October Adventures 23rd October 2012
October 7th - 21st
Fantastic week in Dalyan catching up on old friends, interspersed with various villa chores.
Was so not expecting such fabulous weather! OMG! apart from one showery morning uninterrupted sunshine for 2 weeks resulting in a better tan than I have had all summer.
for week 2, i stayed in a lovely mountain villa in Ovacik, Oludeniz, overlooking Babadag mountain where they host the international paragliding festival each October. So much to see and do in this area. Oludeniz the blue lagoon peninsula is gorgeous, the ghost village (old greek houses) at Kayakoy - fascinating and the marina at Fethiye where you can walk for miles - stunning. I really enjoyed the Blue cruise to St Nicholas island and Butterfly bay which was lovely and lots of stops for swimming with the fish in the clear blue turquoise sea..
Travelling up to Mt Babadag (2000m) in a mini-bus fulll of gawjus parakiting instructors was distracting enough but when a fellow ‘virgin jumper‘, ( a young ‘Colin Farrell’ type) sat next to me there was little chance of me keeping my eyes on the road. I needed to, you see, I am not the best of travellers unless I am driving or pretending to.
We chatted away , talking about our global travelling experiences, taking our minds off what lay ahead for the time being and also the sheer drops as we went around various hair-pin bends. It transpired that ’Colin’ was out here with his ex and in-laws and kids. But then I explained to myself that although he was technically unattached - he was far too young for me so I just enjoyed his banter.
I had been introduced to my instructor - who looked like Jesus at the Gravity office before we left and when we got off the bus it was a case of OK let’s go!. He kindly leant me his sweater as it was a bit draughty up there. The view was breath-taking but not much time to take it in as I was hurriedly strapped into my harness and helmet and before I knew it the voice behind me said ‘’Ok start walking Judy.’’ OMG here we go this is it!
A surge of air took us in a heavenly direction as ‘Jesus’ adjusted the cables to steady the canopy high above us. I suddenly realised there was no going back but calmed myself with the fact that this really was a better option than going back down in the bus and probably even less dangerous! So I practised calming thoughts and admired the stunning views of Oludeniz down below. The boats were like tiny little dots and the turquoise shores of the famous blue lagoon glistened in the sun. It was wonderful to recognise Butterfly valley and St Nicholas island - places I had visited days earlier on a lovely cruise.
The peace and tranquillity were soon shattered though when ‘Jesus’ removed my helmet and before long this cool looking character transformed into a movie director. ‘’OK Judy say hello to the camera!’’ The camera was on a long stick and it was somewhat omnipresent as it presented itself to me from all angles. ‘’OK Judy look up and sat the camera - turn you head to face it, lovely honey now smile!’’ I managed a feeble grin. ’’ Now lets sing Judy - Come fly with me come fly come fly away …… louder Judy OK, Up up and away in my beautiful balloon …….lovely now let go of the straps - don’t worry, honey flap your wings, look up at the camera (it was at such a high angle above my head it was quite a stretch for my poor old neck, ‘’SMILE Judy! OK ‘ what other songs do you know about flying? Oh yeh I know…. fly me to the moon la la la la la la la la. I could not even remember the words! And if I could they were coming out as gibberish! ‘’Jupiter and Mars …..In other words - I love you!’’ I whined ‘’OK Judy high five!’’. Every now and then I looked down to appreciate the views and in between ‘glamour shots’ I was starting to come to terms with the fact I was starting to feel a bit queasy. OMG.
This came to a head (literally) when we did a 180 degree turn to face the mountain, whilst at the same time losing altitude rather rapidly. As we turned to face the sea again ‘Jesus’ instructed me to take the controls. ‘’OK Judy don’t be scared - it’s easy! ’’ I wasn’t prepared for this but would have been willing to have a go though, when suddenly I announced ‘’I THINK I AM GOING TO BE SICK !!!! ’’ Jesus rapidly thrust my head to the side when I went ‘’BLEUGH !’’ Sadly he was downwind of me and I was wearing his sweater remember - YUK!
