Dalyan – 8th & 9th November

There was a craft fair in Dalyan on Saturday 8th November and I’d arranged to accompany Nanny Kay to it. I got up early to walk Norman and had a slight hangover but it soon went after my tea and toast. I spoke to Captain Caveman before he got up and he was looking forward to seeing me in exactly 2 weeks’ time. He did want me to check the beach bus timetable as he was planning a couple of Sunday walks and wanted to see if the beach was a viable route.
I’d misunderstood the timings of today and Nanny Kay didn’t arrive until lunch time so I could’ve gone back to bed after the dog walk. We had a browse round the stalls and Nanny Kay got a couple of nice Christmas ornaments. It probably won’t surprise you that I just bought food items. Here’s what I got with the prices in lira;

Stall 1
Sourdough 200 lira (£3.64)

Stall 2
1 potato pasty
1 spinach pasty
100 lira (£1.82)

Stall 3
2 mince pies 120 lira (£2.18)

Jiks pub
2 Fantas 200 lira (£3.64)

I had a lovely few hours out, in the sun for just 620 lira (£11.26). We’d had to have a sit down and a beverage at Jiks as it was just so hot.
Norman was asleep when I got home but when he woke up he was pleased to see me and we went out for a walk. It was 3.15pm when I had sourdough, olives and cheese for lunch. Norman reminded me that we still hadn’t been to buy any treats and that we should go today. I reassured him he could have some tomorrow and that he’d be ok as he’s put quite a lot of weight on recently.
I did a few more updates for my forthcoming planner and then had more sourdough as it was just so nice. Tomorrow, I was meant to be taking the day off but I really needed to be getting my book finished and delivered to Captain Caveman so that he could bring a proof copy out for me to check. I wanted to get it published and on sale before Christmas.
On the evening dog walk, we called in to see my parents and I gave them some pasties from the fair but didn’t go in as Dad was getting in the shower and they were off out later.

Gratitude List
1. Sourdough
2. Norman
3. Spending time with Nanny Kay.

I wasn’t planning on seeing anyone on Sunday 9th November as I’d decided to get on with the internal pages of my planner. My parents and their friends had gone on a Yellow boat day trip so I hadn’t arranged to meet them.
I took Norman on a dog walk in the morning, in the middle of the day and again in the evening. He only went a couple of blocks but at least it was not raining. He slept a lot and I got on with stuff, slower than I wanted to be doing!
When I finished for the evening, I fed Norman and he hinted that he wanted some treats so I decided to go to the shop.
As I went in Migros, Julie came running up behind me to say my parents were in Ozzy’s and I should come and say hello after their boat trip.
I quickly grabbed some dog treats and some human ones too for a total of 174.10 lira (£3.18) and then wandered over to join my parents, Julie & Gareth, Adam & Kath. I ended up having a couple of red wines and a chicken pizza in Ozzy’s and my parents shared a pizza too.
My dinner with drinks came to just 705 lira (£12.82) and was an unplanned and tasty surprise. Ozzy was giving residents a 10% discount during the winter which was a lovely gesture and his pizzas are excellent.

Gratitude List
1. Getting a little further with my planner
2. Norman
3. An impromptu meal and drinks with my parents & friends.

Dalyan – 7th November

I was awake at 5am on Friday 7th November and, by 6am, I was walking Norman before the forecast rain came. He wouldn’t go down the steps again but on the way back he tried to get up them and struggled so I had to push him on his bum to help. He was still faster than me at getting up the stairs and I had to put the torch on my phone as it was still dark and the automatic light didn’t stay on long enough to make it. After his breakfast, Norman had a nap on the sofa but he woke up at 10am and I decided to take him for another walk. This time we got quite wet in the rain and saw a dead snake. Norman was surprised to see Lukka bar was closed for the winter as he had a look to see if he could see any of his friends.
I got back and dried off quickly before a call with a friend in the UK, which was lovely. I decided to get weighed after having a shower and found that I was just under 70kg, for the first time in a while.
As I sat at my desk (kitchen table) on my new office chair, I saw the updates on a Dalyan Pub Crawl group that I’m on. Matt & Vanessa had organised a pub crawl from 3pm and I had said if they were still out after work tonight I might join them. They were starting in Ozzy’s with the intention of checking out several bars, perhaps in persuit of the cheapest beers and best pool tables.
My last appointment was another Zoom training session about expeditions to the Galapagos islands which looked so good. Once I’d finished that, I had a chat with Norman, who had presumed I was off out without him and was on a bit of a downer. He’d now started referring to my parents as Granny Annie and Grandpa Stupid, as he thought it was funny and we did a video to send to Little Daddy and Stepdaddy Drew.
I had to once again carry Norman down all of the stairs and he was so slow walking, as if he didn’t want to go out. The Pub Crawlers had only got as far as Ozzy’s then Jiks in 4 hours so I stopped there to have a drink with them. Plus, Norman was reluctant to go any further so it was a good pitstop on our evening walk. We were just going to have one drink and then go back – I’m sure you can guess how that turned out!?

