Dalyan – 20th & 21st October

It was back to it on Monday 20th October and I had plenty to do, before looking after Norman on Wednesday. The weather forecast over the next few days predicted rain.
At lunch time I had a break and warmed up a curry I had got out of the freezer, then cracked back on with the to do list.
I finished on the laptop at 5.45pm and made myself a ‘pretend’ pizza with a wholemeal wrap base, but forgot I didn’t have any grated mozzarella – I used cheese balls instead and it still tasted fine.
At 9.30pm I had a video call with Captain Caveman who was continuing to work hard in the UK. We both agreed it felt a long time to be waiting to see each other again.

Gratitude List
1. It not raining yet
2. Easy and tasty meals
3. Speaking to Captain Caveman.

I had a bit of excitement on Tuesday 21st October; I pushed through the to do list in the morning and then had arranged to meet up with friends, Dot & Ian.
The rain hadn’t started yet so I made my way to Okyanus where we had some drinks and a lovely lunch. Dot ordered Menemen, Ian a breakfast sandwich and I had a chicken wrap with homemade chips. Dot and I had a couple of white wines, Ian drank Efes and we chatted loads. It was great to hear their future plans and it was lovely sunshine until the rain came. I’d helped them out with a passport situation when I was in London last so they insisted on paying for lunch, which was very kind and totally unexpected. I really enjoyed our catch up, the lunch was lovely and it was nice to take a little bit of time off too. We said our farewells at my gate and I spent the afternoon catching up on some content writing. I even sat out on the balcony as the sun was back out and it was rather warm. A friend had organised a ladies night boat trip which I had to decline, not just because it wasn’t in the budget but, because I had a full diary until 6pm and it started at 3pm. I got a message saying I would be missed which was thoughtful.

I messaged my parents to see if I could call in after going to the shops later, as it had been a week since I saw them. Unfortunately, they already had plans to join friends for a night out and were waiting for confirmation of where and when to meet them. At 6pm I decided to pop to the shop to get something for dinner and see if there was Quark in stock. My Mom messaged to say they could meet me for one drink before they went out with their friends, if I wanted, so I said yes.
Here’s what I bought in Migros, prices in lira;

Migros Süpermarket
Green peppers 13.98
Red peppers 15.88
2 Dido chocolate bars 49.00
Bananas 53.70
2 Dido Gold bars 54.00
2 packs of Mozzarella cheese 147.80
Total spent 334.46 lira (£6.14)

I walked over to meet Ma & Pa in Jiks, which is opposite the supermarket. They already had Efes Malts on the go and I ordered a white wine and soda (with it being a school night). Mom kept checking her phone to see if her friend had sent the location of where they needed to be and my plan was to go back home with my shopping and make some dinner, once they left.
We had a couple of wines in Jiks and, when I went to the loo, Dad ordered me a third wine. This meant I’d had 5 wines today and was quite tipsy – weigh day tomorrow wasn’t going to go well!
We paid the 1300 lira bill at Jiks (£23.85) and we were ready to leave. Ma & Pa still hadn’t heard from her friend so we decided to call for one in Ren Garden. There is a cute cat that hangs about in there and it had befriended my parents (who don’t usually like cats). Once we got in there, we didn’t leave until midnight. I was sozzled and hadn’t had any dinner. Our bill in Ren Garden came to 1400 lira (£25.69) which I paid for and I don’t remember getting home!

Gratitude List
1. Lunch with Dot & Ian
2. Getting to see my parents for an impromptu night out
3. Remembering to take my shopping home.

Dalyan – 18th & 19th October

I started the day with cheese, olives and fresh bread for breakfast on Saturday 18th October. I tried to catch up with blogging but work had started on the building next door where there was lots of drilling noises. My Mom messaged to ask if I was going to the market, I didn’t think I could be bothered and decided to use what I had or stock up at the shop. Last night, Migros had quite a few empty shelves so I had to go back anyway. I asked what they were up to and they were busy meeting up with friends, so I wouldn’t see them this weekend.
I had more leek and potato soup for lunch then carried on with my content writing for social media. Time flew by and I went for a walk about 6pm where I realised the noise wasn’t building work but was palm tree trimming. I called at the supermarket again as I was out of Quark and onions. Here’s what I bought with prices in lira;

Migros Supermarket
2 onions 4.84
Spinach 34.00
2 sweet potatoes 68.36
1 wholemeal sliced loaf 70.00
72% bitter chocolate 79.95
Wholemeal wraps 93.50
82% dark chocolate 99.50
Mozzarella 119.90
3 Quark 137.85
Total spent 707.90 lira (£12.99)

For dinner I had a very strange concoction of chicken stew with a side of Turkish ravioli (mantı) instead of potatoes. It was really nice and very filling. I checked my countdown and Captain Caveman would be here in Dalyan in 5 weeks’ time.