After a few heaves my stomach settled for a bit and then I was distracted by some events going on down below. It was the Oludeniz annual air games festival and there were some stunts going on that weekend. I watched a guy detach himself from a paraglider and then go bombing down to earth like a bullet - his visibility enhanced by a smoke canister attached to him. He opened his chute - possibly 1000m below us.
Our descent over the blue lagoon peninsula really had that WOW factor. It was breathtakingly beautiful and as we approached land ‘Jesus’ instructed me to adopt a standing position as we prepared to land. This was very slow and smooth and seemed so effortless. My legs turned to jelly though as they stripped me of seat and harness. ‘Jesus’ suggested that I pay a tip to the poor boy who had to clean up my mess and I handed him back his slightly sicky sweater. Oh dear how embarrassing! Next was the treat of seeing my video clips and photos mainly of me looking rather green but I did see the funny side of it and thought my mates could have a good laugh at my expense. ‘Jesus’ told me they wouldn’t notice the sick - it would just look like a pattern on the seat! Oh JOY !
One lemonade and a sit down later I was fully recovered from my ordeal and as I strolled towards the beach to see what was happening with the Air games I spotted some really nice souvenir T-Shirts and decided to treat myself. Mmmm what size do you think? I enquired. The sales guy looked immediately at my breasts and exclaimed LARGE! I corrected him that I really was quite a small girl having narrow shoulders. Don’t listen to him exclaimed his friend. He has problems. To which I replied well he must have I’m old enough to be his mum - naughty boy! So off I trotted to the ladies to try on my colourful Medium sized Oludeniz International 13th Air Games T-shirt. When I enquired about the price the assistant told me it was 20 Liras. Is that all ? I exclaimed - I think they are worth at least 30 lira. Well their jaws just dropped - all of the staff at this kiosk, realising that they could have flogged them for more. Ha! But we all had a laugh about it. I bumped into ‘Colin Farrell’ and his family afterwards and we compared experiences. I decided when I saw his 2 very small children that yes, he was definitely too young for me - heh ho! His father-in-law was probably younger than me too!
What a day - and this was all after a 3 hour horse-riding trek through the pine forest to the ghost town of Kayakoy - a Greek village that was evacuated in the 1920’s. and I’ve got a lovely photo of me on a plate to remind me of that adventure! And a sore bum too!
Judy 19.10.'12
Summer 2012 23rd October 2012
JUNE/ JULY
Matt and Carys took 4 friends out including Matts old school chums Danny and Lamby and judging by their photos had an absolute blast. Great now the guys are old enough to enjoy Dalyan independantly.
This summer, Craig, the youngest, brought his rugby chums of many years - Jon, Connor and Lewis for what appeared to be a week of cocktail savouring at the Sofra bar (many choices inc. frozen daiquiri fruit smoothies) and disco-ing into the early hours at the Ottoman bar and Sweet sixteen disco then back to the villa for a refreshing dawn-time dip, just in time for the cockerels early morning roost.
A visit to the Turtle hospital and Kaptan June’s museum whilst at Iztuzu beach was of great interest as was the not to be missed cruise from Gockek marina.
A night out in Marmaris rounded off the holiday for the boys who were either too broke or wrecked to manage the Aqua park. Marmaris by night was special as we were able to watch the opening of the Olympics on virtually every screen in every bar- ideal for the young and young at heart. Boys got wise to having a few cocktails in the bars b4 entering the clubs where they are not so good value for money.
Our boys (now 20 and 23) paid return visits to Dalyan this year, bringing their friends out to enjoy Villa Meliha, the village and the 12 island cruise from Gocek.
I so look forward to entertaining grand-children at the villa in years to come - got the cot already! No rush boys - honest!
Dalyan Jubilee Party 12th June 2012
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Diamond Jubilee Party Girls at Villa Meliha June 10th
It is truly a lovely time to be here, the garden is looking more mature now, the trees are in bloom and figs,apricots and lemons are appearing. The birds, insects and frogs are bursting with song and in harmony with that lovely, refreshing sea breeze!
