We had a good sail today. went out in the morning until the wind freshened beyond Sue's comfort zone and then chilled out under an olive tree, reading books and listening to MP3 player until late in the afternoon, when the winds eased and we had a second bite of the cherry. We sailed for another hour or so before packing up and making our way home. While we were rinsing down the motor, life-jackets and other paraphernalia (a ritual we carry out after each sorté with the boat) a temporary neighbour from over the road brought his bike over to pump up the tyres. We have an electric pump for the motorbike tyres which makes the job a lot easier in this heat. While Noel was here, he asked if we knew any one who could put up a pergola, and do a few other little jobs for him. We put him in touch with Detlef, a German Turk who has done some nice work around here.
Tuesday 31st July
Too windy for sailing today, so we went into Didim as Sue wanted to get her hair done and we needed to collect our mail from the post-office (PTT). Having collected the mail, we dashed over to Isbank to confront them about a bill we'd received for a credit card we hadn't used. The usual wasted hour queuing to see an indifferent employee. Once this is sorted we will cut our ties completely with this useless institution. There are plenty of more efficient banks in town.
After this we needed to chill so off to Gaye 2 for a swim and a chat with friends on the beach. When we returned home the builder had turned up to measure up Noel's projects, and we also invited him to measure up our own little project. He said he would contact us in a day or so with prices.
Wednesday 1st August
Wind was good for sailing, so, off we went again (skipping breakfast as usual .... we seem to be down to one meal a day most days now). We had a good sail for a couple of hours, but then it cut up rough. It was tough getting back in, but we managed it ... and extended Sue's comfort zone a little bit more.
Thursday 2nd August
The builder turned up with a price for our job. We wondered how much it would cost to extend the covered area round to the side of the house, and build a car-port. His quote was a little too high for us. We needed more space as we now have a boat to house off the water in the winter. Our neighbours, Andy and Debbie, came up trumps for us, by suggesting we put it on their drive instead ... problem solved.
We spent the rest of the morning tidying up our other neighbours garden, as the wind had blown down all their climbing shrubs, which were now strewn across their patio. We re-strung them and pruned them back, so at least they'll be able to get to the front door when they visit in September.
Abbey National finally contacted us about Sue's ATM card. She has been unable to access the bank account since March. However, we don't hold out much hope for an early resolution to the situation. They must be the "Isbank" of England ... totally inefficient since Santander took over.
That left us just enough time to get ourselves ready for a party we'd been invited to by Ann (yet another neighbour). She'd been asked to bring 10 friends along with her. We all met up at the Blue Restaurant where a minibus picked us up and took us to a beach club on the way to Akbuk. A travel firm in Didim were celebrating becoming accredited by IATA (the only one in Didim). They had laid on this buffet and drinks party at a very nice location. The club extends out over the sea on wooden platforms, and it was so nice and refreshingly cool, with the light breeze off the water. We were there for a few hours and then the minibus returned us to Yesillkent, where the party continued at Anne's house, and more neighbours (Turkish) joined in. We finally went home to our bed at around 2.30am.
Friday 3rd August
Up Early this morning as we were expecting Lynn and Phil round. We had told them we would investigate year round holiday insurance for them. One that would cover them for a trip away of at least 350 days. But before they arrived, our newest additions to the ex-pat community, Ian and Marj turned up on our door-step. They had flown in on a one way ticket a couple of days before. So when P &H turned up it was coffees all round.
Ian and Marj continued on their way to the Blue Restaurant, where they have an internet hotspot. Ian needed to contact a few people in the UK. Phil and Lynn came in to browse the insurance we had found for them. After they had gone we strolled down to the beach to watch the world go by. Back home again to shower and prepare ourselves to visit friends on the other side of Altinkum. A couple of drinks with them and then we all went down into town to give ourselves a rare treat .... Fish and Chips. They were really delicious ... Elaine's must be the best chippie in Altinkum. Then we strolled down to the sea-front for a drink and sat watching the hordes of holiday-makers, English and Turkish, promenading.
Saturday 4th August
Saturday of course is Market day. Not much to get today thank goodness, so we were able to get what we needed and get out again. A few more bits and pieces from the shops and a stop off at the PTT and back home. Put everything away, get the beach things and we're off to the beach for a swim, a shade-bathe and a chat to friends. In the evening we had arranged to meet Nigel, Yo and Yo's nephew Craig in Didim for a meal. Over the meal we caught up with their life in Akbuk, then we all strolled down the length of Ataturk Boulevard (the main road that connects Didim to Altinkum) where each party got the bus to their respective homes.
Sunday 5th August
This morning we walked down to get our bread and carried on to the beach to check out the wind conditions. Looked good so back to the house to get all the gear, and then back to the boat. We sailed for about 2 hours during which time the wind got stronger and stronger. This put Sue way out of her previous comfort zone, but she was OK with it. We had a great morning and packed up while we were still on a high and still in control.
The rest of the day we spent on the beach and swimming, before going back home to chill out with a vodka and some freshly made popcorn. I think we'll have a couple of hours in front of the "box" this evening and catch up on Eastenders.
No comments:
Post a Comment