Tuesday 7 May 2013

Kaya Köy - Cultural Connections part 2


When travelling in South West Turkey in April, expectations are not great.  April is the month when the hotelier suddenly wakes up and realises that the tourist season is upon him and starts frantic repairs. The term "tadilat nedeniyle" is used  as an excuse for everything;  favourite restaurants being closed, roads dug up, WiFi not connecting and telephone lines failing - all "because of repairs". So when 3 intrepid Bodrumites set out in search of literary titillation, we were only looking for food and a pillow to rest our heads after the Kayakoy walk, talk and cocktail. But we struck lucky. After a great meal of pit-roasted lamb at Cin Bal, described here by my friends at "Turkey's for Life" blog, we headed back to our pre-booked Doğa Apartment for a very comfortable sleep in a beautiful, well appointed stone building, full of character and style with the modern addition of lashings of piping hot water.


On Sunday morning, after a wander through the pretty gardens and a discussion with Ali, the owner, about the history of the farmstead and his plans for a small vineyard, we set off to find an equally scenic breakfast spot. More by luck than judgement, we ended up at Gemiler Beach and sitting in this tranquil spot enjoying a simple breakfast, I realised that I had last visited this spot 32 years ago. 




We were back in Kaya in time for the midday handicraft market with stalls ranging from ebru, the art of marbling paper, to finely produced British scones. A kind of eastern bazaar meets the Women's Institute.


The highlight of the a day full of delights, was retracing our steps back to Gunay's Garden to listen to Victoria Hislop talk of her love of Greece and how her  third novel "The Thread" set in Thessaloniki, uses the theme of people forced from their homes because of their religion. 


We sadly had to set off back to Bodrum  that evening, missing the rest of the event.  Next year, we'll be booked in for the whole week and hopefully will be meeting up with some of you reading this now.



23 comments:

  1. It sounds a really worthwhile event...and in what beautiful surroundings...

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    1. I'd forgotten how beautiful the Bay of Fethiye is.

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    1. Your ex cottage is looking a bit unloved

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  3. lovely photos! such a beautiful place.

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    1. close-ish I guess half an hours drive, but that is more because the roads are so winding rather than it actually being a huge distance.

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  4. . . can't beat this corner of Turkey :-)

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    1. Except for that monstrosity you drive through on the way.

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  5. Dear Annie, this all sounds so inviting and interesting. And being there a whole week next year will be such a treat. After reading your first posting about this event, I checked the library site and got my name on the list for "Birds without Wings." Now I need to check for "The Thread" or something else by Victoria Hislop. Thanks for extending my world! Peace.

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    1. I think you'll enjoy the books as you are interested in history.

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    2. Dear Annie, I went to the library over the weekend and got "Birds without Wings." I haven't started reading it yet, as I behind in all the books I get from the library. But I looked at it and knew that it was going to get read.

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  6. What a lovely post, and how greatly I wished I was there! Gemiler beach looks like a paradise so as the rest - hopefully maybe next year, I can always hope : )

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    1. We were lucky to be at Gemiler first thing - it's probably not so pretty when the bus tours arrive.

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  7. And just forwarded your post to a friend and recommended Doga Apartmani, thanks for sharing : )

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  8. It's always so very wonderful when your experience exceeds expectations. Thus an especially good recommendation from you for this part of Turkey - Thanks.

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    1. It would be a good place for a "get together"

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  9. That is the most idyllic landscape imaginable. I'd have had to tear myself away to get back for the rest of the day, however interesting and worthwhile. :-)

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    1. Not sure it would be so idyllic at lunch time in August.

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  10. It´s been a real treat to join you on your trip, Annie - sounds like you had a great time and your photos and descriptions are SOOO inviting! You'd better book very early for next year as you could have drummed up a lot of interest. I know if I were nearer I would have loved to attend. Delighted you've shared this lovely holiday with us. Axxx

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    1. I've already checked and well-behaved dogs can stay, so we'll all go back next time.

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  11. This is the second time I have missed this event :-( Not next year though, I am determined to be there by hook or by crook! see you there ;-)

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