Tag: Travel

We woke to John Squire’s opening guitar intro to “Love Spreads” (Stone Roses) at exactly ‘oh-eight-hundred’ this morning.

Alarms are not a normal feature of a holiday, so this was because we had to be down at the Taxi rank for 9:10am to be picked up by Mr Baris (his Panama-hat-wearing colleague, tbf) and whisked over to Fethiye harbour.

Like lions led by donkeys, oh, hang on that was pre-election. Led by a non Panama-hat-wearing crew member, we were taken the short walk down a long path to the boat. THE. BOAT. THE BOAT! What a boat!

Remember that boat I took a fancy to on Thursday & in the photo, said I’d captain one day…???? The Grand Baris is a proper swanky, top notch big sailing boat. And it’s one of two that Baris runs.

I WhatsApp’d him on Thursday (that’s how things get done here) & sorted out a booking. “Each person GB 30. 4 stop, no loud music, BBQ lunch. I will pickup and drop back from Ovacik Taksi Rank 9:10am”. Job’s a gud’n, we’re in!

Then, we were taken a long walk across a short plank, onto the back of the boat, (stern? I was certainly assertive) and through the boat to the front pointy bit that you see on Titanic before it sinks. Note to self: I perhaps shouldn’t have said my thoughts out loud as I often do, as it seemed to unsettle a few of the passengers.

Jane & I settled down in our seats that were a quarter boat-length apart. One in the squishy chair in the sun, one with a rigid back, easy access to a vomitory (exit passageway), and a sturdy table that could hold a cold beer at the appropriate height. After we swapped seats it worked well for the whole of the voyage.

Pertinent background. I describe that I get “seasick in a bath”. Through baby to kid to young adult, I have form. Projectile vomiting is another of my panurgic skills. Practice at an early age, through good parenting, I was trained to a point of being able to redecorate a room, if fed brandy & carnation milk. As I matured, (age 1+), I dabbled to further my athleticism. Coach travel, car travel, just travel.

Then, as an early teen, thanks to Mrs & Mrs Bennett’s now infamous Boxing Day parties, I managed to add an artistic twist to my CV, learning that as a 16 year old, mixing chilli & rice, with a 2l bottle of Woodpecker cider and half a bottle of ‘Blue Curaçao’ meant that the then flat roof extension outside of my bedroom window could become a palette of colours, albeit mainly a radioactive green.

Latterly, I ruined a day trip out on the North Pacific for a large group of fellow whale watchers, including the aforementioned Mr & Mrs Colin & Kath Bennett along with Mr & Mrs Arthur & Ann Robinson . The boat left Nanaimo, headed out into what Captain Pugwash described as calm, but I described as tsunami.

We spotted greys breaching & playing & so got closer. They were so close I know the smell of their spout outbreath. It’s not good when krill & prawn is your only input.

Pugwash cut the engines. The boat began bobbing with the waves. It turned side on towards the whales & everyone rushed to that side. I however rushed port side, reconsidering my breakfast choice. Everyone took photos. I saw a Sunfish on my side of the boat. So did Pugwash. I power-washed that Sunfish with the most expensive breakfast I’ve probably ever eaten – steak & eggs. Pugwash missed that and called everyone over to port side to take photographs. “Why is the Sunfish eating carrots, Daddy?” Was the last I heard before being crushed by shame.

So! Two years ago, we did a boat trip & I was fine! I did another today. I was fine. It was bloody brilliant!

We headed out, caught a glimpse of a turtles head in the harbour, and continued out north easterly before arriving at a small, steep-sided cove.

The colour of the water is definitely an upgrade on Sale Water Park, that’s for sure. It’s a very clear Med, with white shale beaches around here. How could I not resist jumping in & snorkelling about with my Go-Pro!

As always for people born pre-1973’ish, entering deep water that hits ‘that blue’ colour evokes an emotion. And a physical response. After I initially unwound from my foetal position, so I had nothing dangling tempting to things with jaws, I relaxed.

