Thursday, May 31, 2012
LA
here we are in the transit lounge waiting to talk to their immigration officers and, eventually, get back on the plane. We were lucky and got an upgrade to premier economy for the first leg. We don't know if we are back in cattle for the next bit across the Pacific...
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Water meadows, Salisbury
Lovely, relaxing day... Found time for a quiet half before lunch as well as a great cafe that knows the flat white (a rare gift over here).
Got a manicure while G had a restorative 40 winks - another roller derby convert achieved as my manicurist, who is also a territorial, decided to try and start a league here.
Last supper at Co^te later this evening.
Got a manicure while G had a restorative 40 winks - another roller derby convert achieved as my manicurist, who is also a territorial, decided to try and start a league here.
Last supper at Co^te later this evening.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
A few cycle tour pics
Dave and Lyn - our guides - sent us a few pictures. They give you a bit of an idea of our tour. In one of them Stonehenge is in the distance (believe me - it is!) and the one with the house behind us (Lake House) belongs to Sting (the one in the background - not the ugly brown one in front!)
cycling to Stonehenge and Old Sarum
Today we joined Heritage Cycle tours for a 22 mile loop from Salisbury to check out the sights. It was a gorgeous day - perfect weather - and the cycling (mainly on quiet roads or byways and off road) was great.
The couple who run the company - Lyn and Dave - were great hosts - and the other couple on the tour (Michael and Karen, from Townsville) were good fun too.
It was very cool to see Stonehenge in the distance as we crested a small rise on our bikes, rather than pulling into the carpark as most people have to. Same with Old Sarum, particularly the cathedral remains, and its views of the surrounding countryside.
Of course, there was a pub lunch along the way in the riverside garden of the Bridge Inn. The Avon is looking good and that, combined with the pint, the roast beef sandwich and chips, made getting back on the bike a wee bit of a challenge.
We had such a good time today that we are going to do the Winchester tour tomorrow. Dave and Lyn are picking us up from the hotel, driving us to Winchester, then off we go again. Should be great. Will post pictures later - we are having a few wifi issues.
The couple who run the company - Lyn and Dave - were great hosts - and the other couple on the tour (Michael and Karen, from Townsville) were good fun too.
It was very cool to see Stonehenge in the distance as we crested a small rise on our bikes, rather than pulling into the carpark as most people have to. Same with Old Sarum, particularly the cathedral remains, and its views of the surrounding countryside.
Of course, there was a pub lunch along the way in the riverside garden of the Bridge Inn. The Avon is looking good and that, combined with the pint, the roast beef sandwich and chips, made getting back on the bike a wee bit of a challenge.
We had such a good time today that we are going to do the Winchester tour tomorrow. Dave and Lyn are picking us up from the hotel, driving us to Winchester, then off we go again. Should be great. Will post pictures later - we are having a few wifi issues.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Salisbury
Visited the cathedral this afternoon. Inspected the best extant copy of the magna carta and chatted with a couple of the very enthusiastic volunteers. Wandered around town, sampled some more fine local ale. Will post photos later.
Every floor and every step here is crooked - place an item on a table and watch it slide gracefully across.
The other photos are elsewhere at present and will be dealt with later...
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Rugby and ice cream
As you do... When you go to twickenham on the hottest day ever. Off putting - only 42000 of us in attendance
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Gatwick
The queue for "rest of the world" may be short but it's very slow. And, the border control officer was a right cow. I sometimes wonder why we bothered to help England win those damn wars... Eventually emerged from the hell that is Gatwick to stagger a block or two to our hotel. Good news: it overlooks a shell station - somewhere to buy a snack - we're starving. Better news: our Twickenham tickets were waiting for us - we ARE going to England V Barbarians tomorrow...
Actually, now we're here, there is no bad news - apart from it not being Turkey anymore. And it's 1,30am.
For your interest and edification here is a picture of Paris from the air... at night... from the sky... I was in row 2 by the window - I snagged the front row aisle seat for Geoffrey, so he travelled in style - Easyjet style, that is.
Night night.
the story of the road trip
six of us from Beyaz - plus Roland, our host, and our driver - in a mini van - off to explore some spots around the Mugla area.
The first stop - the one involving the swing over the swirling waters - was at a cafe built by the river - they have put in weirs and damns and things - for the trout - making a spectacular coffee spot. When the weather is warmer visitors can be tempted to plunge in, cross to the other side (only about 3-4 metres) and clamber out. Apparently the temperature in this stream never gets much higher than 10 degrees. So, Geoff taking to the swing was as close as anyone got.
To get there involved a hilly, winding, forestry road that had the poms a bit anxious, but seemed charmingly like home to us. The road surface was a bit rougher than we're used to, but given the spate of road works at home not entirely troubling...
After the cafe stop we wound our way back down the hill to the main road and set off for lunch. The cafe with the amazing views is above Akyaka, a pretty town on the coast, but with far less to recommend it than Dalyan. We had a cool trip a small way up river though - hence the water pics - which was clear as clear and full of gorgeous river weed and fish, etc. It's been quite the nature trip, really.
Later, we stopped at Koycegiz at the head of the lake that shares its name. We had a wee stroll along the waterfront admiring its size (55 sq km) - the lake, that is - before having a tea, raki, whatever, and some local mussels - quite small and prepared with savoury rice stuffing - which were tasty.
By the end of all this it was time to go home, so we did.
