Month: July 2024

So I managed to stay awake as it turned out. The Lads got back at about 1:15am, Lurchio with a bag of clothes shopping in hand.

Not sure how, but they did make the last cable car up the Babadağ Teleferik, although they only got to 1800m as the chair lifts were closed. Apparently they really enjoyed it!

From there they headed back into Hisaronu and had a wander up and down the strip. Not sure where they ate, but I did get sent a photo of a big hanging naan bread via one of the parents. I think there’s an Indian restaurant in Hisaronu. We’re guessing that, although I think I heard one say “famous Bradford Chef” if that helps anyone identify it!

I then got asked a load of questions about how to get to Saklikent Gorge, as they had decided to go white water ‘rafting’ like Charlie & I did last year.

“Bus from here at no later than 10am, to Fethiye. Then drop back 10 yards and get the bus with Saklikent on the front. It’ll take about an hour to get there. Only get off at the big stop at the end, and not the stop before.”

“Nice one! We’ll do that tomorrow then!” They wanted “watersports” on their last day.

I then went to bed. Still no sign of Simon & Ann-Marie from downstairs. I wondered if this was down to the Microsoft/Crowdstrike issue & its knock on effect to airlines & airports.

After eating breakfast, we began tidying & packing. Nothing major, but more of a ‘pre’. Midday came and went. Silence from the Lads rooms. Saklikent had been binned off, it seemed?

Our neighbours had arrived overnight. We met briefly balcony to balcony & introduced ourselves. Muzzy was also around, who we’ve not really seen this year & we said a quick hello.

Next thing, all of the lads appeared at about 12:30pm. “Can we still make it?”. If they hustle and get out the door & get good luck in connections they could be there by 2pm. So “yes”! They hustled!

It did mean we got a bit of time to compromise their personal space & mop & sweep the floors and their balcony. I did a bit of tidying up, but nothing ‘intrusive’. Not least because they should be doing this themselves when they get back.

After that, we prepped for heading to the pool for a dip.

Simon, Ann-Marie & their posse were all down there, but they spotted us and shouted up to come down & join them.

We finished up on a quick tidy & headed down. Simon & Muzzy were behind the bar. I’m not going to go into detail, but:

• Simon and I are like brothers from another mother, when it comes to work, career & businesses being sold

• He serves a good beer & is a great host
• They are all so easy to get on with. Cracking folk!
• I never got in the pool, but we did sup a fair few beers to the point we were both late getting ready to go out for tea!

Eventually we stopped laughing & went our separate ways!

Jane & I got ready and I gave Suat the heads up that we were heading his way for our now-traditional “last night” meal at Shiraz.

I’d yet to have a steak, so my choice wasn’t a choice, it was a necessity! After my obligatory Creamy Garlic Mushroom starter (and Jane’s Fishcake) the mains were served. Jane had the Sea Bass special (“Grilled filleted sea bass topped with tomato sauce, garlic & herbs, served with baked potatoes and vegetables”).

I had the Megasaurus T-Bone, served with mushrooms, onions, fried egg and handcut chips. The T-bone filled the plate to the point where the accompaniments were stacked on top to fit on! It was a monster & very good quality beef!

We settled up, paid our bill & said our goodbyes for this year, reiterating that when he’s next over to Greater Manchester to let us know and we could all try and meet up.

Our last stop at Urjans to pick up a few beers to ensure we left as many as we had arrived to, but also a few ciders for Simon, to replace some of what I’d drunk earlier, and a few more as a thanks for the really nice welcome!

By the time we got back to the apartment, we’d had two updates from the Lads. The first, from a while earlier said, they were in Fethiye and had been waiting ages for the Saklikent bus. The second said they were on the bus, but there was no aircon & they were boiling. No further info.

I was so hot, I ended up going down to the pool taking Simon’s cider offering & hiding it in the pool fridge.

I also ended up going in the pool for a cool down & took a tinny with me. I lay there, supping a cold beer in a cool pool at night. Almost perfect! So it came as little surprise that at around 10:22 I saw a manned spacecraft steadily shine its way across the sky from the South West to the North East, as the International Space Station (ISS) spiralled its way around the globe.

When I got back upstairs, I tried to write the blog, but the “meat sweats” took hold of me and all I could do was sit there & carry on looking at the sky!

Things I saw in the sky last night:

• Bats,
• Spaceships (manned & unmanned),
• shooting stars (why do they always seem to be in peripheral vision though, b*stards!),
• a moon (ours, full),
• a planet (just – Saturn was hard work & was a faint dot),
• a star or two (Vega, Arcturus, Altair, Deneb); and
• a few million other galaxies, probably!

I was just about to go to bed, but then the Lads arrived back. They made it to Saklikent & had really enjoyed the rafting! Turns out they then headed back to Fethiye and went on another e-Scooter adventure to Çaliş, where they ate.

I reminded them of their cleaning duties, and the early start. There was a vague acknowledgement and a statement that they had decided just to stay up all night. This didn’t bode well. I however did go to bed, after setting my alarm for 7:40am (5:40am BST).

When the alarm went off, Jane (mainly) and I began the washing of bedding and remaining towels, ours first. A cafetière of coffee, some fruit juice and on with more cleaning (and the 10 minutes it took me to pack).

I shouted the lads at 8:30, given the taxi to the airport was likely to arrive around 9:45am & we needed their bedding in as the second wash. The response was muted, but to be fair the bedding did start appearing outside of bedroom doors and the dustpan & brush disappeared into one of the rooms at least!