Mask & snorkel on, salt-water buoyant, the first interesting thing I filmed on the go pro was my cheap crappy smart watch on my wrist. Flashing, vibrating, emitting many green lights from its underside. I felt its pain, literally for the 5 minutes it took for it to fall on a salty sword. Rest in peace dear 19-day old friend.

The hooter went. Time to return. Onto the boat, freshwater shower to rinse off the salt. Then off we go again!

Next stop, after passing many great views was another cove (2 more to come, so don’t get coved out just yet).

Giddy & more confident folk started practicing their Titanic moves byjumping from the boat from greater & greater heights.

Meanwhile, Jane & I realised an interesting passenger dynamic.

Where we sat, front lower deck, was a group from Wigan (Pemberton & Upper Ince bizarrely, my genetic heritage), Preston & Manchester. On the upper deck where the sunbeds were, and Jane had a dabble, were folk from the south east of our fair land. There was a north/south divide!

After the dip, dinner was served (lunch, for those upstairs). Chicken or fish? We had one of each plus a plate of chips. Really nice food & plenty of it as well.

From this stop we seemed to be heading toward Cape Horn, but suddenly the engines cut. We were all asked to return to our seats. I grabbed 4 life jackets on the way back, just in case.

Then the sails unfurled. I’m not nautical (shocker!), but this was wonderful! Yes, I know the science, but to have such a big boat go from stalled, to decent speed to the point I noticed us riding higher in the water, was an experience. Bravo!

We did stop twice more, and apart from seeing lots of fish, a possible jellyfish sighting (yet to be confirmed via the GoPro), and more jumping in, we had two more hours of good fun.

All good things, etc. We docked, said our goodbyes & were led back to the charabanc for our journey home.

We decided on the way, that we would head to Turtle Restaurant (thank you), and get some chilled-out scran. A Mousaka & Chicken Kebab, and a very entertaining dialogue with our servers later, we meandered back via the corner shop & that’s where you find me now. On’t balcony.

Tomorrow? Yeah, lazy then football. May involve buying some knock-off clothing. Maybe not.

See you tomorrow, you land-lubbers!

x

Well, this is going to be short! We’ve been really, really busy doing absolutely nothing today.

I found myself somewhat reflective today, having been reminded how much I needed this holiday last year.

On 13 July, 2023, I worked my last day at Airangel Limited – a company I co-founded, and it brought to an end 12,761 days without seeing a P45. I’d had 35 years of continuous service for one reason or another.

I can’t say it wasn’t disappointing to not get a call off anyone from work during the final 2 days. It just stopped and then I went on holiday. Very strange ending to a very long career.

Well it’s been a year! After Airangel was wholly purchased by an American business, I was made redundant (on 6 months statutory notice). Somewhat unexpectedly, I was also returned money that I had loaned into the business (at 0% interest). I was then taken on by said ‘Murcans on a consultative basis, through until January of 2024.

For those wondering, yes, I was also a shareholder, so at some points there may be some money coming my way. But also, maybe not. It’s complicated. Either way, it’s not a life changing amount, I’m not retired on financial and age grounds, put it that way.

What the above did mean was that I had the equivalent of 12 months or so, of income, pre-paid.

I’m very thankful of that. It gave me the opportunity to take a bit of time off, but mainly to then have a go at things that I really wanted to without the immediate pressure of replacing that income.

It was obvious to me what I wanted to do and I immediately applied to become a volunteer at the local NHS Trust Hospital – Stepping Hill, Stockport.

I can’t deny that it was an odd feeling going to my first interview since I was 18, even for an unpaid voluntary position. I was delighted when I was asked if I would be a Ward Helper on the Acute Frailty Unit (D4). Given that Dad ran the Path Lab & Mum was a Ward Aid on A14/15 back in the day, then my little Sis’ did a stint there as a Clinical Speech & Language Therapist, it meant I’d “squared that Blue circle”.

