Dalyan – 28th March

I had strawberries with quark and a little bit of honey for breakfast on Friday 28th March and checked my bank while I sipped my tea. Ordinarily, today would be the date of me checking I had the required money in my Turkish account for residency. I didn’t need to as it had already been done and that was lucky as it was a Bayram (holiday). It felt good but I also felt like I needed to put in the amount for April, as I still needed to get my new card. It felt like I could somehow not receive it and need to have put in the amount to show proof still, which was probably silly. Back in the UK, Captain Caveman had been paid and sent me some money to take care of a few bills for the apartment, plus a bit extra so that I wasn’t having to be frugal with the housekeeping. It was a habit now, though, and I couldn’t help be thrifty – I hoped this mentality meant I could start to save for future holidays and trips with Captain Caveman now.
I was busy working in the morning and had a break for a sage tea and a Dido chocolate bar, I had loads in the fridge as I’d bought them when on offer! In the news there had been an earthquake in Myanmar which had also been felt in neighbouring countries such as Thailand. With there being a war in Myanmar, it was difficult to know what rescue work was actually happening, which was sad.
Debbie popped round and brought me a couple of pairs of size 12 jeans, I think she was sick of seeing me hoisting mine up on the Sunday walks, complaining my trousers were falling down! A lot of my clothes were too big for me and I was starting to look like a bit of a tramp. I was looking forward to getting some new clothes in England. I had cheese on wholemeal toast for lunch and then got back on with work as I had a long awaited event happening at 4pm.
I finished work and left home for my hair appointment with the fantastic Emrah Kilis. I’d only been waiting to get my hair cut and coloured since last year. I had meant to use my birthday money to go sooner but I’d not really had any reason to bother. Now that I had Captain Caveman coming over, I’d been advised by one of my friends that it would be a good time to sort my hair out in readiness. I was peckish on the way so I nipped to the shop for a treat and wanted something that wasn’t chocolate. Unfortunately, that didn’t work out and I ended up getting chocolate anyway.

Şevikoğlu Supermarket
1 X 4 Finger Dido 29.90 lira (61p)

I ate my KitKat-like treat after having my dye put on and the assistant brought me a cup of tea. I sent a photo to Captain Caveman asking him to guess where I was. He didn’t answer straight away but when he did, he responded ‘Dentist’.

Emrah and I had a laugh about that and then he got on and did wonders with my hair. It felt so good as I’d not had it done since June. It cost me 1900 lira (£38.70) which I thought was reasonable. In the past I would associate getting my hair done with going out but I’d already decided I wouldn’t be. I wasn’t paying almost £40 to have my hair done for it to then stink of smoke from going to a bar! In the winter time most of the bar owners are much more slack at allowing smokers inside so I had decided I would rather stay at home, eat nice food and drink my own wine. I called at the shops on the way home and here’s what I bought, prices in lira;

Migros Supermarket
Turkish Delight 90.00 lira
6 Dido Chocolate bars 99.00
2 Milka Chocolate Bars 139.80
Total spent 328.80 lira (£6.70)

On the way out I noticed something on offer and went back in for it;

Migros Supermarket
Washing up liquid 59.95 lira (£1.22)

It was a sign I had more disposable income this month as I stocked up on treats for when (if) I got invited round to friend’s houses. 

I had a lovely drop of Levissi Gamay red wine, spoke to a couple of friends in other countries and then danced to my favourite songs on YouTube – a lovely drama and smoke free Friday night! I was so excited to get a photo and message from an old Phong Nha friend who had bought my book. Jamie was a friend who we met when I first went to Phong Nha and was even present in at least one of the chapters. Her young daughter had opened the package and been shocked at the curse word so Mommy had to put a 💩 emoji over it – genius! Maybe I needed to adapt my front cover like that for more sensitive audiences!

Gratitude List
1. Having a hairdresser’s appointment with Emrah
2. Knowing my American friend, who had lived in Phong Nha, had bought my book
3. Enjoying my Friday night doing what I wanted.

If you want to buy my handy travel tips book, here is the link:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/You-Cant-Shit-Yourself-Bicycle/dp/B0DWWTBVCL