We just about managed to get all the washing done & hung up on the drying maidens (albeit one half of one did break under the strain of a heavy load).

Taxi Guy arrived at bang on 9:45am & Ozgur Essers forever reliable ‘Blue Lagoon’ service hit the mark once again. They loaded up the luggage, whilst Jane & I did a final sweep of the apartment, and, happy with what we saw, we joined the lads in the Merc Vito & set off on the 65 minute transfer to Dalaman.

During that 65 minutes, I asked them if they would consider going away again as a four. Yes, was a very solid answer. What was the best bit? The e-Scooters although one lad did confess to having an “off”, proudly showing off his large plaster covering a graze to the elbow!After those answers though, they all just fell asleep until we got to the Airport.

It was a slow but steady process of queuing through initial security, Bag drop, Passport control, and second full security scan, before finally getting into the terminal.

Dalaman has a well-deserved reputation for being expensive. As an example, for a Burger King Whopper meal, it was €20 (£16.85)…ouch. It was Subway that got my dosh.

A late change of gate, a long walk and then more queueing before we got on the bus to the Aircraft. We lost track of the lads who had been way behind us (and almost the last through the Gate Check-in) from the bus onwards but we were confident they go on the same. EasyJet A320 that we had!

Nothing to report on the flight, other than a slightly delayed depart meant the same at the other end, where we met up with the Lads again to go through passport control & collect our luggage, before the Taxi home.

Once again, we’ve loved it in Ovacik & its surrounding areas. The low-level gamble paid off as well & we can hand-on-heart say that the Lads have been no trouble, have been respectful & considerate to all & we really enjoyed seeing them have a great time together.

I’m signing off now, because we are desperate to go collect our doggo Toby from Anthony & Sarah across the road. He’ll have put on weight I suspect as he has a habit of hoovering up any cat food that’s out!

Thank you for the read. Well done – you should get a badge for completing this, but I don’t have any!

Until next time (maybe), much love & best wishes to you all!

x

Sex bomb, sex bomb! You’re my sex bomb. That was the tune we had breakfast to this morning. The nearby hotel banging out the choons from mid morning. We’re assuming it was an aqua-aerobics pool class, but who knows. Anyway, we whoop, whooped, Gangnam Style through our scran. I was knackered just doing that.

One thing we’ve not mentioned is that Jane & I have an announcement! We’ve had a baby! Whilst on holiday…I know…we’re proud as punch! Didn’t want to let on until we knew all was ok.

Gender reveal…It’s a chick! ????????

Mam & Dad have been flitting to and from a nest that’s on one of the Lads bathroom windows. Sadly, a couple of eggs didn’t hatch, with one remaining outside of the nest on the window ledge. But so far, this young one seems to be doing ok.

We’ll be careful around that end of the balconies & will keep that window shut from here on in.

Last night, just after we’d gone to bed, the Lads arrived home. Jane got up & said hello. I heard the convo so that was enough for me.

Turns out they braved the Dolmus (I’m chuffed they gave it a go) & went to Fethiye. Being enormously independent they did their own thing. They walked down to Cafe Geniş & the harbour front & hired e-scooters. We heard upbeat tales of how much they enjoyed it, even though they did get shouted at on a few occasions for their speed-overtakes after drafting slower scooterists.

They got to a park and felt going to Çaliş Beach was a bit far, like Jane & I did. They turned back, dropped the scooters off & got a taksi instead, realising they were only about 5 minutes from the Beach when they turned around.

Having had a good look around and topped up Lurchios festering sunburn, they decided to eat. At the place we had been to & mentioned to then (Nil Cafe). They listen! They don’t want you to know they listen! But they bloody-well do!

Now confident on their geography they scooted back on “better scoots”. They clearly didn’t hire that thing I junked & burned the clutch out on!

They taksi’d it back – for 4, there’s little in the total fare, so all good, but still glad they pushed their confidence levels by giving the bus a go.

Anyway, that was yesterday. What about today?

By midday, the only sign of life from the Lads rooms was the very occasional slamming of doors. One day, they will twig that leaving doors open when we have the breeze running through the house isn’t the best of ideas.

By 1pm the only change was that I think the Lads were by now trolling us with door slams. “Advisory Words” will be had when we first see them!

As it turns out, I figured out what was happening,’ when I closed the patio door to the drying area, a door to one of the lads bedrooms opened. Then shut suddenly. Slam! One lads beds meant his head was very near the door. How on earth he’s sleeping through that I had no idea?! His mum does though – she messaged us something along the lines of ‘catatonic when sleeping’.

I’ve since advised them that once closed, a little pressure push on the door and it clicks shut, never to swing open. I’ve also asked them to leave the bathroom window closed, so that our new arrival and its parents can carry on making sure it grows up.

We went down to the pool (it’s really hot again today) & I made a couple of little adjustments to yesterday’s DIY. Happy with work done, just wish Lurchio had brought the other bits that would finish it off.

Anyroad. It’s done, it’s engineered, and the flag is now likely to perish first. The rest should still be there at the Apocalypse.

The pool is in now still a cooling & refreshing dip, but is noticeably warmer than when we arrived, unsurprisingly.

Pool guy was tied up, helping a fella sort out some electrical issue with one of the other apartments (water, electricity, all good), so I did a bit of a sweep up – there had been another strong wind overnight & there’s a lot of thin long pine needle-y things about. I loved it! It hit my compulsively obsessive OCD sweet spot & the place was spotless & I was so chilled. (And hot & sweaty).