I’m still there 2 days a week, 12 months on. I think it’s probably the most rewarding job I’ve ever had. I really do mean it. I love helping the patients and clinical staff. The staff there are all heroes. Oh, and arranging the blue mugs above the red ones on every tea trolley round is a highlight!

I’d decided that after the New Year & my consultancy stint finished, I would start looking for other work, ideally flexible time-wise, so am presently an independent consultant that’s very happy to help businesses improve through Quality & Information Security Management systems and processes.

I also got a qualification in Spectator Safety & applied for a role at the new Co-op Live arena, on the same campus as the Manchester City Stadium. I did get a Fan Services role, but suffice to say, working in an office answering customer complaints wasn’t the most rewarding of days work, whilst it bumped and bathed its way through a very rough opening few weeks.

Thankfully, that role was deemed untenable, by the Co-op, and myself! After a short hiatus, I did a few shifts as a steward, working in the seating area for Eric Clapton/Doobie Brothers, and on the doors at Entrance F a couple of times. It was really good fun, being able to interact with & help fans have a great experience.

After three shifts I was asked to consider the Fan Service Assistant role that I’d expected the first one to be. I said “yes”, and within a couple of shifts we’d got a decent team together of regulars. It’s unfair to pick people out, but Maz (Maria) & Adam are top notch & we get on particularly well! They totally get the service delivery/customer experience bit alongside conflict management & thinking on our feet. It’s a buzz working with them & we keep in touch outside of the shifts, mainly talking work – we are a great team for sure! I’m looking forward to my next shift which is a 7pm-6:30am (yikes!) for a UFC Fight night event. That should be “interesting”!

One thing that’s also been interesting & frustrating is that because I’m ‘panurgic’ (a good Jack-of-all trades) and am able to put a CV together for all sorts of work whether tech, business process engineering or hospitality/customer relationship centric, I’ve applied for lots of roles.

I’m grateful for the companies that have had the good grace to reply, even with rejections. Almost all haven’t even bothered. I would never consider not replying. I’m now on my 4th ‘no reply’ for applications as a Bar tender, as an example. If you hear of anything, bear me in mind!

I’m even genuinely considering becoming a driving instructor, as it would allow me to carry on volunteering and working in the Fan Services role. Who knows what the future holds.

Anyway, all of this contemplation was in part because I’ve been avoiding the sun today. I’ve gone a bit “Jerry the Berry” (standard operation procedure, in my case), and so have been sat in the shade, reading, dozing, wondering if the house is trashed, for a large part of the day. It was about 4pm, before I finally ventured into the sun. I felt almost vampiric!

By six, and a few pool dips later we went & showered and then I fell asleep! Oops.

I was awakened by my cheap-but effective smart watch buzzing with messages from my Fan Services WhatsApp group. Some stuff happened. Some people were kinda happy as they could watch the England final. Then some other stuff happened. Now they have a tough choice to make. The craic in the conversations is superb! What a cracking bunch of nutters I work with!

As we have an early (pre-9am) start tomorrow, we decided to stay local and ‘light’, so we’ve been to Casibe -a shortish walk down the Ataturk Road, for a tapas style meal.

Yet again, food, service & company all fabulous! Steak skewers, Chinese style prawns, smokey meatballs, a proper-tasty babaganoush, croquettes and a feta with sesame & honey dressing. Yum!

One of the fellas spotted I was pointing the microphone end of my phone towards their speaker (Shazam’ing, as I thought the singer sounded like Ruth B.). He gave us the link to the ‘streaming video’ service (YOU know the one), and told us the song, a cover of 1000 Years. Those are the details that make a difference. Great service doesn’t have to cost a penny when you have a great attitude.

Appetite suitably sated, we’ve headed home for a relatively early night, ready for our nautical adventures tomorrow!

