Kalkan Again

So here we are in Kalkan again (we were last here in October). We just love the place and have visited many times over the last 15 years. There is a saying here in Kalkan that you never visit just once. Most people here are frequent visitors. We couldn't decide whether to return or not this year after the bomb in Instanbul etc. but why should we be put off when there are acts of terrorism going on all over the world. So we were booked and sorted a couple of months ago. It was sad to see a couple of tour operators who specialised in Turkey go into liquidation. We had used Jewel in the Crown many times but as they closed a few months ago we booked with Thomson holidays this time.

The weather is scorching today - 41 degrees - plenty of suntan cream, dips in the pool and two sun umbrellas to shade us. We arrived in the early hours of Sunday morning and it has taken until today for me to wind down from the stresses of work and to relax. Last night was the first time I did not awake thinking of auditors and a lack of resources to manage workloads. I woke at around 5.30am when I heard the call to prayer (I find this just beautiful - comforting and haunting at the same time) and then I nodded off again until 7.30am when it was time for coffee on the balcony. 

We are staying at the Kelebek Hotel this time which is cheap and cheerful. We've looked at this hotel many times in the past but usually booked elsewhere for a variety of reasons, but the main one being it is up a steep hill. As there are fewer operators going to Kalkan our choice was limited but we decided the time was right for the Kelebek. Not a bad little hotel really - family owned and run by the father and two sons. Lovely three bed room but our balcony view is disappointing. We normally have a view out over the bay but this time we have a view of a wall!! We asked for a change and were shown another room that was worse so we have stuck with what we have and as we do not spend that much time in our room anyway apart from sleeping and getting ready to go out it is not a problem.

We have a fabulous view from the breakfast area on the roof and from the sunbathing platform by the pool anyway. 

We had prinks at the Foto Pizza restaurant that has this great view down to the harbour. We love this little place and owner always welcomes us like long lost friends. The Chocolate Bar just below it has splashed out on a new chandelier - what do you think OTT or what? We've only had chance for two meals out in the evenings so far and both have been fabulous. Chillies last night was great with free mezze and coffee. With a bottle of wine the bill came to £30 so a bargain.    I have a busy day ahead lounging by the pool, soaking up the sun, drinking in the view across the bay and reading, I may sneak in a chilled beer at lunchtime and a doze this afternoon if I have time. More holiday updates to come.