Most of you reading this, both of you, know me well enough to know that I’m a person that is ‘safer to himself’ when busy. Give me some boredom & there’s a significant risk my head will come up with something ridiculous that becomes an obsession.

Like cycling. I’ve ’done’ cycling (mountain biking, road, velodrome – see elsewhere on this site). Restoring vehicles? Done a classic car, done a classic scooter. Brewing? Yup. Now got a pub and brewery in the back garden (tbf, this one isn’t going away anytime soon, though there has been a work-based hiatus).

Where was I? Oh. Pool guy. Pool area clean. So I had a quick dip, a quick sunbathe to dry out & then applied sunscreen. In a very methodical, OCD manner. X number of ‘squirts’ per body part, in sequential order, top to toes.

As I was doing this and Jane lay there, head in her hands as she was reminded I’m her life partner, whether she likes it or not, the Lads appeared! (3pm’ish). Well, three did. Unsurprisingly, “door head” from earlier, was knackered & had a “lie in” (= anything beyond 2:30pm), whilst the others where here at the crack of mid-afternoon.

One of the lads, who has spent a lot of the time in the pool underwater (his choice) with either goggles or a snorkel on, started to do underwater lengths. One, then two in a row. Confidence building & egged on by Lurchio betting he could do 3, went straight to 4. Nice work!

I lay there and (having been facing away, so didn’t see them) casually asked was it lengthways or widthways?

Jane spoke up. “Here comes ‘Competitive Dad’!” she exclaimed!

I started to explain why that was not the case because it would be unfair. I have big lungs. I’m built for this.

Jane conceded. She agreed. “True. You have the physique of an Elephant Seal, which gives you an unfair advantage”.

I changed subject, whilst crying inside, knowing that apart from the whiskers, she was pretty much bob on.

Eventually, we all ended up heading back to the apartment in dribs & drabs. Showered and refreshed, I decided I’d put my new, designer ‘Terry Fillhugger’ tee shirt on & up my game tonight, given Jane & I had decided to hit the bright lights of Fethi Beys resting place (bless him – Google him – it’s worth a read).

Meanwhile one of the Lads was stood over the stove, and made & served koftas with tomatoes on bread again. It smelled lovely & made me hungry!

So we set off down the hill and apart from Jane nearly getting knocked over by some nob on a Scooter, we hit the Dolmus! Except we didn’t! 35 minutes, two that just passed whilst we waved (so assuming full) & in the late sun, hot as hell. We got a taxi.

Setting off from the taksi office, our driver waited to cross the carriageway and so we set off a car length in front of the next Dolmus. Inevitably.

Dropped off in Fethiye, we headed straight back to The Mulberry Tree. The Pide that Jane had the other night & service alone warranted a return!

This time we knew though (portion sizes! Big!). Jane skipped a starter, but I couldn’t resist those creamy garlic fungi of delight! So they brought a double portion & topped up with Balloon bread.

There was a slightly incongruous moment, when our starter plates were suddenly removed, and replaced by steak knives & I just rescued the last of the mushrooms.

It quickly became obvious it was because our Lamb Chops were ready (we both ordered the same). Fine. Happy with that. They were fabulous! Served with rice, peppers, tomatoes, & salad that had a sweetish dressing over it.

We finished off with an apple tea, paid up, tipped heavily as it was really good value & headed for a mooch around Fethiye on a Saturday eve. It’s busy!

After a mooch, mainly uneventful as Half-Throttle Airey has retired from E-scooters, I’ve been informed, we headed back and got the Dolmus back to Ovacik.

Our usual nip into Ovacik Market shop, and a usual “it’s heavy! I will deliver” run up the hill with our goods on the scooter (a nice, fresh Honda PCX 12, of which there are loads about!).

Jane I & lost that race as usual & saw Urjan pass us and flash his lights on the way down.

Given that it’s the last night that the Lads can be out ‘late’, and because the couple that own the apartment below are about to arrive (they also then move in as we leave), I’m going to try & stay up. Which means 5 minutes after posting this, I’ll be asleep on the balcony & donating more precious AB- blood to the mozzies!

Over and out for today! Much love to you nutters that read this!

x

Moments after I posted last nights update, the Lads arrived back. I couldn’t be arsed rewriting last nights ending to be honest, so ignored that ‘til this morning.

When I say this morning, as quiet as they seem to be being, we had another hot wind-storm last night, so I was awakened occasionally by the wind, and occasionally by an accidentally ‘left open’ door. I’ll have a word that’s quieter than the slam at some point. Both of the above ceased at around 5:30am when the wind died down & we heard (rather smelled) someone making toast. As of this point, no one has fessed up to that, not that they need to.

We got up “early” (9am’ish) so that we could be presentable when arriving down the hill at a place we loved last year – Narlı bahçe pomegranate Garden – Ölüdeniz En İyi Köy Kahvaltısı – Hisarönü Ovacık En İyi Kahvaltı – Ev Yapımı Ürünler

We think the fella running it with the whole of his family is Ramsey. He should be very proud. Of what they run, but also of his family around, they’re all lovely. Please visit, if you get close. It’s not just the amazing traditional breakfasts, but evening meals & a special Turkish evening on certain evenings.

Just like last year, our table for 4 (“dust”), seating two (“icky”) was filled with food at a steady rate!

