Turkey, Day 2

After buffet brekkie, we took a walk into the old town, Antik Side, as they call it. It's quite a walk. First passed the market and mosque, then through the ruins of a nymphaeum, columned streets, agora, baths and theatre. 

The Nymphaeum

By the time we got as far as the baths, Catherine was feeling the effects of the 34 degree heat and felt quite unwell. She lay down in the shade for a while, to recover. Once she had, she decided to carry on down to the harbour and temples of Athena and Apollo.  It is believed to be the place where Anthony met Cleopatra; he presented the Apollo Temple as a token of his love and devotion to her.

Temple of Athena

The streets of the old town are paved with glass, showing excavations of the old town underneath, including some mosaics. The glass even extends into the shops. Quite amazing. 

From the harbour and temples, we made our way back towards the hotel, stopping off in McDonalds for a cold drink and to make use of the aircon and wifi. We needed that, it was scorchio and with very little shade to speak of. 

Back at the hotel, Catherine had a swim, whilst I had a nap. 

Soon it was time to have dinner . We walked down to the beach, just in time to catch the sunset, then found somewhere to eat, acceptable to Catherine, i.e. veggie accommodating. We settled on a place called Britannia, which fit the brief and I had my first beer of the holiday.

Sunset at the beach

By bedtime it was still about 24 degrees.  Mustn't complain though, eh?

First beer

 

Turkey, October 11th - 22nd

Catherine and I are in Turkey. With all the riding holidays I've had this year it was only fair I even things up and go away with her. Never fancied it TBH but we found a reasonable package with TUI for 10 days in Side, on the Turkish Riviera and here we are. 

Day one started at 10am. We set off for airport parking, were parked up and at the terminal by 11:40. Our flight was scheduled for 13:40. It left at 14:20. Travelling at 41,000ft (about 8 miles) up and at 600mph, the journey was 3h20m. Add the 2 hour time difference and we were off the aircraft and at the baggage carousel by 19:55. We were still there at 20:35! Feck alone knows what the delay was.

With the wait and journey time of our transfer, we got to the hotel/apts gone 11:00, though we were lucky enough to be first off.

Check-in involved us being presented with blue wristbands. This identifies us as b&b. There are other colours for half, full and all inclusive. We have to keep this on for the entire 10 days! Catherine looked at the guy incredulously when he placed it around her wrist.

The apartment is nice and spacious, if not that well equipped. They all face inwards towards the swimming pool and the 'entertainment ', which is very loud. We couldn't see much, as it was dark but it looked very nice from the balcony.

The Kentia Aparthotel pool