Bodrum and beyond (end May)

As the days ticked by we where before long lined up on the aft deck in our formal uniforms again, this time to wave the guests off. We had an unexpected boon. For the whole next month we would be without guests. We would of course still be working, but from Monday to Friday and with plenty of opportunity to explore terra firma.

Bodrum Marina

We had one last day ashore in the little village of Gocek, a place that had quickly grown on us. There where essential things to do, such as visit our friends the jeweler and the carpet seller. Over multiple cups of apple tea our gratuity money was quickly spent.

We where due to head further up the coastline to a marina for the upcoming month without guests, but the golf playing crew members decided that a stop needed to be made along the way in Bodrum. The rest of us benefited from this decision as it gave us a chance to see this charming town. Much bigger than Gocek, but still with a small town atmosphere.

The port of Bodrum

On our first night ashore we all had fun dressing to the nines for dinner ashore, compliments of the owner. It was fun to be out of uniform and letting our hair down a bit. And, this time we where the ones being waited on hand and foot, by and endless stream of snappily dressed Turkish waiters.

Back on board several of us sat on the bow of the boat. We soaked in the magical atmosphere of the full moon evening, chatting away as we watched the moons reflections on the surrounding boats and water.

While the golfers went to play their game the next day, the rest of us set off the explore the colorful market area. As one does in a Turkish market, I had my fill of apple tea as I sat and chatted with carpet merchants and shop keepers and admired their wares. Slowly slowly, that is the way even window shopping should be done here. Market meanderings are part of the cultural experience of Turkey.

I spent hours walking around the bazaar and poking my head in nearly every little store, drinking in the displays of hand crafted inlay work, handmade silver, delicate lampshades with colored glass, beautiful scarves, leather jackets. Of course there where the usual displays of "genuine fake watches" and similarly the knock off brand name clothing and hand bags. I left the market empty handed, but content with just the experience.

All of our respective explorations done, it was time for the next leg of the journey to the port we would be spending the next month in.