I will also do my bit to post and support the revival of this old lady forum. The biggest thing that stops people posting on forums is coming to one, seeing nobody is posting so they don't. So the way to get activity is...activity!!
We had several planned trips to Turkey cancelled or delayed in 2019, 2020 and for non-Covid reasons in 2021 - sometimes the timing was quite cruel but people were losing loved ones so you look on the bright side.
In that time we had a staycation to Bournemouth and the Isle of Wight, another to The Lake District & Southport. We have friends in both areas and wouldn't normally consider a holiday to either - we would see that as a waste of valuable holiday entitlement that could have been used abroad. Although it wasn't overseas (well the Isle of Wight is, as Uncle Albert said in Only Fools & Horses.. "you try walking it pal"
) - we had such a great time.
We finally got away abroad in August 2020 to Croatia (near Split) which we had visited briefly on a cruise years ago and really loved. In August 2020 Turkey was in the Red for travel and Croatia went green. It was still tough, we needed to take a Covid test 24 hours before travel, 24 hours before return to the UK and another within 48 hours of getting home - 3 tests each for a week's holiday. But we got away and it was the best feeling in the World sitting in a beach bar drinking an ice cold unpronounceable beer waiting for our hotel room to be ready.
Since then we have managed holidays to Gran Canaria (where I met Mrs Scunner originally but I don't bear the island any grudge) for the twins' 21st birthday, and a Christmas Market river cruise to Germany & France with a few faces from CBF itself.
Then FINALLY...Turkey! Arrived on the 18th June, crazy hot. One "economy" night at the Harman in Calis (it was disappointing but clean and we arrived late and left straight after breakfast). We met two minibuses worth of friends and headed off to Kalkan (via Patara Beach for refreshments). Our friends were celebrating their 30th Wedding Anniversary and had invited everyone to join them at a huge villa overlooking the bay for a few days. We had the best time - Turkish breakfasts in places you'd never find unless you knew them, boat trip, fabulous catering at the villa, a drink or several, Saklikent on the way back to Fethiye.
From there we finally got checked in at Casa Margot in Fethiye for the last 3 days of our week. Finally because I've booked it 3 times now and they all never happened. Anyway, it is sensational - location, view, quality, staff, decor, pool, room - everything was first class. Mrs Scunner had tears in her eyes when we got to the room and a few more when we saw the view. And she's a hard hearted woman from Belfast
Visits to Pasa Kebap (so consistently good) then next night Receps in the Fish Market with our friends Cenk & Olga, then for our last night one of our great favourites, Yengec in the little marina round past the Yacht Boheme etc. Prices are still good for tourists (not for locals I know) - Yengec was 2 main courses, a really nice bottle of Sauvignon blanc, a beer and a couple of shorts for equivalent of £57. I reckon that's great value in a lovely setting.
Had the chance to thank our friends for their hospitality by arranging for us to be picked up by boat and take them over to Ada Restaurant on Sovalye Island for a long, lazy/boozy lunch. It's heaven - food, staff, setting, tranquility, everything.
We were getting picked up in Calis so took the opportunity to travel as everyone should - on the beloved water taxi. 40 lira now (I remember it being 2TL) but for us foreigners that's around £2 (each way) and just has to be done.
Spent some time in Calis - after walking around Croatia etc not knowing a soul it's very strange bumping into old friends every 2 minutes. And very special. We are back in September to do a lot more in Fethiye & Calis. And a few days at Casa Margot of course.
