Antalya & Marmaris

Antalya & Marmaris Turkey

So let me see if I can catch you up with this blog.  We were in Israel a couple of days ago.  Having been to The Holy Lands before, we opted to stay aboard ship and relax…  The people that did Egyptian and Israeli excursions were exhausted!  We celebrated Brian’s birthday in Haifa by climbing up and down this very hilly city.  Not much was open but we sweated off a few pounds so we could eat again! Ha!

We had a sea day between Israel and Turkey – my trivia team pulled out a hat trick and won 3 trivias!!  WooT!  Brian won the golf putting contest and we also made a big comeback and won the Bocce tourney…  B says he is about even overall in the casino – but has put about half his “George bills” out…  There are still no poker players aboard, but I am finally winning a bit at Blackjack.  I qualified for the final table in the BJ tourney but had no luck and couldn’t win it…  But since Brian has been bringing the casino crew treats, they offered to buy us dinner in The Pinnacle, which is the fancy steakhouse on board.  We ate there last night and it was wonderfully delicious.  We both had steak with the best béarnaise sauce ever.  Oh and JUMBO shrimp cocktails like you used to get in Vegas in the 60’s.  The dessert was crème brule in 3 flavors.  The coffee one was the best…

Antalya is a pretty city but the port is about a 30 minute ride from the downtown area.  The ship offered a free shuttle so we rode in and explored the shops and the bazaar.  I only bought 2 small things yesterday and nothing for me…  In fact after reviewing all my purchases, I realize I should get myself something – lol!  Again we found the Turkish people to be delightful and welcoming.  Not sure if they like us or our dollars – haha!

 

           Above is view from our balcony and here is a picturesque Turkish cafe

Today we are in Marmaris – the affluent coast of Turkey.  The ship is docked in port with over  200 yachts.  From where I sit I can see about 50 sailing masts, whitewashed buildings with red tile roofs, a castle, a mosque with several minerets all flowing up towards the greenish hillside.  Further along the seawall are a ton of condos but they fit well into the lavish scenery also.

It was a long walk from the ship to the shopping area – about 2 miles, but we trudged on because a taxi ride was $12 for the 10 minute ride…  I found a local artist who had an amazing art shop and I bought a small abstract print that is a scene of the buildings and a cat.  Cats seem to be treasured animals here in the Eastern Med…  I also bought some great ceramic pieces – so I have some trinkets for me now.  However tormorrw we are back in Kusadasi, Turkey and I will continue the hunt for a Turkish rug – hehe …  I hope I have been able to give you a sense of Marmaris because it is a beautiful port city.  Charming, picturesque and altogether lovely.  More tomorrow as we get to stay in Kusadasi until 11pm!

Happy Sailing