So in theory a birthday abroad is everyones dream: no work, sun, cocktails and total relaxation. I wouldnt exactly say my birthday went down like this!
Firstly we signed up to one day trip out of the resort which I saved for my birthday. I must note here that I am the type of person who always likes to be busy and occupied, to be honest this holiday was strange for me because I hardly ever let myself relax for more than 2 hours if that!
So for my special day we signed up to a trip out which included a river cruise, followed by some time at the Meditarian sea, Lunch on the cruise boat, a trip out to an 'amazing' waterfall and to conclude the day we would go to the famous markets.
The day started off well- although we did have to wake at 6am in order to be ready to leave at 8am! I commenced the day gorging myself on pancakes/pastries/turkish delight and after breakfast the sun came out from behind the clouds and it was hot.
It all went downhill from there, the bus was 20 mins late (precious sleeping time) the bus journey out to the cruise was tedious but a saving grace was the humour of our tour operator (quote: i dont get why people say airspace, it is just space no?).
In reality the fantastic sounding cruise was really boring. There was no scenery as the part of Turkey we were in was surrounded by desert looking land- everything was so vast. And the cruise felt like it went on forever.
Once we got to the beach we only had about 30 mins to hang out so not really enough time to lay out and enjoy it. Plus the beach itself was quite lack lustre compared to the beach near our resort.
Back on the boat lunch was very lame compared to the feasts we had been having at the resort. The salad and fish looked like it had sat out in the sun for quite a while!
After another 30 mins on the cruise boat back to the bus and an additional 20 mins on a bus we reached the amazing 'waterfall'. Im not sure you could call it a waterfall, really it was a stream of water, a river, it was so small it was ridiculous.
Lucky the markets were the savior of the day. It was very strange having to haggle prices of the goods. I had never haggled before and I disliked the whole process, I dont like to think I am ripping people off, but one must remember they are actually ripping you off! I managed to pick up a two lovely pashminas (one for me one for my mum for mothers day) and a nice fake designer handbag. My friend scored an amazing Louis Vittion nag that honestly looks real (I actually think its real leather!). I bought a less real looking Dolce and Gabbana bag that is simple but nice, black with lettering falling down the side- for the hefty price of 35 euros!!!!! And of course I had to purchase samples of Turkish Nougat to take home.
We had some time spare after shopping so i managed to sample a Turkish coffee which was super sweet and strong at the same time! My dream coffee (see attached photo!) To make it even better it was prepared by an old Turkish lady who took 10 mins to make it which meant that it was an authentic experience!
Back at the hotel my 'special' birthday dinner was lovely. We booked into the traditional Turkish restarant instead of the Italian one and the waiter had set up the table to look particularly romantic.
We had lentil soup to start, homous and other dips for seconds, spicy chicken and vegetables for main and then special birthday baklava for dessert.
After dinner we relaxed by the bar, finishing probably my 4th glass of wine and dragging my older body to bed at 10pm!
I must say at least it was an interesting birthday experience that I will remember for a long time to come!
x
No comments:
Post a Comment