Lots of things that you may feel push a typical English breakfast, but try everything! Worst? It’s not your thing. Best? Like we keep finding, we taste something amazing!

Eventually we’d eaten as much as we could, so finished off with a wonderful pomegranate tea. It’s like hot Vimpto. Not alcoholic, or sour, like one I’ve heard a hobbyist homebrewer and celebrity podcaster extraordinaire once brewed as a collaboration, but it was darn good.

We paid up (£25 for two, so great value), said our heartfelt goodbyes & pressed the ‘taxi call’ radio button. About 5 minutes later if that, the yellow cab turned up & we asked him to take us to Shanghai Blues in Hisaronu. Not because we were already hungry, but because it’s near a nice clothes shop (will come back to this) and the worlds nicest shop owners. Potentially.

Annoyingly, we can’t remember the name of the shop, but it’s on the Hidden Gem side of the road up from Location, that’s on the right. Not the one with the big front & pricing in GBP, the narrower one 2 doors down.

They are lovely. Loads of nice trinkety stuff at good prices, purchases well wrapped for transport & took time to help us learn a bit more Turkish!

I said my “Alash maladuuk” (my noted phonetic version) and they responded with “Güle, güle, [güle!]” I then responded with “Aaaaha! I love you. I’m prayin’ I’ll stay in [your] heart for evermore.” Seems that was an unexpected response.

After which, pumped by my linguistic mastery (or maybe today’s blood pressure tablet, were they really the same?), we headed to Location, a clothes shop. I had spent 3 recces and silently picked my 4 for £30 teeshirts. I’m that good.

We headed in, I took command & first asked if they could “accommodate my frame”. “Yes, the massive ones at the bottom of each stack”, was the reply. Good.

I picked the 4 shirts I’d spied out. Jane then took control and told the fella the colours that I “meant to choose”. It worked really well. I got 4 cheap but high quality teeshirts and Jane got what she wanted as well. Ant that folks, is why I’ve officially been with Jane since January 6th, 1984 & love her more now than I did the day before. I just won’t tell which day that was.

Only one choice for Jane and I after that. And to prove the above, it was Jane’s suggestion. Fez Bar. It’s so hot! Really important to stay hydrated!

We got back after a couple of Tuborgs and a quick stop at Urjans shop for a few bits. Bog roll, in particular. We also got back to excessive-for-them movement and conversation. They were heading out to Fethiye. It was mid-afternoon at best. But they went. Good on them.

Lurchio asked if he could have some socks washed as he’d only brought a couple of pairs. Jane packed 7 for him. Jane generously opened up the wash/dry service to others. There were takers.

We went to the pool & I carried out a few tweaks to the Garsi Pool Bar.

Flag sorted. Beer engines positioned but not affixed, bluetooth connection just missing a lead, and (if we return, hint, hint) I’m thinking under-counter, beat-based, phone-controlled, colour changing LEDs. But that’s me. I’d best have a word with the owners first! ????

Already thinking about Monday home and reverse engineering tasks & times. Ugh!

I’m also wonder if the lads now wish they’d come for a couple of weeks, especially after through no fault of their own they missed a day. That said, it’d be lovely for Jane to get a single smile or sense of appreciation from Lurchio. It is different for him, we know, as his parents are still here with him. But we have tried to be super-low profile.

We only left the pool at after 7pm. No point going out & couldn’t be bothered so we ordered in a takeaway from Badem via WhatsApp. It arrived quickly, and was well insulated so still hot & not steamed.

I had a Turkish lamb & beef casserole with my usual creamy mushroom choice. Jane had hummus & a Pide. All really good and decent value as well.

And that’s where we are! Balcony. Writing. And about to go to bed, knackered because of the heat. But that’s fine.

Much love.

x

Last night ended for me once the gas stove was turned off and their late night meal of lamb koftas, with tomatoes was being plated up.

To be fair, the Lad cooking runs a restaurant & is big into food. In fact I’d go as far as to say that their lamb chops are some of the nicest I’ve ever had. Tonight’s koftas did smell lovely.

Whilst I sat on the balcony eating breakfast, I marvelled at the silence. Not a sign of movement from anyone at all in the house. This was at 11:40am as well! Seems like the house is on a quiet one today!

I did think about tidying the kitchen, but then decided that wasn’t my mess. And there are 6 ‘dishwashers’ in the house now, not two of course!

It’s been another hot one with temperatures somewhere around 37/38°C today, and getting even higher through until Sunday.

As it turned out, we all had a quiet day because of how hot it was, and for the lads because of what time they went to bed (circa 3am, we think). The first lad finally surfaced at about 2:40pm to get some water & then go back to bed. The rest slowly emerged over the afternoon.

Two of the lads were explaining to Jane that the aircon in their room had broken and stopped working during the evening. I immediately worried that they may not have followed my advice to only have the aircon on when all doors and windows are shut & they are in the room.

Apparently after it stopped, it got so hot they spent the night with the windows and doors open sweating like a sweaty thing.

Jane & I went and checked. One of the lads had turned it on heat mode, but thankfully the thermostat was set low, so it basically did nothing. Easy, if somewhat embarrassing fix. All good, bless ‘em!

By the time I’d showered and got ready to go out, there was only Jane in the house! They’d headed off down into OluDeniz to ‘do a beach club’. Paradise, Billy’s Beach, Seahorse. That sort of thing, then go karting.

We were likely going to end up in Olu as well, having decided that given the heat, we should head 1960 meters upwards into cooler air. Thankfully & coincidentally the very top of Babadağ Mountain is 1960m above sea level.