See you laters, me hearty shipmates!

x

After finishing yesterdays blog this morning, I scoffed some bread, cheese, ‘meats’ & tomato & washed it down with fresh orange juice, apple tea & a pot of ayran (sour sheep yogurt, water & salt – it’s much better than it sounds, trust me!).

Given our late start today & our plans for this evening, we just spent a few hours around or in the pool, reading, snoozing or listening to music (probably Pet Shop Boys, in Jane’s case).

At around 3:30, we called time and headed up to the apartment for showers & a change into our finest feather. For me that meant a pair of garish checked shorts, a mismatched polo shirt & chilli-dip-splashed light grey Sketchers (they’re comfy, bite me).

We headed down the hill and caught the Dolmus north to Fethiye, this time on a bus with a better safety rail, but no brake pads (the smell as we braked down the hill into Fethiye was impressive).

After about 20 minutes and £1.40 lighter for the two of us, we arrived at the ‘last stop’ in the centre of Fethiye at 5:15pm. A short meandering walk in the sunshine took us down to the harbour where, ahead of our schedule, we called in at Cafe Geniş for a cold drink, before the 6pm Water Taxi over to Çaliş Beach (where we e-scootered to the other day).

We paid up, and headed to the water taxi, which took its usual 20 minutes or so to get to the stop near Çaliş Beach, from where we headed south on the other side of the estuary. We are heading for a ‘wooden jetty that’s 200m north of the Big Boy” or something like that.

Sure enough, at about 6:50 our next water taxi arrived to take us on our complementary ride over to Sovalye Island & the Ada Restaurant for our tea.

Wow! What a place that is – proper fine dining experience! Glad that we’d had a steer to book a Balcony table that is a) an incredible view; and b) no smoking. Also glad that I’d been recommended the grilled squid starter! The place, the view, the service, the food and company were all amazing!

Well, apart from the young couple sat opposite to us that had clearly had a row. She sat, stony faced with her arms crossed for the first half hour, only lightening up to take photos of her fellas head so she could prove to him that he was ‘thinning on top’. Bless ‘em.

We ate well & watched the sun set over the distant mountains and the sea. Pretty much a perfect evening!

The taxi back leaves at quarter to the hour, so at 9:30, we headed down the steps to the jetty to be greeted by a wet dog, who seemed to be commanding the boat!

It was a short 6/7minute trip back to Çaliş, where the dog got off to be welcomed home by his ‘wife’ dog. True apparently.

Then a quick stroll up the promenade back to just about make the 10pm water taxi back to Fethiye Harbour. It was a busy boat back, as to be expected at this time of the evening.

A short walk down the harbour-front to nosey at all the boats at night, many of which make a show of being lit up. Some proper swanky looking things in tonight!

Once in Fethiye, we decided we’d call it a day & so headed back to the apartment via a Dolmus that had brakes and a safety rail. Actually, it seemed to be brand new!

Had a lovely day today, and really relaxing in to this ’just Jane & I’ holiday, although I think Jane is less so, missing both her boys, Toby & Charlie. Me? I’m making the most of it before the Monday nights arrivals!

No idea what we’ll be doing tomorrow, but whatever, we’ll enjoy it! Plans made for Saturday & Sunday though, so all good!

Much love, y’all

x

Today (Thursday) starts with me being “tired and jaded” (slightly hungover). Hence the late post.

Yesterday however, began with a bright and breezy breakfast on the balcony, followed by us heading down to the pool.

It was scorchio! There seemed to be very little wind and as such it was feeling every bit of the 34°C that it was supposed to be. Jane sunbathed. I spent a chunk of time in the pool.

Suddenly, the wind got up & the sun was obscured by cloud. Within minutes, Jane & I were packing the cushions up behind the bar under cover, as dark clouds bubbled furiously over the Babadağ Mountain peak.

We were back on the balcony as the thunder began & we got to watch a first for us here, rain! It was a pathetic imitation of Mancunian rain, lasting for 10 minutes and hardly wetting the tiles.