Gratitude List
1. Great food
2. Catching up on my writing
3. Staying in for another night at the weekend.

Jamie and I had decided to take advantage of the last Sunday lunch at Lukka bar on Sunday 19th October. Lukka bar were going to be closing at the end of the month for a holiday and were also not going to be doing Sunday lunches over the winter. On my way out of our complex, I saw a small, dead snake and took a photo to send to Captain Caveman to see if he could identify it – I didn’t hear back.

Jamie and I met up at Lukka bar and we decided a bottle of red wine would go lovely with our roast beef dinners. The Sunday lunch portion size is generous so I hadn’t bothered with breakfast and I also took my tupperware. The meal tasted lovely and I was conscious that my Slimming World plan was, once again, out of the window. I made the mistake of ordering my gravy on the side but, with hindsight, I should’ve had it together as the dish is clay and it can make the food stick or become dry without the gravy on – I salvaged it by pouring it on though. I took some of my dinner plus my apple pie home as I was full and trying to be good. Even though it’s not the cheapest place in town, we were both very happy with our Sunday lunch and the price. Here’s what we paid, prices in lira:

Soda water 70
Coke zero 110
Large water 120
Bottle of Angora red wine 950
2 Beef Sunday dinners 2200
Total spent 3,450 lira (£63.30 so £31.65 each)

On my way back home I decided to move the dead snake with my crutch in case any of the stray animals tried to eat it. It turns out, it wasn’t dead!

Gratitude List
1. Sunday lunch at Lukka with Jamie
2. Leftovers
3. Not getting bitten by a snake.

The snake was alive

Dalyan – 15th to 17th October

I took my measurements on Wednesday 15th October to find the inevitable increase; bust +1cm, waist +2cm, hips +1cm. This was to be expected with an all inclusive 5 day break then a 2 course meal out last night. My weight had also increased by 0.5kg which I’m surprised wasn’t more. Luckily, all the walking had helped keep it to a minimum. I was busy catching up with work so I didn’t do much else today. As I was so busy, I didn’t cook any proper meals, instead, I finished off the pastries I still had from our trip to Antalya. One of the gifts from the Anex Fam trip was a handmade pot and I still wasn’t sure what I would use it for. The bath towel I got, went in the cupboard and would be my travel towel – particularly useful for boat trips in the warmer months too.
Later, I had a video call with Captain Caveman who was working hard in the UK and was glad to hear I had enjoyed the Anex Fam trip.

Gratitude List
1. Lucky to not weigh and measure more after all the indulgences.
2. Not stressing about the size of my to do list
3. Speaking to Captain Caveman.

Thursday 16th October went surprisingly quickly for me. As well as lots of catching up on work and book project tasks, I managed to pay for my home internet online which was 600 lira (£11) for the month and I updated my income and expenditure spreadsheet. With hindsight, it was a good job that Captain Caveman wasn’t coming for a holiday in October as that would keep my spending lower for the rest of this month. In the afternoon, we had a team meeting where Jamie did a presentation on our trip to Antalya with Anex. We asked for Anex to be added to our quote system too as we were keen to be able to showcase Anex on QuoteAway.
I didn’t have time to go shopping so I made a mushroom and sweetcorn noodle dish for dinner, which wasn’t great but I ate it. I was trying to get back on the Slimming World plan before I got any heavier.

Gratitude List
1. Still being frugal to save money
2. Having food in the house so I didn’t have to go shopping
3. Getting back on track after being away.

