Hi Anne, Kanga, Canalman, Puma and Steve B.
Thank you for your welcoming messages.
First I would like to answer Steve B. Yes Steve it would be nice for some to have a bingo hall and pole dancer's, maybe the bingo prizes could be whips thongs drugs and so on, but I think most of use would want a little better than that. I am not an old fart, I have been there read the book wore the T shirt and stared in the films. Not a dig at you Steve I do not have the right to judge anyone and I should think you are a great guy to hit the road with.
On a serious note, if we support this kind of thing and introduce the same into other cultures we are undermining the very thing most of us are trying to except from.
Turkey offer's so much as do the people, it is very romantic and full of charm, the people
[if you really get to know them] are the kindest people I have ever met.
I ride in the mountains and have always been invited into the homes of the mountain people and without fail food and drink has been provided, along with long evenings sitting watching the sunset, singing along with the music, the children with so much respect for their families and visitors puts ours to shame..
You look into there eyes and you see the depth of there souls, warm sparkling eyes almost childlike. The old lady gripping your hand so tight as if not wanting you to go, and on you kissing her hand, she strokes your head and say's peace be with you. Magic pure Magic.
Another example. my son befriended some local children and helped them sell candy floss along the beaches, he never had so much fun, playing volley ball and football on the beach and visiting their homes, did I have to worry about him, No ! he was in the best of hands [Turkish] believe me I am over protective of him.
When we were leaving to go back to the Uk a group of children turned up, each giving us a present to take home, there little feet with no shoes and worn cloths it broke my heart, I tried to give them money and they all said "No gift for you" these children work the streets and put all the money into a family collection pot and the summer season is all they have to earn money to last the year.
Many children and families come in from miles away, some travel from the borders in the east to earn money in the summer as the farms are not producing due to increases in running costs so have a heart when you see them.
Just so much to write about and I hope one day to find the time to do so.
TO THE POINT.
The "club" our intention is to have a place for us to meet and chat and for us all to help each other in a new country. At the same time we have so much we can offer the Turkish people and we feel it is right that we do so, it is paradise and we should all thank the Turkish people for letting us be there, it is a privilege. I for one would not wish to turn it into another Spain
[please do not shame us Brits most of us are good people]
Peace be with all of you. James.