We spent the rest of the early afternoon chilling out, rinsing our roaming data allowance & wondering whether our house has been trashed yet. The video doorbell snapshots suggest plenty of comings & goings and I suspect some are ducking around the side of Jane’s van, out of vision. Fair play.

Showered & pampered, we then headed down to catch the 23Tl (50p) Dolmus down to Hisaronu. Made me chuckle that the overhead ‘safety grab bar’ was the most dangerous thing on the bus, being entirely detached except for the front.

We got off in the centre of His’ & wandered up past Sports Direkt, Harrools (Harrods), I.idI. (near to Nevv Look), Mark & Spensers, then Footaslyum to Shanghai Blues, a Chinese Restaurant that we’ve been to before. No other choice really given we were going to spend the latter part of the evening watching the Stockport Iniesta show Jude Bellingham how to contribute more than a spawny goal.

The service and food were lovely, although again, we managed to eat more than we really needed to. (Mixed starter platter, lamb with ginger & spring onions, beef & cashews, served with egg fried rice & prawn crackers).

As the table was being cleared, the chap serving us dropped the small bowl of chilli dip, which smashed on the tiled floor and spattered all around in red chilli & oil – his white shirt, Jane & my legs, shoes, shorts, the white table cloth, the white seat covers. Oops. Apologetically, we were handed a few hand wipes to mop ourselves down with.

After paying the bill (cash, as it’s the only place where our Revolut card gets declined, as per last year), we started to head towards Fez Bar, via a few clothes shops. I’m sure we’ll be buying a few things before the holiday is over!

I’d booked us a table via Jo & Serdals Facebook page, so on arrival we were seated in a nice corner with a good view of the big telly. Happy days. Jo had suggested we’d be ok for 9pm but slightly earlier would be better. As such we got in for 8:15pm – better early than late!

As the match drew closer, the background music stopped, and the pre-match playlist was put on loud, so rather than having to listen to Andy Gray & Richard Keys (ars*hole), instead we, the pub patrons sang to:

• Three Lions (Football’s coming home);
• Vindaloo; then
• Sweet Caroline

Sadly this did mean we had 5 minutes of the joy of the BEIN panel where Ronald De Boor made Glen Hoddle look like a Poundland Glen Hoddle & Jason Macateer did his best Poundland Jamie Carragher impression.

Just before KO, I got a FB Message from Fez Bar “ Hi Chris, are you coming? Ok if not.”. I replied with a photo of our view, Jane drinking her very large & very nice Strawberry Daiquiri. I saw Jo check her phone & burst out laughing. She came over to apologise, having not clocked us. It gave them a table back that had been reserved for us, that got filled immediately!

Then the match. Great first half. Mainoo & Phil (Stockport Iniesta) Foden doing Stockport proud! Bellingham being ‘continental’ by being tapped and making a meal of it, and Harry Kane doing his best David Blaine impression (a long time in the box doing nothing). Apart from scoring a penner with his “foot’s hanging off, he definitely caught me!” (according to his post-match interview).

Second half tense. Holland (it’s Holland isn’t it, if you’re of a certain age), had neutralised our threat. At 60mins it was crying out for Kane to get hooked and bring Palmer on, but Gareth had than on his spreadsheet for 98th minute, so we endured some more.

Finally! Substitutions! Kane & Bellingham surely? Oh, I forgot about the ‘Bellingham Clause’, so the best player on the pitch in the first half got subbed instead.

Gareth is a genius! Last gasp winner from Ollie Substitute! Fez Bar went wilder than it had been throughout most of the evening! Fireworks being swung around in the street by the bar staff, clapping, singing, hugging, dancing and drinking – lots of drinking!

We’ve booked the same table for Sunday. I’ll wash and wear the same clothes.

We finally got the dolmus back to upper Ovacik, and headed home, getting in at around 1:15am, way past our bedtime, and why today’s diatribe arrives at this time.

It’s coming home…

x

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.