sunshine in October

Well hello! I didn't mean to be away from here so long. Just life getting in the way, and a marvellous holiday. 

We got back from our holiday in Turkey early on Saturday morning, arriving at home at 4 am. It is a bit tiring to travel so late but on the other hand, we were able to enjoy the last day to the full, leaving at 8:30 pm for the airport. Sam and Jack welcomed us. I am glad Sam was dog sitting but sad that he was not able to join us. Next year!

We loved to return to my godmother's apartment in Çalış Beach, a little town near Fethyie on the south coast of Turkey. Monika has lived there for many years and visiting feels like coming home. Our holiday flat (which you can rent if you like, just email me) was as nice as ever. We found a well stocked fridge, the kids favourite breakfast cereals, plus a loaf of freshly baked bread. How fabulous is that?  Monika and I had a lot to catch up with and we enjoyed each other's company. 

We didn't do all that much. On some days, the most strenuous activity was to get onto the inflatable floating bed. Trust me, it is not easy to gracefully climb onto one of those. Luckily, the pool area was very quiet because it is late in the season. Most people go in the summer but I think October is the best time of year to visit Turkey. It is still warm but not unbearably hot and all feels quite relaxed. For the first time ever, we had a rainy day. We walked to the beach a few times for a morning swim. Lovely! 

The boys loved being crazy in the pool. Annie meanwhile enjoyed reading her book and soaking up the sun. She also had some university work to do. I am glad I could help her with some ideas. I finished knitting a sock and listened to two books. Richard went out cycling a couple of times and read books. 

We ate well, usually in small off the beaten track eateries but also "at home". We visited the market and and admired the abundance of local fresh produce. Of course we stopped for a light snack and drinks at the market. My favourite is a cold slightly salty frothy yogurt drink (ayran), very refreshing when it is hot. We bought fruit and salted nuts and salads for light meals back at the apartment. 

Monika treated us to a day out on a boat. We love a boat trip along the coast, stopping in small coves for a refreshing swim. Some jumped off the top of the boat. I did not, I like to get into the water slowly. I love floating in the sea, with just the blue sky above me not a worry in the world. Lunch was delicious and plentiful. We enjoyed a variety of salads, bread, barbecued chicken and tiny juicy beef patties. Yes, we do like to eat. I was surprised to find my weight unchanged after our holiday.

Monika and I explored shops in Fethyie. The haberdashery is fantastic if you are in the area. I didn't buy anything but it is always nice to browse. Another shop I liked sold the dried fruits and spices. I am not keen buying either of these at an open market stall because I am a little weird. I bought what we call "Turkish chicken spice" in memory of Captain Tom, a previous boat captain from a trip a long time ago. I also bought dried blueberries. They are wonderfully flavourful, much more so than the fresh ones. I had some with my Skyr this morning. 

Now we are back in Glasgow. I am almost packing for my next trip, this time to Seattle for work. I might not get there.... when I was doing my advanced passenger information form with the airline, I was informed that my date of birth and gender didn't match the booking, which was arranged by our work travel agent. I hope they can fix it (I checked, the mistake is not mine). I also had problems with my ESTA, it took three attempts to get this sorted. I am glad I am not superstitious.

Back to work tomorrow! Oh the joy. Thanks for visiting 😊