For a tenner a head roughly (and a 60p Dolmus), we bought tickets up the Teleferik (Cable Car). This was after chancing life & limb crossing the road opposite the ticket office – it really is a dangerous place to cross!

The first 2 stages are in alpine style fully enclosed cable car cabin. Up the steep first section, past the concert venue at 1200m, and on to 1700m, when you leave the cabin & can watch the crazy folk run and jump off the mountain strapped to big aerofoils. To be fair, I’d have a go, but suspect I’d need onto shed some ‘timber’ first! Short flights are not an option.

From there we decided it made sense to heat right to the top and mooch on the way down.

So a nip across to the next cable ride. This is a chair lift. Familiar to anyone who’s been skiing. 2 seats, you flop into them as they swing round towards the back of your knees (or in Jane’s case arse cheeks). Then, you pull the little tail down from over your head & rest your feet on the attached foot bar (or in Jane’s case, just dangle flip flops with curled toes).

This one takes you up to the relatively newly upgraded 1800m Station. There’s a terrace, cafe & another launch pad for nutjobs.

Then there’s the final & pretty long chair lift up to the summit. We were stopped before we could get on though. “Sorry, you must be under 50 to go up. How old are you?”.

I’m so glad that Jane and I are 49.999 years old. I know I look like I could peg out at any time, but I’d convinced him I was an athlete. Jockey Wilson, I said.

We got on and as we lowered the leg/arm/safety bar, I pointed out to Jane that I was surprised how may of the ‘fallen chairs’ they had lined up just where we ‘lifted off’.

To be fair to Jane, it’s actually very high, the mountain does look like it’s made of shale & very unstable and the last cable route is steep, high above what little ground there is, as you follow the saw-edge ridge up to the summit. It’s quite a climb! I felt very ‘Edmund Hillary’. Jane just seemed to be Tenzing, looking at her grip on the bars. (“I’ll get me coat”).

It’s brilliant up there in good weather! There’s another launch pad for the seriously deranged! I presume that’s why there’s an Air Ambulance helipad just across from it.

There’s also a cafe up here in the ‘death zone’ (it’s maybe not that high) along with another really well set up series of viewing areas and a big white pole that seems to have lots it’s top half recently, as we saw it battered & bruised on the way up.

Stunning 360 views, out to Antalya, across to Fethiye (we could see where the Apartment is in upper Ovacik and down (very quickly down!) to Olu Deniz beach where the paragliders all land. Most land.

We took loads of photos & took in the view, although not as much as the couple who were sat cross-legged aligning their chakra, I presume.

We then headed down, which I think is even more spectacular, as your pointing seaward and looking down the mountain all the way. Jane was very brave.

Although we stopped and took a look from each of the Stations on the way down, to be honest, those from the very top spoilt us!

It was on the way down that Jane got a suitably short update from Lurchio. “The road was so busy, the taxi driver kicked us out just into Olu so we’re at the public beach”. Ay, well.

We headed all the way down and once again took our lives into our own hands to cross the road before getting the Dolmus the short way down into Olu Deniz & the beach front.

Jane had a plan. I just followed, occasionally reminding her that she needed to keep looking up as she was walking down the beachfront strip where the paragliders land.

She took me to Buzz Beach Bar, and we sat upstairs, looking out over the sea. Very nice. Stuffed mushrooms (I’m addicted to mushrooms, it seems), fish cakes which were seafood cakes really – no ‘potato packing out in those beasties!

I had a mixed kebab & Jane had a prawn & avocado salad. Food was good. Still think Turtle Bar in Ovacik made a better version of what I had though, being picky.

Olu is dearer generally than Ovacik & Fethiye, in our experience, with Hisaronu somewhere between. Literally.

We took a quick stroll around OluDeniz before heading home. We’ve an early start for breakfast tomorrow! Can’t wait!

The least update we had gave very little info, so we don’t know whether they went go-karting as planned, but they seem to be back on Hisaronu Strip tonight. Maybe even more shopping being done to top up last nights. At least that’s what Lurchio seemed to have done, showing off his Tom & Jerry teeshirt this morning!?

We’re off to bed. The lads’ll be fine & we’ll have half an ear out for them getting back. Most likely hear them fire the cooker up again as well! I did notice there’s another pack of Kofta in the fridge!

Night all! See you tomorrow for some Pomegranite tea!

x

Finally! They arrived, and as I said yesterday, immediately ate lots of fridge, drank lots of fridge and then ordered a pizza. And then went to the corner shop to buy more fridge. Then they ate more fridge and from what I can tell eventually went to bed.

It’s the end of the day. So I can now say this with a good level of confidence. The Lads are decent. I may well be jokey about them from here on in, but hand on heart, they’ve been a pleasure. Detail to follow.

So, more chronologically, Jane & I got up. Went downstairs to silence. Opened up the doors (airflow from balcony out over the drying racks).

Jane headed down to buy us all some fresh bread.

I was ready to carry out a few small tasks that I had in mind. I have a plan to add a Bluetooth adapter to the stereo. I also wanted to redo some work I’d done last year, with our Champions League winners flag – the string perished and it seems we nearly lost the flag.