Today is Saturday - our last day in Turkey - but we don't leave Villas til 7.30pm. One of the many charming things about this place is that they don't tip you out at lunchtime (or earlier), or charge you extra for staying late. They say, don't worry, have a shower before you go, stay in your room, no problem. It is a lovely place and we'll continue to recommend it. Come to Dalyan - stay at Beyaz - they'll guarantee you a fantastic holiday...
About to head back to my pool lounger - we haven't actually done much of that, so today's the day to tick that one off. Ciao.
The first stop - the one involving the swing over the swirling waters - was at a cafe built by the river - they have put in weirs and damns and things - for the trout - making a spectacular coffee spot. When the weather is warmer visitors can be tempted to plunge in, cross to the other side (only about 3-4 metres) and clamber out. Apparently the temperature in this stream never gets much higher than 10 degrees. So, Geoff taking to the swing was as close as anyone got.
To get there involved a hilly, winding, forestry road that had the poms a bit anxious, but seemed charmingly like home to us. The road surface was a bit rougher than we're used to, but given the spate of road works at home not entirely troubling...
After the cafe stop we wound our way back down the hill to the main road and set off for lunch. The cafe with the amazing views is above Akyaka, a pretty town on the coast, but with far less to recommend it than Dalyan. We had a cool trip a small way up river though - hence the water pics - which was clear as clear and full of gorgeous river weed and fish, etc. It's been quite the nature trip, really.
Later, we stopped at Koycegiz at the head of the lake that shares its name. We had a wee stroll along the waterfront admiring its size (55 sq km) - the lake, that is - before having a tea, raki, whatever, and some local mussels - quite small and prepared with savoury rice stuffing - which were tasty.
By the end of all this it was time to go home, so we did.
Today is Saturday - our last day in Turkey - but we don't leave Villas til 7.30pm. One of the many charming things about this place is that they don't tip you out at lunchtime (or earlier), or charge you extra for staying late. They say, don't worry, have a shower before you go, stay in your room, no problem. It is a lovely place and we'll continue to recommend it. Come to Dalyan - stay at Beyaz - they'll guarantee you a fantastic holiday...
About to head back to my pool lounger - we haven't actually done much of that, so today's the day to tick that one off. Ciao.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
all about Thursday
hello
not a lot to report - woke to indifferent skies, had a late breakfast and contemplated the day. We decided it was time we visited Iztuzu Beach, the turtle sanctuary and more pancakes.
wandered into town, caught the bus (minivan) - it's only 12kms to the beach and the only hill would have been a decent workout on a bike - about 2km winding upwards (moderate to a wee bit grunty) - but we haven't and i dare say we won't -and then the beach.
the plan was to visit turtles - a bit depressing but there was only a handful there and the bloke had hopes they'd all be released within a month or so - eat a pancake - good, but not as good as the cafe over the river on the way to kaunos - then walk along the beach - about an hour - to the other end - and catch a boat back up the river to Dalyan.
Done
We were prepared for a swim but there was a sturdy onshore breeze and the waves were feeble. No chance of body surfing and none of the glory that is jumping off a boat into crystal waters - so we didn't. Quiet beer on the boat as we motored back, then quite a bit of not much.
It's worrying how little we have to think upon, worry about, or do.
Possibly a trip to the mountains tomorrow - we will see - we are having a meze feast at Beyaz tonight. Should be fun.
not a lot to report - woke to indifferent skies, had a late breakfast and contemplated the day. We decided it was time we visited Iztuzu Beach, the turtle sanctuary and more pancakes.
wandered into town, caught the bus (minivan) - it's only 12kms to the beach and the only hill would have been a decent workout on a bike - about 2km winding upwards (moderate to a wee bit grunty) - but we haven't and i dare say we won't -and then the beach.
the plan was to visit turtles - a bit depressing but there was only a handful there and the bloke had hopes they'd all be released within a month or so - eat a pancake - good, but not as good as the cafe over the river on the way to kaunos - then walk along the beach - about an hour - to the other end - and catch a boat back up the river to Dalyan.
Done
We were prepared for a swim but there was a sturdy onshore breeze and the waves were feeble. No chance of body surfing and none of the glory that is jumping off a boat into crystal waters - so we didn't. Quiet beer on the boat as we motored back, then quite a bit of not much.
It's worrying how little we have to think upon, worry about, or do.
Possibly a trip to the mountains tomorrow - we will see - we are having a meze feast at Beyaz tonight. Should be fun.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Kaunos - roman ruins, a dinghy and pancakes
Eventually the citizens of Kaunos mostly died of malaria. It was a port and, we think, a provincial centre.
Today you can walk almost wherever you like around the ruins and you can stop off on the way back for delicious pancakes.
The dinghy is needed to cross the river (and back). You pay the ferry woman and over you go...
Plus, we saw snakes
Today you can walk almost wherever you like around the ruins and you can stop off on the way back for delicious pancakes.
The dinghy is needed to cross the river (and back). You pay the ferry woman and over you go...
Plus, we saw snakes
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
birthday wishes, Dalyan styles
(and a candle) with my breakfast. Overwhelmed...
12 islands and birthday boots
Yesterday we did another boat trip, leaving from Gocek and spending the day visiting (mostly uninhibited) islands near the coast.
Each stop entailed a swim - well, we swam every stop which seemed to surprise and impress the poms - and various snacks: pancakes made on a small boat by a lovely but camera shy old lady, ice creams from a guy on a zippy jet boat, lunch served aboard our boat, and so on.
We got back about six and opted to stay at the villas for dinner - whole sea bass, followed by rice pudding. Yum.
Today is brought to you by my gorgeous birthday boots. Thanks G. Love you xx
Monday, May 21, 2012
More pictures
Sunday, May 20, 2012
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