I woke up on Friday 17th October after a restless night’s sleep. I also looked like I’d been dragged through a hedge backwards in my dreams! I did some work then had a catch up with a friend in the UK who usually calls me on her Friday morning walk. It was nice to talk to her and hear how she was doing well.
Before lunch I did some quotes for families looking at the price of going to Land of Legends next summer. I had a leek and potato soup followed by fruit then carried on with work for the rest of the afternoon, including helping out a family member and a webinar for some cruise training. I finished around 6.30pm and went to the supermarket – it was time to stock up. Here’s what I bought with prices in lira;

Migros Supermarket
Milk 21.80
Dido nut chocolate bar 30.00
Tomato pasta sauce 33.95
Marshmallows 39.95
Cashew nuts 95.00
Turkish ravioli (mantı) 119.95
1.1kg chicken 214.07
Total spent 554.72 lira (£10.18)

Parlak Bakery
1 potato açma
1 tahini simit
1 fresh bread
Total spent 85 lira (£1.56)

Unfortunately, the shelves in Migros were quite empty and I didn’t get everything I needed. I ate some of the bakery stuff for dinner with some olives, didn’t bother with any alcohol and went to bed early.

Gratitude List
1. A phonecall with a friend from the UK
2. Food shopping
3. Having a night in.

Antalya & Dalyan – 14th October

I left Jamie praying to the porcelain Gods in our bathroom at the Kremlin Palace at just after 8.30am on Tuesday 14th October – a sentence I never would’ve thought I’d write!
I was the first out of us all for breakfast and decided to try the hot sausages, mushrooms, beans and chips. They were of European style and quite tasty but the croissants were good and the tea strong. Compared to the Selectum Luxury Resort hotel, the Kremlin Palace was much more of a free for all dining experience. Jamie and Amanda didn’t make it to breakfast so we arranged to meet up after packing. When I got back to the room, Jamie had packed but was in and out of the bathroom being unwell and I hoped it didn’t mean we had to stay another night! The Anex Fam trip and extra night had almost broken me and my broken foot! Today was my parents’ wedding anniversary and I needed to be back in Dalyan as I’d been invited to help them celebrate with a meal out that I didn’t want to miss.
After speaking to Jamie, we decided to say our goodbyes and leave. We made plans to meet in the UK and even have a reunion in Dalyan in 2026. By 11am we were on the road back to Dalyan, only stopping for a pee and some mints at a very nice petrol station.
Jamie dropped me off at home around 4pm and helped me carry everything as I still struggled with the stairs. I unpacked, put some washing on, and got ready to meet my parents as we had a lift booked for 6.30pm.

My parents were early but I was ready for our evening meal out. Ma had booked us in to Yalıcapkını (Kingfisher) Restaurant and she had arranged for the boat to pick us up at 6.30pm. We were about 15 minutes early so when we got on the boat, we decided to all have a wine. It wasn’t great and Mom’s glass of white was off and had to be replaced. It also wasn’t cheap at 300 lira (£5.56) for a glass – and we decided we wouldn’t bother with one on the way back. The boat trip was just for the 3 of us and we sailed over to the Kaunos Tombs for sunset. It was really beautiful and it took us less than half an hour to arrive at the restaurant’s jetty. I struggled to get off but was helped and it was still light as we walked through the gardens. One of the big differences I noticed from being in Antalya was that I’d not had to worry for the last 5 days about uneven floor surfaces, unless I had ventured on to the beach. Here in Dalyan, it’s a struggle to find an even floor surface anywhere.

Once inside, our waiter showed us to a nice table and brought the menus. I’d heard mixed reviews from recent visitors so my expectations weren’t too high. A friend had told me that her and her husband wouldn’t go again after a terrible meal, whereas Jamie had enjoyed his steak there recently. For starters, I ordered a burrata salad, Dad chose a beetroot and cheese dish while Mom had the crab. Harris, our waiter, even broke the crab up for Mom which was good. The bottles of wine were fairly pricey but we decided on a bottle of red. It was much more superior to the wine we’d had on the boat and we did wonder if we should suggest they supply the captain with decent wine in future. For mains, we all played it safe and I ordered the steak which Jamie had recommended while my parents both had a pepper steak. In our opinion the food was excellent and we all really enjoyed it.
As my parents paid for the meal I thought it rude to make a list of the prices at the dinner table. However, for blog purposes, we did discuss the total for complimentary bread and dips, 3 starters, 3 mains, and a bottle of decent red wine. I thought it still good value at 6,760 lira (£124), so about £41 each – a treat for Dalyan but cheap compared to the UK where we might have ordinarily enjoyed a fancy meal out. I was very impressed and I would definitely eat there again.
The walk back to the boat was more precarious, especially as we now had been given bags of fruit to take home. We each had a mixture of oranges, satsumas and pomegranates which I thought was rather kind. With hindsight, a taxi back may have been a better idea for the less mobile of us but we managed it and the staff were super helpful and had torches. We took 2 other diners back with us who were unaccustomed to the route so it was like a mini adventure on the way home.
As my parents had so generously paid for the evening and I had only paid for the tip, we rounded off the evening at mine for some more drinks. It had been a lovely night and I was so glad to be back home. The only thing I wasn’t looking forward to, was tomorrow’s weigh in at Fat Club!

