Friday 10th June - Kusadasi - Turkiye

We loved how the houses had been painted on the hill, very pretty. 

Hmmmmmmm. Kusadadi.  What should I say about Kusadasi.

Well, research told me that there would not be much for us - with our love of country, hills, rocky coves and wildlife, Kusadasi did not seem to have much to offer, very much a tourist haven, it's mostly about the shopping, and boat trips,  and cafe's.

We set off after breakfast, left out of the port to see what the town had to offer and my attention was captured by some old looking wall.  From what I can make out, it is called the Okuz Mehmed Pasha Caravanserai, and is used as a hotel.  Except it didn't seem to be a hotel when we walked in.  It had a really nice atmosphere, cool in the heat, with an exhibition of art and paintings, some of which we really liked.

Back into the street, we came across a map that seemed to show a sort of tourist interest route.  Taking a photograph, we thought we'd follow it.  That proved a challenge to far, we got lost amongst the streets, and gave up in the end. 

We decided to head for Pigeon Island and the fort on it, which meant we would have walk through the shopping area.  Not a pleasant experience.  Even if I wanted to buy something, I wouldn't.  The shopkeepers were quite persistent, almost aggressive, trying to capture your attention, and insisting you should interact with them.

They did not seem to understand that this is entirely the right way to put off potential British buyers.  We got out the other side, and sat on a bench on the waterfront, relaxing after the onslaught, but even then there wasn't any peace.  A man approached with cards.  He said "Hello" we said "No thank you", he said, "Why you don't want to talk to me, I only said Hello".  I sort of got mad, and explained, with controlled anger, that we were sick of being pestered and just wanted to be left alone.  I didn't swear, and I was very polite.  But he got the message.

Next was Pigeon island.  A pleasant little fort, free to walk up and around in, with views across the bay.

By now, as there wasn't really anywhere left for us to go, (although Peter wanted to walk up to the Kusadasi sign, I was just too hot), so we were looking for somewhere for a cool drink.  Whilst up in the fort, I'd spotted some sun loungers at the bottom, and decided to investigate.

Views over the bay, The Saga ship Spirit of Adventure on the left.  Note the parasols and boardwalk at the bottom of the cliff.

Well, we now know where we will go if we ever go to Kusadasi again.  As you approach the fort, there is a bar to the right.  A board walk leads from the bar, around the edge of the little island to an area of loungers, with steps leading into a marked out area of safe water, which is just perfect for a swim.  

Peter and I sat at the bar, looking out at the boats, swimmers and fishermen, and watched the island folk and tourists be island folk and tourists.  A couple of drinks each, a massive pile of chips, and tons of mayo, and once again we felt like relaxed visitors.  Very content.

Back on the ship, we are still undergoing daily covid tests, and today we are still Covid free.  Tomorrow is another Turkish port.  I'm hoping it will have more for us than today.