Chilling in Turkey

Finally sun! We’re here for a week to chill and bake. From Dalaman airport we catch a shuttle bus to the tiny fishing village of Selimiye, a small, sleepy harbour which is the jewel in the crown of the Bozburun Peninsula.

Our table for two is waiting for us.

Tim learns a few Turkish words over a few Turkish beers. He masters “bir bira” (one beer) very quickly.

After two nights in Selimiye we transfer to the super-stylish Dionysos Hotel with a private beach club, spa, and a organic farm supplying the hotel's three gourmet restaurants. Built on top of a jaw-dropping canyon overlooking the Bay of Kumlubük, there are panoramic sea views from virtually every perspective. This one’s from the balcony of our room.

Happy, happy are the sun-starved. We get more than we bargained for as temperatures soar to 40+ degrees celsius.

The golden-coloured escarpment which rises from the sea forms a mountainside peppered with pine and incense trees, which gives way to a dense forest that reaches up to the sky.

We take a 45 minute boat-ride to Marmaris and spend the day on an organized shopping trip. Tim is nominated for “Husband of the Year” for this one and takes comfort from Sandi’s restraint in the knock-off designer handbag boutique.

When in Turkey one must sample a little Turkish Delight. It’s everywhere.

We wonder where these dung beetles, rolling happily along the steps to our hotel room, got their supply.

The view from our hotel room window.

The glorious infinity pool.

A tortoise munches happily in the garden.

Dinner on the beach.

Not enough sunscreen. Don’t try this at home.

The hotel offers a complimentary day swimming and snorkeling on the “Gentleman's Boat”. We are offered lemon-aid and tequila as we board.

The ruins of an old church in one of the bays we drop anchor.

Sandi’s feeling hippy-dippy in her newly-purchased Oya petal and bead necklace. The art of Turkish Oya, crocheted lace-work dates back to 600 B.C.

Turkey also produces beautiful hand-painted ceramics with traditional patterns such as this example hanging on wall of our hotel room.

No, we’re not back in France. This stunning display of red poppies is on the property of Tim’s sister and brother-in-law in Lincolnshire, England. We’re here to do a little visiting and antique shopping before heading back to Whistler for the summer.