Gratitude List
1. Getting back to Dalyan after a wonderful Anex Fam trip
2. Having a lovely anniversary meal with my parents
3. Surviving the boat ride to the restaurant and back, without incident.

Antalya & Belek – 13th October

I was up early on Monday 13th October so that I had time for my last buffet breakfast at the 5 Star Selectum Luxury Resort hotel in Belek, near Antalya. Debby and I had breakfast together and we learned from some of the others that it had turned in to a late night for some of the party animals. We laughed that we were getting old as we were in bed with a hot drink before midnight. I decided to stock up on pastries and take some back to the room in case Jamie and I needed sustenance for the 4 hour journey home.

The Manchester Travel Agents were flying first, then the Gatwick ones. Check out was not until midday but I went back to pack, ready for getting back to Dalyan. Although I had managed very well with my broken foot and crutch, I was definitely tired and was looking forward to a rest – and less walking!
I met Jamie and some of the Anex staff in reception, and everyone was talking about how good a time they had been having on the Fam trip – we really had been well looked after. Before we knew it, we were heading over to the bar area where Amanda ordered a tray of Baby Guiness and offered them round to the 6 of us. Amanda and Stacey, from Anex, had the idea that Jamie and I should join them at the Kremlin Palace hotel tonight.They were already booked in for a few nights there so Jamie got on a video call to Drew to check if he minded and could he dog sit for one more night and, of course, he was fine with it. We did consider Drew coming to join us but it would not have been Norman’s cup of tea. I googled the bus times from Belek to Dalyan and the bus had already left Belek at 9.55am. There was a bus from Antalya at 11am which would mean getting a taxi to there, immediately! The bus would also take over 7 hours with stops in either Aydın, Fethiye, or both, then Ortaca. Stacey got on the phone to check availability and get us a discounted price to share a room at the Kremlin Palace while the attentive bar man placed more shots at the bar.
Our discounted price on an All Inclusive basis at the Kremlin Palace was £160 per room, so £80 each, and although not within my budget, I hadn’t spent anything in the last 4 days. We accepted the kind offer and took a Baby Guiness!
Having checked out of the Selectum, we went to wave off the Manchester lot as they boarded the bus for Antalya airport. It had been great to meet so many lovely people but we were surprised that the farewell committee consisted only of the Anex staff, Debby, Jamie and me.
I had some chocolate strawberries in reception and discovered there had been a cake bar just metres away from reception – I’m glad I’d not noticed it earlier. Jamie also found out that you could get soft drinks at any of the bars!
The Gatwick Travel Agents left next and we, of course, formed a very small farewell committee with the Anex staff. Jamie tried to convince Fulya to come with us to the Kremlin Palace but I think she was looking forward to a well deserved rest.

Once Jamie had drank enough soft drinks and coffee, we arranged to drive over to the Kremlin Palace, which wasn’t far, and meet the Anex staff there. I had work to do so I logged in at a table in reception as our room wasn’t ready until 2pm.
Jamie and I had people in mind back in Dalyan who would love a stay in the Selectum but either didn’t have a car or were unlikely enough to be sober enough to drive a hire car back to Dalyan after an All Inclusive break.
I messaged drivers in Dalyan to ask how much they would charge for a transfer. One was a bit shocked that anyone would be flash enough to pay for that and quoted £320, while the cheapest one way journey was a bargain in comparison at £200.
A hire car or the bus were still the better options.

After a few work related tasks, we had more of the Kremlin Palace’s champers and I had some Turkish delight. At 2.30pm, we went to our room which had a double and a single bed and had a bit of a sea view. There were snacks, fruit, drinks and toiletries as well as a complimentary bottle of Vodka, Whiskey and Prosecco, which was nice. I decided that as I was going to be paying £80 for an extra night, I was definitely going to make the most of it. I polished off the cookies and the baclava then we went to meet the 3 Anex staff; Amanda, Stacey and Tracey. Of course we waited at the beach bar, where Jamie was not impressed that we had to drink our all inclusive beer and prosecco from plastic cups. I spoke to the waiter and got free snacks to soak up the fizz. I tried the red wine and that was pretty good too.