I perched on the end seat next to Kate and opposite Vanessa – little Norman had a sniff about for any dropped food! My Dad ordered me a red wine and it was evident I needed to catch up massively. Everyone was ready to move to the next pub (well, it was a pub crawl) during my first drink. I knew Norman had struggled to make it this far so I said my goodbyes and was about to call it a night when Kate told the others that she was going to stay with me at Jiks for one more drink and then she would see everyone at Corner bar.
I ordered another red wine and told Norman to get comfy as Kate and I discussed her 7 cats, including the 2 new blind kittens.
When I went to pay for my 2 wines, it turned out my parents had paid for my first one and I’d not even had chance to speak to them for long. I paid my 150 lira (£2.73) and we left. Kate was going to join the others in Corner Bar, which had become the new place for some of the Dalyan Dwellers to frequent. As we got to the end of the road, where I would turn right to return home with Norman and Kate could go straight on, Norman got a second wind and continued on with Kate – we were off to Corner bar!
When we arrived there, everyone was eating takeaway chicken wraps with chips from nearby Bliss so I had a few of Vanessa’s chips and they were good. Kate and I jumped on the band wagon and ordered a chicken wrap with chips to share. The food was really good and only cost me 180 lira (£3.27) for my share.
Vanessa and Matt left quite soon after I arrived, about 10pm. Kate left not long after that. I’d just got my second glass of wine and had started talking to Dad when everyone but Mark decided to leave. I had 2 red wines at a total of 280 lira (£5.09) but that was my limit for a Friday night as it meant I’d had 4 in total and I was on a budget still. Norman was sleeping on the couch and Mark went over to chat to a fella and his son, so I had a photo with the waiter and then left. Norman and I were home by 11pm – Norman had thoroughly enjoyed his pub crawl, even though he only managed 2 of the 3 bars!

Gratitude List
1. Training on expedition cruises
2. Norman – he loved joining the pub crawl
3. A rare night out with friends and parents for 610 lira (£11.09)

Dalyan – 6th November

I was a bit emotional and stressed on Thursday 6th November – mainly caused by menopause symptoms and tiredness. I’d not slept too well, Norman wouldn’t go down the stairs for his morning walk and I struggled to carry him. I was no longer relying on a crutch but I still struggled on the stairs, myself. At the bottom of the stairs Norman slipped a little getting down the final ones but he was fine. We were back from our walk before 7.30am and Norman was keen to eat his breakfast then get back to bed.
I got on with work including finding some flights for a friend who was taking a long haul business class trip to visit family next year.
My friend Debbie, from Fat Club, and her husband Alan, came round with a new office chair for me. Being a little less mobile had meant I’d not been able to collect it so they had very kindly wheeled it round and Alan had carried it up the stairs. It was amazing and super comfy – just what I needed when I had been sat on a wooden folding chair for the last year!
Since hurting my foot I’d had to resort to having my office in the kitchen so I now had a big red super comfy office chair at the kitchen table and I loved it! Even Norman approved and got out of bed to give it a good sniff and get some attention off Alan. They didn’t even stay for a cup of tea and I was so touched by their kindness.
Later on, I was having trouble with my planner and the layout of my internal pages, despite listening to the training a few times over. Luckily, our Resort Experts team meeting got cancelled which gave me more time. I had a chat with Dagne (Majorca Resort Expert) and Helen (Italy Resort Expert) who were so supportive and encouraging about my planner and we discussed ideas. They were colleagues who had become good friends despite us never meeting in person, only on Teams and Zoom.
At 3pm I decided to take Norman out because he’d not indicated he needed to pee and it had been a while! He stood at the top of the steps and refused to budge. Jamie tells me he just plays up for me, and walks down stairs with him fine!
I still carried him down and perched him at the entrance, where the 2 big steps still caused him to be hesitant and stressed. I had to carry him again just because time was ticking on now and I’d not eaten anything but toast with my tea for breakfast.
Norman got his dinner and another walk before dark and after I had spent far too long doing what can only be described as faffing about with bloody margins! It was an absolute ball ache which nearly tipped me over the edge!
I warmed up left over Thai chicken curry for dinner at gone 9pm, by which time Norman had decided it was bedtime and took himself off to his bed. I decided a glass of wine would be a good idea and drank it, still sat in my new office chair.