So, I’d ordered from Amazon and messaged Lurchio to just open the two deliveries and put them in his bag. He delivered a Bluetooth adapter, but not the cable that would make it work (3.5mm jack to stereo RCA), nor the picture wire or the 3M double sided cushioned sticky pads. They’re in our porch, apparently

He did however bring two Man City 2nd kit tops that I’d ordered from a ‘Far Eastern’ source. In their largest size. They’re still two sizes too small for me, but they’re nice to look at, if nothing else, at least they are if you’re a City fan.

Kids. Who’d ‘ave ‘em!

As I looked over the balcony, I saw Jane walking down the road for that bread. However, corner of my eye shifted me to one of the lads, sat chilling on the balcony waiting for the others to get up.

Jane arrived back & he was the first to get the ‘still hot in the middle’ fresh bread. Others followed. Unsurprisingly to us, Lurchio was a very last “last”. Not even sure he ate anything, but I’m trying not to be “Parent” very much at the moment.

We left them to it & headed down to the pool. It’s hot today. No need for numbers. It was hotter than yesterday.

Jane & I were both a bit taken aback when the lads all arrived. They settled like crows and were like freshly painted angels, walking on walls. These days are golden. Build that rocket, Boys! Build that rocket!

Lippy Kids. By Elbow. The above are bastardised lyrics of that song. Have a listen. After listening to the song, listen to the lyrics. It’s beautiful & is a reflection of their time of life.

What wasn’t like the song though, was that the lads all seemed comfortable to be in our company. They just relaxed, got on with being on holiday & having a laugh.

We do feel privileged to be here and see them be themselves. There’s a real bond & they are so respectful, so polite. Well done parents/guardians! You should be very proud!

The little speaker came out and some ‘modern music’ was played. Sounded very old music to me. As if it came straight outta Compton via a little twist & some watering down. Just my view.

Then the inflatable unicorn made an appearance. I spent the next 20 minutes behind the bar, serving air from an electric pump. Finally, we had enough floatables that even the lad than can’t go in water this week (appendectomy), floated about for a bit.

We steamed in the heat, applying copious amounts of Factor 50 & Tuborg Fitresiz (I go that extra mile & work from the inside out as well).

Lurchio made every effort to make sure he convinced us he’d eaten and put sunscreen on. His naturally translucent skin tone now says otherwise.

Jane & I came back upstairs & started to get ready to go out.

If honest, we were waiting to see what the lads were doing, as we wanted to then go somewhere else.

Not to “escape”. The opposite. Just to let them enjoy their holiday. They were ready before us & had a clear plan. They wanted steak. Specifically Steak Pegasus, from Shiraz. So they headed off.

I couldn’t help myself though, so messaged Suat & let them know they were on their way, their names, and that one of the lads works a restaurant where the lamb chops are some of the very best I’ve ever had. In case he wanted a challenge!

Jane & I then got the Dolmus, passed the lads in the back table near the TV on the right, not that we took notice, and headed into Hisaroni. We’d decided that if we can’t go to Shiraz, then we should go to the Hidden Gem & I would have the obvious-to-me choice.

Jane ordered Tzatziki & bread. I had their tapas Meatballs. It’s a dish! There’s that much melted cheese in there it’s beyond tapas and is a big starter! Jane had [something] which I’m sure was lovely. I had the lamb shank which is why I have no idea what Jane ordered. There’s a theme to my dish choices isn’t there, and it’s not very vegetarian.

Having eaten all that food, it reminded me that I could do with getting some more blood pressure tablets (see yesterday ms blog re my fitness). Jane was considering buying more Turkish Evil Eyes. So I headed off to the local chemist.

This has happened to me before. The first time (Champ’s League Final, Dalyan/Istanbul) I panicked and asked the UK Doc what I could do as I’d forgotten all of my tablets. He said get the same brand in Turkey & you’ll be fine. So this time, in same situation:

I did.

They were miles cheaper.

I bought a stock.

I didn’t explode last time.

After a long queue, I bought a 4 months supply. They looked slightly different and weren’t the same brand. He said that they were the same. Thats fine. ‘Sinopril, Sildenafil. Same, right?

We got the bus back & shortly after we got back, so did the lads. They’d been shopping after their Steak Pegasus.

They then went for a swim. When the pool lights went off and I shouted down to remind them “that’s when the shark gates go up”, they soon followed.

They chilled on the balcony, they are in the process of going to the corner shop and I thought buying ’fridge’, but it seems they are about to begin cooking. I was chilled out & ready for bed. I may now delay that. But that’s enough for today!

See you folks tomorrow!

x

Tempting to cut and paste yesterday’s blog & see if anyone notices.

The shambles of yesterday afternoon, thanks wholly to EasyJet, meant that today was a reboot of yesterday. We felt the need to be at or very close to the apartment – “just in case!”

We’d finalised on booking the lads on a 2:25pm flight from Liverpool, and thanks to some amazing teamwork, all logistics were sorted.

A massive shout-out though to the best logistics manager of all time, Noz. The transfers from Dalaman to Ovacik were cancelled and rebooked once we had confirmed seats, and the transfer from home to Liverpool was also sorted! Legendary levels of service!

Now, first off, as far as this blog is concerned from here on in the Lads will be known as the Lads & I will be doing my utmost to use the collective. If as a last resort I need to distinguish them individually, I will use pseudonyms. Those that know the lads will figure it out & those that don’t won’t need to.

Two of the lads stayed over at ours last night & two were dropped off in time for Noz’s Taxi Service!

Our video doorbell (“Your anus has detected Movement” notifications are turned on) showed little sign of life right up until the Taxi arrived, so we were sweating a little as to if they were up and awake.

