The Cake
On my first week here, I brought a cake from the Pastenasi near the Erasta centre. Curious as always about what I would be charged and trying to recall what I paid last year for 4. The cake cost 7 lira and it was stale. A few days ago, after a meal out I decided I wanted to have a treat, so I left hubby in the car and decided to purchase the very same cake. This time to my delight the cake was only 5 lira. I can only assume that maybe I looked more Turkish on my second visit!!!
Paspatur
I needed some Turkish delight, but as it has been so hot, I did not want to go the the market. I knew there was a shop in Paspatur and I was quite prepared to pay a little more for it, above the market price. I was completely shocked when she pointed to the average size boxes you have on offer in the market. 25 lira per box as opposed to possible 7 or 8 lira in the market on last years prices. Do people really pay those kind of prices? I ended up buying 1/2 kilogram of Turkish Delight for 5 lira from the Saturday market.
Car parking Fethiye
We managed to park in Fethiye street parking at 7.30 a few days ago. Anyway, from the discussion that took place with the parking guy, the payment for parking finished at 8 pm. So he charged us 2 lira. As we walked away, we both reckoned he had overcharged. Sure enough on our return to the car, the ticket charge was 1 lira. We both had a laugh about it, but at least we know better for next time.
It would seem that in some instances it is key to be able to speak more Turkish and challenge things that you are uncertain about.