Getting Used to Life on the Hook

We dropped our anchor two weeks ago in the Bay of Marmaris and other than moving in a circle have remained comfortably on the hook. In that time we've started our must-do's and wish lists without really getting to know much on dry land with exception of where to buy random boat bits and groceries.

However, we did get lucky enough to make it in time to catch Mike and Lucy on their last couple of days in Turkey and caught up for dinner at Pineapple at Netsel Marina. A big 'thank you' to them for the recommendations that we are still exploring. Not one has been a disappointment and I hope by next year we'll have some of our own favourites to share with them. They've been coming to Marmaris for years to the same villa and were kind enough to give us the info for those of you who want to visit but are hesitant to commit to life on the hook for the duration. It's not for everyone so we understand those who might prefer day trips or a weekend on board to see if it suits them.

Yesterday I strayed from my brightwork duties and Jeff took me into Marmaris in the dingy (our car) in search of throw pillows. Sounded easy enough, but it wasn't. Not speaking the language and not having cell service or google translate makes for a frustrating experience. I did find my first Turkish pancake of the trip so the trip wasn't an entire waste!

When in doubt always stop for street food and enjoy some 'you' time, you won't regret it. The food above is one of my favourite things about Turkey. Mine was cheese and mince (with some kind of seasoning) but you can get them with a variety of ingredients. Haven't had a bad one ever and one like that with a Coke will set you back 25-30 Lira, or £2.30. I could barely eat it as it was huge, but I managed to finish it and try to find those pillows.

Twenty minutes late: SQUIRREL! I see my reflection in the shop of a hair dresser and get talked into letting them give me a wash, deep condition and cut. They must've seen me coming, but it felt nice to do something so selfish and relaxing. Normally I try not to make eye contact to avoid just such a scenario, but hey, it's just hair and some money so figured I wouldn't get too hurt. Suffice to say I took no photo as I'm not sure what to think of the cut yet. Either way, I still look the same so the transformation I was promised has yet to be delivered.

So, back to Marmaris this morning (Sunday) with a map printed out to get what I went in for yesterday. Along the way I did get some nice shots of town which I'll post below. Jeff has been polishing and managing boat projects and I've been largely on interior duties the rest of the day. Exciting? No, but always necessary whether on land or sea.

Tomorrow is Monday and a work day but I also hope to sort out airline tickets to Michigan for the holidays. We've not been in a long time and I don't want to miss another Christmas with my family. Clark W. Griswold (aka Veg) and crew are very excited to plan another memorable family get together that will undoubtably give me fodder for this SLOG. Watch this space!

We will be putting Belvedere in Yacht Marina when we go and then spending a couple months moored there as it will be colder and we both think we might prefer being able to step on dry land easily. Yacht Marina is 11km from Marmaris but the dolmus (bus) and taxis, both of which are very affordable, make it easy to get back and forth as needed.

I am excited to see my friends and family and we both hope to see you soon, too. Don't forget to message us or Facetime us for a laugh or two. We miss you! Here are some pretty pictures so you aren't completely sad you read all of this…

Another reason to love Turkey: bike lanes, and some places have both walking AND bike lanes.

Lots of fountains, too! This one is for Ella Corman Stickler.

About a 1/2 mile of these awesome fountains, too bad they weren't on.

Cool streets and alley ways to explore.

On the way to Marmaris Castle, which I've not yet been to.