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Bodrum … We set off from
Marmaris … me, the ageing mercedes and Ramazan a local football coach. We stopped for breakfast
at the University town of Approaching Bodrum
was an oasis for the eyes … sparkling clear turquoise coastline edged the
winding road. Having spent the last five years visiting Marmaris, this was
unexplored territory for me. It looked Greek … surprisingly, very very Greek! Low
cubed, pristine white houses dotted with ceramic and rusty tin pots
overflowing with candy-coloured bougainvillaea. Either side of the road,
perched high on stilted boards were signs of new apartment and villa adverts.
Yes, the seductive world of holiday-home real estate had well and truly hit
town! Where was I to begin? My
internet research hadn’t come up trumps to be honest. Numerous invitation
letters had been sent, but no replies. Either there were no ‘emlaks’ with a
Brit on the team or they didn’t meet my high Turkey Twinkles criteria. Now this is where having
Ramazan on board proved very useful. Off he sprinted like Beckham on a
mission to score the world-cup! In and out of the cobbled maze of streets, up
and down flights of stairs and through any door that displayed the potting
sign emlak. When I say we’ve done the leg work at Ramazan was fit and
loving every minute of this alternative to training on the football pitch. As
for me well, you can imagine … blisters, soggy sweat-sodden clothes and a
thirst like I’d just crawled out of the The sign appeared in the
far distance like a mirage. But would they live up to my high expectations? They did … They’re not
British owned but have recently taken on Sally, a real bonnie lass from As a town, what did I make of Bodrum? Well being the budding
artist that I am, I could definitely feel a cultural vibe here. On reflection,
more than in any other resort I’ve visited in Bodrum did certainly have a modern chicness … a
welcoming acceptance of the avant-garde. A place where you could find
alternative therapists, contemporary art galleries and hip jazz venues. In other resorts, touching the edge could be frowned upon, but here in Bodrum you’d be applauded for your expression of originality. |
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Venturing out on the Heading
out of Bodrum, the first resort you encounter is Gumbet with its long thin golden
arch beach - it sort of merges with Bodrum … a continuation if you like. Was I impressed? … Not my cup of tea and
yet many tourists love it. If you like
the idea of boogying well into the wee hours, bacon sarnies and oodles of
shops, a smattering of Up and
over the brow you begin to tap into the true beauty of this peninsula. My next stop Bitez … Now you’re
talking - considering the short distance between the two resorts (7 km from
Bodrum) I was quite taken back with the contrast. If Gumbet was 100 mph … Bitez was 20! There was
something very alluring about Bitez … a crescent moon beach laced with a few
tasteful boutique hotels (one even had a Japanese theme interior!) … chic,
sympathetically designed, holiday apartments/villas interspersed with acres
of mandarin trees. Now this resort is
worth spending the extra pounds on for a quality property in a quality
location. There are a few drawbacks
where purchasing is concerned… at present, certain sea views are reserved
only for Turkish to purchase – but don’t let that put you off. I would give my 3 P’s to Bitez - pounds,
panache and potential! My next stop – Yalikavak. I was quite curious about what I would find
here as holiday villas are selling like hot cakes in this area. Yalikavak is relatively small but holds a lot of Turkish charm... authentic
fish restaurants/boats lace the town/waters edge and the new marina
with its sleek yachts give it a The drive along
the peninsula to get to Yalikavak is breathtaking. Around every bend
is a new discovery... it's
really green in this area with gorgeous colours filtering through from
the wild flowers that edge the roadsides. The poppies were my favourites… greeting
you unexpectedly with their scarlet hues… dancing merrily in the Bodrumian
Breeze. Oops – think I made a new word up! Following
the coastal road around … passing by hills flanked with new complex’s I
arrived at Gumusluk, the
ancient harbour town of If you’re a
budding you may
find more than you bargained for!
Still visible under the crystal blue waters are remnants of the
ancient city. So how
would I describe Gumusluk …. ‘Off the Hook’ is one expression that comes to
mind. It really is that quintessential
retreat that Turkish professionals delight in … where they come for a weekend
away from it all to chill, dance, sing and reminisce. A place where … artists hang out,
wild flowers
grace tables and fresh mullet wafts seductively on your plate. Whilst
staying at a small, yet surprisingly unique hideaway in Gumusluk … I became
the accidental witness to what this gem location is really all about. I sat watching the roaring log fire crackle
away, casting shadows over the Egyptian hieroglyphics painted on the wall of
the dining area. And there before me,
sitting low with legs crossed at the Anatolian table were a group of Turkish
lawyers and doctors … singing with soul, laughing with spirit, and offering
words of wisdom to us all. Gumusluk is a
place where the heart opens… a place of
sharing. And thanks
to one of these gentleman – I have some shots of Gumusluk for you. Unfortunately, I had a problem with my
digital camera but Hasan from |
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Harbour restaurants ... fresh fish and meze
is just the best! |
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Gumusluk is famed for Glorious
Golden sunsets! |
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View of ancient village Karakaya
… (7km Gumusluk) |
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Just because Gumusluk is small …
don’t be fooled – there’s plenty to entertain. In fact there is an Art academy here where
you can hire a studio and create – along with yoga, meditation and sculpture
classes. Or failing that spot the
stars … often hiding behind rather large sunglasses and wearing floppy straw
hats. Gumusluk is truly a little one
off! Shall I mention Turgutreis … ? Oh
go on then. On my way back around the
coast to Bodrum, I came across Turgutreis… now don’t get too excited – as far
as purchasing property is concerned it’s a bit tricky in this area. Why?
Too close to More to follow soon…
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