OK! The airport road from Dalaman is BUMPY but we are assured that when all the road works are complete, the route will be smoother and swifter in future. If, like us, you endured the dreaded Thomas Cook ‘Red-eye’ you will be so delighted to wake up in such rural tranquillity. OK, there is a new mosque nearby and you may hear the Imam calling to prayer in the early hours, accompanied by the cockerel at our neighbours’ farm but otherwise it is soooooooo peaceful.
What’s new at the Villa this year?
We have just added a new kosk to the villa, next to the BBQ and you are most welcome to use our lovely new cushions and make it into a relaxing open-air chillax house, especially to escape from the sun. Please place wet bottoms on towels if you have been swimming and return cushions to under the stairs before you leave.
We have also added slats to the pergola adjoining the rear of the house for the bougainvillea to grow over and provide more shade.
Nature
You may be lucky enough to see the stork family. They are nesting in a tree just over the little bridge that leads into the farm yard in front of the villa. The tree - eucalyptus I think, is on the left just before you reach the road. I found a gecko in my bedroom this morning - quite small and a lovely shade of yellow! You will hear frogs croaking especially at night and do not be surprised to find turtles in the nearby irrigation channels.
Dalyan 2012
Quite a few new restaurants and bars opened up this year. You will be spoilt for choice. Apparently the villages ‘top chef’ is at the Blue Bistro nr the mosque square. He has completely redesigned the restaurant’s kitchen and it is very impressive. We had an excellent meal there. It was also a real pleasure to lunch at the Sahil restaurant overlooking the rock tombs. The food there is a visual feast ! Askin’s bar continues to be a favourite. This is in the main street before the school. Askin is a lovable rascal and the bar great for wi-fi, English TV and simply watching the world float by.
Shopping!
Where do we start? Where will it all end !!! We LOVED the new Latika boutique café opposite the school. A great place to park hubbies with a drink whilst you have a bit try on. We were most surprised when opening one curtain to find it contained a male mannequin torso and a cat with new-born kitten. Could only happen in Dalyan! Very arty very pretty clothes and gifts.
Saturday is market day but if you miss this then you can get a boat trip on Monday to the Kosges market across the lake.
Our bargains every year are the GAWJUS fake sandals for a fiver.
Park hubby and fruit n veg purchases at the Adilan café for a Turkish brekky and an EFEs beer whilst you trawl for FUN bargains
Pampering!
We loved the Mimi beauty home just up from Migros, having enjoyed a medical full body massage we were all set up to enjoy an evening out on the town, starting at Jifs café - opposite Migros -- waiters entertained us with their dancing- they have sports TV and a lovely walled garden restaurant - great place for kids. Wi-fi too.
Kids ?
Large or small they will love the mud baths boat trip, the river taxi to the beach, the Turtle hospital at the road end of the beach accessible by car or local bus from nr Tourist info centre or the crab and fishing
boat trip or better still the early morning trip to feed the Loggerhead turtles. If you want to really wear them out the Ancient city of Kaunos on the other side of the river is a must - reached by rowing boat at the rear of the school.
One travel agent in the high street does a trip to Fethiye aqua park (Tuesdays with Yesil travel) or there is an even bigger one at Marmaris.
Nightlife
We have it on good authority that the Sweet 16 disco is under new management and they will play your own CD,s !
Live Music at the Jazz bar - lovely resident duo! or at the far end of the village opposite the Rock bar you can join in with the band on tambourine at the cool trendy Sunray lounge and boogy on down.
STOP PRESS
We are now in our 5th year and we have had record bookings this year, many of which were made in the Autumn of 2011. It is lovely to have repeat bookings as these are made by people who really look after the villa as though it it their own home. One family is spending their 3rd summer holiday here. If you want to book for 2013, let us know asap and we will simply use your refundable deposit (£200) to secure your booking for 2013.
October 2011 6th November 2011What have we got in common with Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks?
