half speed and a bend means a visit to the bushes”. She was fine, and it entertained the lady on the e-bike behind us (dog in front basket, obviously).
For me, it was a more chagrin experience, as the clutch began slipping, the motor overloaded and a “weight overload” message came on as I tried to ascend to slight rise over a footbridge.
After rolling down the other side, it seemed to recover, although never seemed as keen to shift forward afterwards. I won’t be using XC9VX again, it seems, and it’s unlikely anyone else will for a while.
We dropped the scoots off near where the pubic water taxi leaves for Fethiye, stopped the group ride on the app, took the required photo to prove we were responsible in our choice of parking and then went for a stroll.
A very hot stroll down the ‘prom’. Definitely a lot warmer down here at beach level, in my opinion. After mooching the beachfront for half an hour, we stopped for a snack and a beer at Nil Bar.
As I checked my phone to see what time it is, I noticed a timer running. About an hour. Bugger! Seems when you ‘end a group ride’ you still have to stop both scooter rentals individually. And to do so, you need to take a photo. As Jane ordered for both of us, I ‘jogged’ back to the bikes and confirmed the ride end, for both bikes.
We paid 30 minutes more than we needed to. Even so, both rentals cost us £8 & £5 respectively, which was still value for the laughs & fresh air. Highly recommend having a go!
After an ‘all in’ omelette for me & jacket spud with bacon & cheese for Jane, we “Hesap, Lűtfen’d”, paid the bill and meandered back the long way to the water taxi.
“The long way” means we sussed out where the water taxi leaves from when it heads to Sovalye Island. More of that later in the week.
The water taxi is about a half hour trip across the bay back to where we nabbed the scooters from, so was perfect – cool breeze, nice views & 200Tl (about a fiver) for both of us.
From there we meandered back into the old town, and on to Büyükev Kitchen & Bar (remember the cheeky cats from previous years? Still here.).
I had to slake my e-scooter inspired thirst by ordering a Maß (glass version of a 1L stoneware Stein) of Bomonti Filtresiz (unfiltered, fyi) and we both sat & watched the world go by for 3/4 of an hour or so. That and an episode of Netflix Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders that they were showing on the big screen (allegedly).
From there, we headed the short walk back to The Mulberry Tree cafe for our tea. We weren’t that hungry, and knowing what we’re having for tea on Thursday, budget played a part. That said, wow! Brilliantly simple but top notch scran & service.
Jane had the lentil soup (hence she’ll be sleeping on the balcony tonight), whereas I had garlic creamy mushrooms (plate licked clean), served with the complimentary side salad, balloon bread, and some of the finest pickled cabbage I’ve ever had! Both of us had also ordered the Pide (“Pee Day”), which is hard not to describe as a Turkish version of a pizza. Perfect for our needs! It’s part owned by a lovely English lady, who also served us an apple tea (Jane), and Turkish tea (me), both of which were also spot on.
The ‘Hesap’ was daft value, so we did tip heavily to push the bill to just over £30 total, including drinks. We’d estimated what we would expect to pay, and so payed that, rather than what the bill said, which seemed a fairer approach!
Then, a stroll back to the bus stop and the Dolmus back to ‘Upper Ovacik”. A tired and slow walk back up the hill & a collapse on the balcony. We were both hot & sweaty and as such, tired.
After a quick FB messenger exchange with Jo & Serdal, tomorrow nights hosts have put a table aside in front of their big screen for tomorrow’s “entertainment”, down at the newly restyled & re-opened Fez Bar, in Hisaronu.
So that’s tomorrow and Thursday sorted. Both late nights (for us) so I have no intention of taking up the reins & nipping to the corner shop for bread, Ayran etc.
Until tomorrow. Peace & love, all.