The travel operators in the UK must be psychic. Mid season they announced that they were extending the charter flight season to the first third of November. Usually they finish at the end of October. When I heard that my nephew and his family had booked to come out on 30th October I was very worried that they would spend the week sheltering from rainy showers and shivering by the sea but no, the weather has been perfect; warm enough to swim and sunbathe. Esi and I joined the family at the Grand Yazici in Marmaris, an all-inclusive hotel which was full of families taking a half term break. I've never stayed in a AI before but I can see the attraction. The food was great, the room comfortable, the views amazing and every member of staff I encountered was friendly and helpful. It was nice to see so many smiley faces - rather lacking in Bodrum hospitality this year.
The hotel is between Marmaris and Içmeler, both of which can be reached by a seaside path and cycle route. A welcome way to clock up 10,000 steps to work off over indulginging in the desserts.
The view of empty sandy beaches reminded me of the first time I sailed into Marmaris from Rhodes in 1981; I remember the stunning fiord like mountains and and deserted bays and then Marmaris town with a few boutiques, bars, restaurants and a crumbling castle. No marinas and very few hotels.
With my back to Icmeler, looking out to sea I could almost have gone back 43 years.