They were and they left the house, locked up, locked the gate, and set the alarm. We know this because we sent a spy across a couple of hours later to check the house for anything that may decompose and become fly-blown over the next week! I’m told it was in relatively good shape, so that’s a relief.

One good thing to come out of yesterdays debacle was a WhatsApp group including the Lads, Jane & myself. Amazing!

Saves us repeating and also increases the chances of anyone reading/remembering/responding by a factor of four! Maybe not the ‘responding’ part, after consideration.

Despite the above, we have been reliant on 3rd party info in the main as to their progress. One mum confirmed that they all had passports and cases when they left. Noz let us know they were dropped at the airport. EasyJet let us know that the flight took off 2 minutes late and FlightRadarLite told us when they were on final approach into Dalaman.

During the above, Jane & sunbathed by the pool until around 6pm, when we freshened up and headed out for the tea that we had planned last night. Sandinos.

Not only is it one of the closest eateries, it’s also the best for its style of food. Curry and Thai. You’ll find reference to Sandinos in both previous years blogs (as you will for most of the places we have and are likely to eat at)! The food is spot on, we just had popadums, chutneys and prawn crackers to start, followed by a chicken dupiaza with pilau for me & a pad thai for Jane. The service is brilliant – so friendly. Chef Mujdat came out to say hello & wish us a happy holiday.

Suitably full, we ‘hesap’d, lűtfen’ paid the bill & wandered back via Ovacik Market local corner shop.

A few Coronas for Charlie, cokes & fantas, ice lollies, and big bags of crisps for all! Along with more butter, fruit juices etc, it made it to ‘delivery status’ so the main man, whose name I will sort tomorrow, whizzed it up the hill on his little Honda PCX scooter. He was on the way down whilst I was blowing through my derrière walking up. I’m so unfit!

Just on that, my lifestyle choices over the last few years have led to me going from a one-time LEJOG cyclist and generally active bloke, to a sedentary fat fella. Beer (drinking and brewing) doesn’t help. Having grade 4 osteoarthritis in both knees, and Grade 2 in the hips doesn’t help either. I do have some decisions to make, for sure.

Anyway, we got back without me croaking, and got the important stuff in the fridge & freezer.

The time came. The plane tracker confirmed a landing at Dalaman. Will the luggage all be there? Will they get through customs with nothing to declare? Will they find the Blue Lagoon Taxi?

I called my son. Thrice. Then he answered. Not bad. Usually well above that, before an answer. He was on Turkish Data WhatsApp, so he did listen!

They had luggage, they were through customs. He forgot which taxi booth we told him he needed to go to. I reminded him. He got there.

He called me back. They were ‘aboard’ their charabanc to Ovacik!

Just over an hour later, the bus pulled up, & from the balcony we saw them all get out & get their bags. They’re here! Hurrah! We think!

We got them to their rooms & gave them a quick tour, and a few intros to the apartment, rules, locale.

They ordered lots of pizza and sat quietly on their balcony. We went to bed. It’s 1am. We’re shattered.

See you tomorrow, folks!

Well this has been different!

Nice lie in after the football & a very late night. Super chilled today.

It’s a hot one, and is due to get hotter over the next few days, so we’re bearing that in mind.

Usual setup – breakfast on the balcony, ayram, juice, bread, cheese, hindi fume meats, tomato’s, coffee. My usuals! Jane on her own usual of eating Tesco honey hoops dry, like a bar snack. Weirdo.

My shop delivery was due at some point, as was the arrival of “The Lads”. One happened. One didn’t.

So, we stayed down at the ‘Garsi Bar’ & had a ridiculously laid-back day. I’m not sure I’ve ever spent so much time applying factor 50 and then stretching out on a sunbed! It worked though. As I write this nonsense, I’m not cooked or sore & that’s a good thing, right?

Yer man leaned over the railings & let us know he was here to deliver the heavy goods (35kg-ish?) so I nipped up & we got the deliver in the house, and I then took them up and got them in fridges (some in the poolside bar fridge, of course).

All going well! Super chilled, still! We’d had confirmation that Charlie had indeed got up in time for our friend to take them to the airport, confirmed slightly later when he messaged his mum to ask how to weigh the bags in at the bag drop. I’m not taking the mick, it’s a case of ‘if you don’t know, you don’t know’ & I’m glad he’s asking when needed.

We stayed poolside later than we have done so far, given that their original arrival time was about 1am, and just zoned out. Well, I say that. I didn’t. Instead I put together a Spotify playlist of all of the acts that I’ve seen and am likely to see (chronologically of course) in the next months. Big up to my Fan Services desk colleagues again! You can take the man from Fan Services Desk, but you can’t take the Fan Sevices Desk from the man!

We then got a message saying flight delayed by 45 mins. Oh well. Another late night on the cards.

At 6pm local time (we’re 2h ahead), we then got a lot of inbound messages. Flight delayed? No, “Flight Cancelled”.

Jane & I set up a crisis management desk on the balcony, I ran extension leads, charger cables, Jane got a notepad & pens. We set up a response team WhatsApp group.

First we contained the situation & carried about an assessment of facts, defining the scale of the issue.

Then we notified the parties involved with tailored and concise factual information. We investigated potential solutions, given EasyJet comms were dog poo levels of usefulness & identified mitigating actions. Noz cancelled the pickup from Dalaman for us & was on standby to rearrange, despite just leaving a Badminton court!