We all love messing around on boats in Dalyan and Gocek 
Before going to the Greek islands with their wives and children, they visited Kuşadası and then Dalyan. They spent their holiday in Steven Spielberg's 86-meter-long 'Seven Seas' super-luxury yacht which is ranked as the 49th largest in the world. They visited the ancient ruins of Kaunos and Dalyan's therapeutic mud baths.
The highlight of my week was a superb 3 1/2 hr hike over into Ecincik bay from Chandres where we we deposited and retrieved by Kemal (owner of Dalyan's Sahil restaurant) in his river boat. The walk took us up to the top of the cliffs through pine forests and the views were to die for. Our guide was Johny 'Walker' an avid Dalyan hiker who led us along some quite treacherous paths re lose stones with the odd collapsed tree to climb over but it was sheer magic and the descent down into Ecinick marina seduced us with stunning views sparkling turquoise waters to splash around in at the end of of our journey. Even more welcoming were the aromas of Kemal's BBQ wafting uphill (and of course the prospect of the customary bottle of Efes to wash it down with afterwards always a treat). Watch this space as we are organising a return for Easter 2012 for nature (and Efes lovers) :) x
A visit to Dalyan is not complete without a visit to Iztuzu beach by boat. I met a charming Dutch couple who were going to walk the length of the beach and then hop on the Dolmus (local bus)at the other end. Another lovely walk which takes about an hour or so and at this end you can visit the Turtle hospital and museum and on the way back soak in the magnificent views of the beach from Gokbel.
Askin asked me to mention his bar to our Villa guests. Go to Askin's in the main street for a coffee or something stonger with your lap-top and watch the world go by. Here you can meet the locals and enjoy a bit of banter or a game of backgammon. Askin is a great interpreter. Don't be fooled - he speaks excellent English. When we first met we conducted a conversation in sign language for ages before he let on. If you are a single female he may even introduce you to his Uncle who actually does not speak English - but he is single too apparently and a jolly chap (who speaks a smattering of german). So there Askin you have a mention. And PS I owe u for a G+T and please do not try to make me drink whisky next time! x June 2011 16th June 2011
My holiday at Villa Meliha June 2011
This was my third visit to Dalyan and I keep finding another delightful nugget or two. The villa is stunning and surrounded by an area where you have nothing much more to do than choose what to eat and drink and visit wonderful places, Another visit full of surprises and enjoyment which was made even better by finding yet more wonderful places to visit. My own particular favourites are the Golbasi Restaurant and the Hidden Garden and the Hamam at the BC Spa.
Penny H, Surrey UK
Dalyan Babes on Tour 13th June 2011Dear Friends of Villa Meliha, Another fabulous Whitsun week for the Dalyan babes. For some it is the 4th or 5th year running! And one of our babes celebrates her 6th visit to Villa Meliha. There is just no keeping her away. One of the highlights this year was a visit to the new BC SPa hotel for a Hamam, steam, sauna and massage. Has to be the biggest sauna the girls have ever seen - complete with gianta plasma screen (bit unecessary we thought!) THE MASSAGES were to die for girls. One lady went back the next day for seconds! The week would not have been complete without the 12 island cruise - and of course our synchronised water ballet - a bit of a tradition as are Suzie's frozen G+T's. Our favourite eateries this year were the Hidden Garden - had to go there twice (gorgeous food and even more gorgeous waiters!). A sing song at Leon,s and the Sofra bar - oh and several b.day parties complete with sparkling cocktails, cake, exploding confetti and lovely singing waiters! FAB live music and dancing at the Sun Ray lounge and yours truly on the bongos at the Rock Bar. Mufla has not been the same since. A gorgeous turkish breakie at the Golbasi was paradise and the ducks and turtles enjoyed what little left overs we left! Askins bar was our favourite place to sit and watch the world go round and get up to untold mischief. Shopping favourites were Elvis's for the handbags, the market for the pretty 10 lira sandals and the boot shop had boots to die for dahlings!
