Forgive me if I use the facilities of the Forum to broadcast a few thoughts and observations which might persuade others to holiday in this remarkable resort.
My daughter recently joined us on holiday here in the Oykun Hotel and yesterday she fainted by the pool. The staff and residents of this Hotel have been extremely supportive. She was taken to the Esnaf Hospital suffering from concussion and she has been detained overnight for observation.
Her treatment has been extremely thorough with an interpreter summoned to explain every detail of procedure. My wife and daughter's boyfriend have stayed overnight in the hospital in a clean and air-conditioned room.
A couple of weeks ago I met a fellow resident of the Oykun Hotel who was walking with some difficulty. He told me that he had hurt his back not in some risk-taking activity but simply by straightening up too quickly while shaving. This mishap occurred 5 days into his holiday and he was full of praise towards everyone at the hotel and hospital. Both he and his wife were adamant that they would be returning to Calis at the earliest opportunity. Little did I know that I too would be relying on that same outpouring of support and good will.
Over the many years coming here we have seen the same faces returning to this resort. They come not only to bask in the radiant sunshine but to absorb the warmth and intrinsic goodness of the people (even if they don't yet recognize this truth).
Their familial concern is genuine and is deeply embedded in their culture and religion.
I have experienced many examples throughout the years, both personal and related to me by others, which encapsulate this precious and invigorating quality. Whether in a restaurant or hotel you feel that you and your family's experience of Calis in particular and Turkey in general is of prime concern.There is no veneer or sheen of "Have-a-good-dayness"
Aristotle once said-" One friend is the antidote for 50 enemies"
When times are difficult and the perils of winter assail you, find comfort in the joys found in this hospitable country.
Speak to the people but more importantly listen to them, engage with them and be enriched with their, oftimes severely tested, innate sense of hospitality.
I know if you are reading this you probably have similar feelings towards Calis and Turkey and any bad experiences are greatly outweighed by good ones.
I feel exceptionally fortunate that my family and I have been able to holiday here for so long.
Cheers---and (lang may yer lum reek)
Brian and Bernadette