We then shut down comms whilst we focused on resolutions. These included booking 4 people on flights to Dalaman as a matter of urgency. At one point, we had nearly £3k’s worth of flights booked across numerous operators.

After now securing options, we then cancelled the least attractive based on flight arrival & departure time, cost & logistics (East Mids was out). They have flights for tomorrow, early afternoon from John Lennons old airport. EasyJet again though, so who knows!

Comms back up, we provided updates and actions as required & Noz sorted not only the transfer from
Dalaman to here, but also the taxi from C/Hulme to the airport tomorrow.

As we moved into evaluation mode, we took care of the other important matters, having postponed our trip to Sandinos restaurant. We ordered in pizza. Job done. Well done, everybody involved apart from EasyJet.

I think we handled that as any good Incident Response Team (IRTs) would. We made a good team. It was like being behind the Fan Services Desk at an Eagles concert between GA doors going green & Main Act on! A buzz!

I over-ordered. So I sent the lads a picture of what they could have been eating. Sure that made them feel better!

In all seriousness though, that was their first experience of travelling as unaccompanied adults. They dealt with it really well, but are hugely disappointed to have missed a day of their hols. I feel for them.

So here we are! Still just Jane & I. Let’s see what tomorrow brings, eh?

Much love & take care!

x

Writing the start of this in a bus stop in Hisaronu, after a “tried hard again” England performance.

Football first. We were beat by the better team, but for a lot of the game it was by those fine margins. Stuff happens. Usually to us. But “we get knocked down again, and we get back up again”. At least that’s what the pub were singing minutes after the final whistle.

Thanks Harry. You’ve been a great front for the team. Unfortunately, time & talent, and a bit of luck has beaten you. I wish you well in your future.

Jude? Grow a pair. Stop being ‘continental’ & dropping like a sack at every opportunity. Stay on your feet, believe & beat someone. Anyone.

Gareth? You’ve managed tournaments well, even against a tide of ‘pub managers’. But. Great leaders take gambles & trust instinct sometimes over stats & public opinion. Be braver, take a chance. Earlier. Play people that make it look like they’re playing with that fun & confidence they had as kids on the park with their mates.

Anyway, I know nowt about football strategy, nor the inner workings, so the above comments hold the same weight as the rest of social media’s experts & ITKs.

It’s confession time. Today was a bit of a duff start. It turns out that spending a few hours snorkelling with a big, fat, paper-white back means you get burned. Quite badly. Sunstroke level of badly.

So the first part of today was spent in the shade, in the cool & drinking (non-alcoholic) fluids – water, orange juice, ayran, tea, coffee. Anything.

I’m a nob when it comes to thinking about sun.

Later, I had a very cold shower & airdried (sorry) my way back to some sort of sanity, before heading out.

Oh, I did nip out earlier to the corner shop & out a big order in, that’ll get delivered in a Turkish Tomorrow. That’s not fair & is a cheap shot. The buses may well appear every (Turkish) “5 minutes”, but the reality is that the service & timing for everything else has been bang on.

Along with meats, ayran, tomatoes, and the like, I’ve also ordered 19l of water, a 24x ‘slab’ of Tuborg Fitresiz, some Coronas, Cokes & Sprites. The Essentials. High up on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, I’m sure.

We went out at around 6pm, and via the Dolmus, headed into Hisaronu for a bit of a mooch, some tea, and then to our table at Fez Bar.

I’ve taken loads of photos this evening of shop names. I hope I’ve done them justice when I compile them. Here’s a teaser. Read right…

We had a good look around and have got an idea of which shop we are likely to be buying 5x £120 designer tee-shirts from. It came down to the quality & thickness of a ‘Moncler’. Go on, at some point I’ll buy. After all, 5 for £40 total isn’t bad. Is it?

From there, we had decided to give a ‘new to us’ restaurant a go, Festival, just opposite Fez Bar.

Jane went ‘Mousaka’ (she’s becoming an expert reviewer) , whereas I went all ‘Kavurma Lamb’. Stir fried lamb with vegetables, heavily seasoned with black pepper (I’m a fan). I had my now ‘usual’ of creamy garlic mushrooms as a starter, but can’t even remember what Jane ordered because of that. If I turned veggie, my meat replacement would be sautéd mushrooms. I bloody love them.

Food & service was really good, but would still need to stretch to get closer to Suat & the team at Shiraz, in my humble opinion. I set a high bar, I get that.

From there we walked over to Fez Bar, then swerved and carried on, only because we were very early, so had another mooch around the shops, not deliberately, but likely winding up the sellers. “Thanks but it’s just research. My son & his mates arrive tomorrow. I’ll recommend they take a look”.

Eventually, we circled around and went back to Fez Bar. “Our table” (the one where we won) had been reserved for us & I’d washed and now worn the same clothes as previous. No way it was coming down to whether I was wearing this same g-string or not, that’s not happening ever again.

Oops. I nodded off then. I’m back. It’s now 2:28am here. #NeverGiveIn

The place is brilliant. If I ran a boozer, I’d have similar aspirations. Place and people delivering are top notch. And also, and this is key, I think the place thrives off customers that are ‘regulars’ even if it’s their first visit. Ones that aren’t d**kheads. I know a couple of places locally where the same happens – it’s almost self regulating and still welcoming &’ nclusive. Unless you’re a d**khead, that is.

Then there was football. See earlier.

I’m calling time on this one. I’m knackered & it’s now 3am. Also, I’m now being bitten to buggery by midges.

See you tomorrow!

x

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