Villa Meliha is looking lovely now, the fruit trees growing taller and becoming more established. Wish we were going out later in the season to sample the figs, pomegranates, oranges, nectarines, peaches, plums and lemons! Love Judy and gang x x x
Duracell Bunnies do Dalyan 2nd September 2009Whitsun 09 A fantastic week for 6 busy middle age ladies, to chill, make new friends and behave like school girls again. Yes I am referring to the 12 island gulet cruise from Gocek where we performed our signature synchronised ballet amidst ecstatic giggles as we ungracefully splashed around like demented dolphins. The swinging from the rope into the sea tarzan-style just added to the bliss. Favourites were the Sahil restaurant as always and the Golbasi , both beautiful riverside spots and wonderful sea-food. A new discovery was the Akkaya garden restaurant near Dalaman where you dine up in the trees in giant birds-nests as you gaze down at the beautiful tropical water gardens. www.akkayagarden.com
Another favourite was the Sun-ray lounge in Dalyan, a trendy cool live music venue where you can dance the night away overlooking the Dalyan river. www.sunray-lounge.com . The Duracell bunnies (as we were christended by other passengers on the cruise) had a little reunion in Cheltenham recently and plan to do the same again next year. Sheer bliss!!!!
Oct/Nov 08 7th November 2008Just the two of us this time. It was time to prepare the villa for the winter - oiling external light fittings, painting a few railings and liasing with the gardeners. However we did have time for some exploring on our hired Honda Beat which is a great way to discover hidden, deserted bays and the beautiful pine forests up in the mountains with only the goats and bees for company. We visited Sarigerme to check out water sports for next summer and the new Hilton Resort and Golf development which are coming on a treat. The Sarigerme beach area is lovely and there is a sweet little nature park nearby.
We also discovered a wonderful new restaurant up in the hills above Dalaman. The tables are in giant birds nests up in the trees overlooking a waterfall and beautifully cultivated tropical gardens. Even the loos have a natural waterfall and garden in them! We went with a large gang and enjoyed a lovely sing-song together after our lovely meal. the restaurant is called The Akkaya and is opposite the turning for Dalaman coming from the Orteca direction. A must !!!!
Summer 08 4th November 2008August 08
A wonderful two weeks with visits from Jake and daughter Olivia and Fiona and daughter Louisa. We hired mopeds and did some exploring high up in the pine forests where we discovered some fabulous views from the radar tower and the sunset terrace cafe. We also enjoyed a hilarious boat trip to Ekincik bay - Captain Thomas the boat owner proved to be extremely versatile - piloting the river boat out at sea through some choppy little coves and then finally preparing us a wonderful BBQ lunch. I was in extremis through most of the trip as I was nursing a jelly fish sting and then to add insult to injury I bit inot ared hot chilly pepper! Ouch. Thomas was also very generous with his Raki including sharing it with other boat captains! After the boat trip we endured a rather hair-raising drive back home - yes Thomas was driving! We enjoyed some FAB meals out including a birthday party for Louisa (24) at the Metin pide and pizza. She had a great cake with not a candle but a rocket on it - health and safety not the same in Turkey! We also had a try of the hubble bubble ( not so keen on the banana flavour). Matt and Craig had planned on a trip to Marmaris (Dalyan a bit tame for them) but having the girls for company eemed to make holidaying with the parents less gruelling! There is a great new live music venue in Dalyan called the sun-ray lounge which is very trendy - lovely music too.
Quote of the holiday 'Don't go to Australia you have got everything you need here in Turkey'. Jake Howard (an aussie).
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May 2013Dalyan 2013
October 2012October Adventures
Summer 2012
June 2012Dalyan Jubilee Party
November 2011October 2011
June 2011June 2011
Dalyan Babes on Tour
September 2009Duracell Bunnies do Dalyan
November 2008Oct/Nov 08
Summer 08
March 2008February 08
November 2007A quiet week - just the two of us in October
October 2007The Party Princesses do Dalyan!
August 2007July/August 07 The finished Villa Meliha!
June 2007June 07
April 2007April
March 2007Building Villa Meliha
February 2007Visit in February
December 2006How it all began
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