The girls joined us and we had a good laugh as they had a great sense of humour and we were all on the same wavelength.
There was a shop at the Kremlin Palace that sold loads of stuff, including Salt & Vinegar crisps – ideal if you’re there with kids or drunk people, or both!
The restaurant was a bit of organised chaos and definitely had that ‘we don’t queue’ vibe from 95% of guests in there. Having said that, there was also a drinks waiter who was very generous on the wine pours and I thought the red wine was very good. As for the food options, there was so much choice and from various cuisines that it would suit even a fussy eater like me. All of the dishes were clearly labelled so that those of us with allergies could at least work out for ourselves if they were suitable. I had a chicken and rice dish with chips and some salad and it was very tasty. I didn’t really fancy a dessert but, as I’d paid for it, I got a bit of cheesecake down me – it was pretty good.
After dinner, we took a walk around the grounds where we tested out the (children’s) mini cars and had a race! It probably wasn’t wise with a broken foot but, to be honest, they were very easy to use and meant I was the speediest I’d been since I arrived in Antalya. Poor Tracey took a wrong turn and the man in charge had to chase after her. Reversing on cobbles also turned out to be trickier than it looked.
We decided, although it was technically a day off for us all, we needed to check out the Kremlin Palace indoor bar. Not everyone was impressed; the bar man was fast, abrupt and gave dangerous measures, the lighting was dim and the bar lacked atmosphere. However, there were ramps, the bar was near to the toilets, and there was a seating area with round booths which were ideal for chatting to your companions in. If you know what you want to drink, the bar man isn’t an issue – if you like your (premium) vodka and coke so strong you have to ask for a separate coke, you will love this place! There was also very few English guests so it did actually feel like you were on holiday, rather than down a Wetherspoons. I actually enjoyed the Kremlin Palace and would definitely recommend it for the right sort of person. I knew we were very lucky to have had the extra night and I’d enjoyed getting to know Amanda, Stacey & Tracey more.

Gratitude List
1. Farewell breakfast with Debby who had been a great room mate
2. Staying an extra night in another hotel, the Kremlin Palace
3. Getting to know the Anex girls and sharing some great stories together.

Photo Credit – some photos by Jamie and Amanda

Antalya & Belek – 12th October

It was our last full day and night of the Anex Fam trip on Sunday 12th October. We had another early start with the last of our hotel inspections, a planned boat trip and a visit to Side old town. We had been told that the evening was ours to enjoy the hotel restaurant at our leisure and we could do as we pleased that night before our checkout and return journeys tomorrow.
We had a good old nosey at the Astoria Bloom hotel which had super comfy beds and pillows. I think it was this hotel or the Selectum Family Comfort Side, where cake was offered to us but I declined as I’d had lots to eat at the buffet breakfast. At lunch time we had driven out to a remote place to have a boat trip but unfortunately, the wind was up and it wasn’t safe for us to go. Instead, we were invited to sample a local eatery where we were served BBQ chicken with accompanying veg and pasta. As we had been spoiled in the 5 Star hotel restaurants, it was a bit basic and it was the only time nobody went for seconds. Next, we called at a tourist trap shopping centre where they charged a whopping €35 for a kilo of Turkish delight. Of course, living in Turkey, Jamie and I could see the ripping off a mile off and didn’t buy anything. Back in the car park while waiting to get on the buses, we sang happy birthday to a Travel Agent and she was given a cake, then we had to decide where we would prefer to go next.
We could choose between Side old town or going back to the Selectum Luxury Resort hotel. Having been to Side before but knowing I would find the walking a bit of a stretch, I went with going back to the hotel. I was looking forward to a rest or maybe even a massage in the spa.

On arrival back at our hotel, we were given the opportunity to stuff chocolate covered strawberries in our mouths and drink a glass of fizz. Debby had gone to Side so I had the bathroom to myself and even had a lay on the bed before doing a few emails and a couple of customer quotes.
At 7.30pm a few of us met in the bar and then went for dinner. The Side bus got back very late and they all looked exhausted – I was glad I’d not overdone it by going. Instead we had been given a tour around our hotel to the more family friendly accomodation which was great. I got taken on a golf buggy while drinking champagne! I could get used to that.
The meal in the restaurant was lovely and of course I overindulged on the food big time! After the dinner we retired to the bar area where I ordered a glass of wine. Debby and I decided to go for a walk to the beach bar, where we found most of the fun bunch. We had a quick drink there with everyone then it started to turn a little cold. I retired to bed early, knowing we were due to leave after breakfast tomorrow.

