Saturday 18 May 2013

Jake's Bodrum


For a dog used to open pastures, forest paths and the occasional romp over an archaeological site,  a winter spent in central Bodrum might have been a bit of a let down but both dog and owner have had a great time.

Jake soon remembered which streets have drinking fountains, unfortunately a few Bodrum individuals do not have such good memories and two drinking bowls are now no more - destroyed by lackadaisical drivers parking on the pavements.


Early morning starts gave us the harbour front to ourselves except for those keeping fit on the Municipality provided machines.


It's not every town that harbours a film star.  Walking by, we can only imagine how exciting it must have been for the crew of Regina as they carried  James Bond to a deserted island in Skyfall.


Not all boats have such exciting lives, but watching this one being built in a garden was an education.




We didn't have to abandon the archaeology completely. Our daily walk starts on "Temple of Mars" Street so its not surprising that there is still plenty of history to be found underfoot.


Trial trenches in a bus car park have provided plenty of interest. There is nothing I like more than looking down newly dug holes.





Jake has made friends along the way. 


Tintin was a nameless, shaggy, matted stray when we first met her, darting from a side street to the main road and back, risking life and limb daily, until a kind lady adopted her and gave her a haircut and a home.


A rabbit took up temporary residence  on our site for a few weeks then mysteriously disappeared. I'm sure Jake's not guilty.


He would be to blame however if he was let loose amongst the chickens.  He's developed hen-hate.


Ducks are ok. This one is particularly friendly



Stray cats are usually too busy to pay us any attention 


but this domestic one is not hanging around to get better acquainted . 


Generally we've had a great time discovering the back streets of Bodrum,  enjoying the quiet time before the tourist storm.  


There has been plenty to occupy us; reading back through the winter blogs shows just how much goes on in Bodrum in the off-season.  We've come across Gerhard Schröder having lunch in the Gemi Başı Restaurant, seen a clown in full make-up driving a car,  Jake has made friends with a famous actress who says hello to him every time she drives past and knitted oranges regularly make an appearance in the town square.  The village may seem a little quiet after this. 


I

29 comments:

  1. B to B, Great post - Bodrum as seen through Jake's eyes. Jake must be very well-behaved. If my Paloma (may she rest in peace) saw a rabbit like the one above, I would be eating dirt while she gave chase.

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    1. He's not sure what a rabbit is yet. He was just getting interested when it disappeared.

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  2. Lovely post Annie. Beki used to hate chickens, but my new dogs don't mind them at all. I guess being well fed now prevents them from chasing them.

    How is Jake with cats? Does he chase themn?

    Great photos x

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    1. He doesn't chase cats - more's the pity as we are still overrun in the Bodrum garden.

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  3. What a great post, Annie. Jake looks to have had an excellent wintering in the city - and I too have developed a bit of a thing for Bodrum and each time you show me a bit more, my thing grows! Knitted oranges - perfect! Axxx

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    1. I think I've made a mistake. They might be knitted mandarins.

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  4. . . get him acquainted with a decent sized cock - that will teach him manners and respect for all species.

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    1. I'm surprised the spam filter didn't immediately throw you off the site.

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  5. I love it! What a great idea and what an exciting walk he has. Lucky guy!

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    1. Kept me fit too. about 2 hours walking a day.

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  6. Lovely! I've been waiting to see a picture of Jake since his haircut. Wondering how much smaller he looks...

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    1. He looks very smart - his legs look longer.

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  7. Hi Annie.....I just got back home and I'm so sad that I didn't get to meet you and Ayak.....but this time with my husband trying to get some matters on the estate settled it was too hectic and I didn't get a chance to visit Bodrum. But I will be back next year...:-)

    love your post....and the chickens. We stopped by for a Kavalti picnic we made outside Izmir one morning and a rooster with a chicken were hanging around our table. We threw them scraps of food and they nibbled it all....quite nice. Don't get to do this every morning too often.
    Jake is so adorable and very lucky to have you.....
    I really miss Turkey...so different from North American way of life. The stray dogs and cats made me and my daughter so sad, but I noticed most dogs had chips in their ears in Izmir....so I guess they are making some sort of progress with the canine population.

    So sad I was looking so much to meet you, maybe one day. Erica XOXO

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    1. Sorry to miss you - we'll give it another go next year.

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  8. I'd like to take that walk too.... There's definitely lots to see in Bodrum, whether you have two legs or four!

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    1. It's a very small town but there's always something to catch the interest.

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  9. what a wonderful walk Jake had...so much to see...and done before the deluge of tourists :)

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    1. Walking with a dog isn't very practical in summer. Not enough room in the streets

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  10. This lovely post makes Bodrum appear a most interesting and appealing place, though I can see why you and Jake want to leave it to the tourists ion the summer. I just love the doggy drinking fountains. Such a good idea in a hot climate....

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    1. We need many more fountains. Unfortunately they are not well looked after

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  11. And I thought Dave was the only person who would cross over a road to look down a hole!! Not long now...cross into Turkey tomorrow for a slow amble down the coast. See you soon - K&D x

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    1. Teo's started tarting up the house - should be ready by the time you arrive.

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  12. Annie -- it's Monday morning and I have loads to do, but I'm glad I procrastinated and read "Jakes" blog post instead. It really put a smile on my face, and has set me up for the week.

    My favourite past time when I'm on the Bodrum Peninsula, is just wandering around the streets and seeing what day to day images catch my imagination. I can't be there right now, but I'm living vicariously through this blog post. Thanks for getting my week off to a fabulous start!

    Love the photo's and the commentary....

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  13. Love it Annie - brings back a whole load of memories ( I recognize that cat wall for a start). Used to love strolling through the back streets, it's amazing what you can find (some of it not repeatable on here). Well done, Jake, for getting your mistress to write such an entertaining post x

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    1. He don't help with the writing - he gets jealous if I spend too long in front of the screen and starts nibbling my feet.

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  14. Dear Annie, the doggie drinking fountains is an innovation we could surely use here. Many, many people in the States live with dogs and walk them at least once a day. I find myself so drawn to Bodrum by what you say and what you show us. Thank you for expanding my horizons. Peace.

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  15. I've noticed people putting out bowls of water for animals where there aren't fountains. This was never the case when I first came here so good to see progress in animal welfare.

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  16. Jake is a real star. I am so pleased to see his adventures here...also pleased to see Erica's comment...good to see her back on my screen. This is a great post .....Jake, and Bodrum ! Jx

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