Gratitude List
1. More hotel inspections
2. Getting to enjoy more of our hotel
3. Making the most of our last night of the Anex Fam Trip.

Photo Credit – some photos by attendees of the Anex Fam Trip

Antalya & Belek – 11th October

Saturday 11th October was full on for our next day of hotel inspections on the Anex Fam trip. I was so glad that I wasn’t trying to do it with a hangover, which could easily have been the case with the amount of all inclusive drinks available last night.
We had a full day of hotel visits with Anex; including the Asteria, Kremlin Palace, Noa, and Selectum Family – focusing on both couples and family holidays. We had a good laugh, although my temporary disability prevented me from walking on the beach, so I checked out the food options (obviously)! I don’t eat seafood but if you do, there was plenty of options for that too.

Today’s hotels, I felt better suited the more discerning traveller and anyone with impaired vision or mobility issues would be well catered for here. There was only one instance where the lift decided to let us know we were too heavy and we all had a good old laugh – blaming the fab meals we’d all been enjoying. The Kremlin Palace certainly had far less UK guests and seemed to be more European and Turkish, however, I bumped in to a group of Scousers on a lads golf holiday and they were so impressed with the price of accommodation compared to the other hotels with more UK guests, that this was not their first time here.
I did so well at inspecting the food and drink choices that I nearly missed the bus after lunch and I had to quickly do a takeaway with what I still hadn’t finished! Luckily, I had help from my fellow diners who were on hand to get me plastic cups – there was no way I could leave the carrot cake, the brownie or the very generous pour of excellent red wine!
The hotels we inspected were ideal for fans of an all inclusive that was of superior quality! As I was a slow walker I did find myself at the back most of the time but that was ok and I always had company.
Back at the hotel it was time to get ready for another treat from Anex and this time I was wearing a black dress!

Debby and I got ready in our boudoir style room at the Selectum Luxury Resort hotel. We decided to both wear our black dresses although I was disappointed I still had to wear my white sandals for my broken foot. Tonight, Anex were putting on a lavish gala evening with food, free flowing drinks and more breathtaking entertainment. Debby and I were of the first to arrive and we didn’t know there was a lift. The member of staff told us to use the stairs and I did manage them but for anyone with bad eyesight and mobility issues it would be better to insist on the lift – which happened to be there but we just didn’t see it. There was a very fancy bar with different cocktails available, some with dry ice surrounding them as a special effect. A photographer took everyone’s photo as they entered the event and we got to have a go on a 360° turning podium for another photo – perhaps not the best thing to do when on crutches, but I managed it. My gin cocktail was a little strong so I decided to try the whisky one, which was much better.

We made our way from the Diamond Hall, in to the dining/event room which was decorated so well and we really were in for a treat of a night. I managed to get sat at a table which included Debby, Suzi, and Adam and included an ample portion of vegetarians. The food was fantastic, I don’t eat fish so I skipped that course but the chicken parcel and the beef main dish were very good. I even had a bite of the vegetarian option, which was similar to the chicken parcel but just with vegetables and was tasty. I ended up having 2 of the beef, as did Adam – just to help out the vegetarians. I drank fizz all night and even spotted the waitress, Meyve, from last night’s party who was super helpful. This meant that I kept getting refills without asking, which was nice!
A lady got something in her eye and needed urgent attention so I took her to my room for eye drops before the dessert. When I got back to the table, I had what looked like a tomato waiting for me and it was very strange. It was actually mango and passion fruit parfait which looked like a tomato in soil and it didn’t half mess with my head!
We had a dance group, musicians, acrobats, singers and a speech from the Anex boss, Andrew. I felt we had been treated like royalty and I was definitely looking forward to being able to add the Anex selection of hotels and package holidays to my Resort Experts repertoire. A few people went up to the bar after the gala dinner but I was already flagging and needed rest before our last hotel inspecting day tomorrow. Jamie was happy to take advantage of the all inclusive drinks and insisted on us going ‘for one’. While the others knocked the drinks back and got to know more about each other, I made my drinks last. It was a great night but on a visit to the loo, I simply sneakily went back to my room as it was already after midnight and I needed my bed.

Gratitude List
1. More of the fabulous Anex hospitality at other hotels in the area
2. The food – not Slimming World friendly at all!
3. An amazing Gala evening.