Gratitude List
1. An amazing office chair from lovely friends
2. Norman
3. Having Dagne and Helen to keep me sane and on track to get my planner published.

Dalyan – 5th November

It wasn’t surprising that I had put weight on, on Wednesday 5th November, when I got on the home scales! A whole 0.3kg (0.7lb), my bust had stayed the same, I’d lost 1cm from my waist and put 1cm on my hips!
I popped the slow cooker on with a Thai chicken curry in and cancelled my evening plans so that I could help Jamie out. He and Drew were leaving for a holiday tomorrow and I was looking after Norman however, because they wanted to leave early in the morning, I’d been asked to take Norman this evening and, of course, I’d said yes.
First, I went to Fat Club to find I had stayed the same weight as last week on Carol’s scales, so I was pleased about that. I had a water for 50 lira (91p) and we all had a chat and a laugh. On my way home, I called at the shop and here’s what I bought, prices in lira (still no tinned tomatoes);

Migros Supermarket

Milk 27.50
Tomato pasta sauce 33.95
Bitter chocolate 57.50
BBQ sauce 125.21
Frozen berries 229.95
Total spent 474.11 lira (£8.62)

Jamie and Drew popped round with Norman and brought all of his stuff except for his treat tin, so Norman was not amused! We had a glass of wine to toast the start of their holidays and I promised Norman I would get him treats from the shop.
Later, Vanessa popped over for a cup of tea and a chat, we took little Norman out but he was not happy to go out or with the stairs. I had to practically drag him out!
I shared some curry and steamed rice with Vanessa and portioned some up for her to take back for Matt. By 10pm, Norman had been out again, reluctantly, and was in his bed.
I set my alarm for before it got light as I didn’t want Norman to pee in the house.

Gratitude List
1. Not putting weight on, with Carol’s scales
2. Norman
3. Swapping a night out to see a band, for a curry night with Vanessa and Norman.

Dalyan – 1st to 4th November

All plans went out of the window on Saturday 1st November as I had a few Resort Experts quotes to do. I didn’t bother going to the market and went back to bed with a cup of Yorkshire tea, for the first time in quite a while!
I faced the income versus expenditure spreadsheet with a little trepidation as I knew I’d spent too much this month. My budget for October was set at £500, which included Captain Caveman giving me some cash. Unfortunately, I ended up spending just short of £900 including all bills, the course for making my new planner and a flight to the UK with luggage. It meant that I really needed to be extra careful in November and that I was starting the new month on a minus figure of £106. It was going to be a tough month and Captain Caveman was coming to visit at the end of the month which means we always spend more then.
Captain Caveman had already been in touch as he had decided he wanted to go to a music event in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, for his birthday next year. He’d bought 2 tickets for the 3 day Phillgood gig which had bands such as The Cure, Gorillaz, and Moby headlining. So, I spent some time looking at flights and hotels for Plovdiv and Sofia in Bulgaria for the 2 of us.
I had to cancel going round to Kate’s to meet the new kittens as I was too busy faffing around. I managed to get to the bakery where I bought a croissant and a fresh loaf for 105 lira (£1.91) so had lunch while still working, but then had a belly ache.
For dinner I made a chickpea and spinach curry with steamed rice and booked the Old Legends hotel in Plovdiv for Captain Caveman and I. Surprisingly, I got a better rate than Booking .com on a hotel in Sofia so I booked that for 2 nights prior to the gig, so that we could have a look around the capital. Neither of us have been to Bulgaria before and it was on our list of places to visit. I was excited as I miss going to concerts and hearing good live music.
I then decided to look at holidays for January as Captain Caveman really wanted us to go away, despite me saying I couldn’t afford to spend money on holidays while I was still building my empire.

Gratitude List
1. Dealing with budget issues instead of ignoring them
2. Captain Caveman insisting on a trip to Bulgaria in 2026
3. Getting some good deals with Resort Experts for our own holidays.

On Sunday 2nd November there was a bit of excitement in the air. I booked our own holiday to Morocco, through Resort Experts of course. We decided we would be staying in Marrakech for a week on a Bed & Breakfast basis, in a cute little riad for around £900 for the both of us. We were both excited and thought that was quite a bargain.
Nanny Kay popped round with some gifts; spare plates which she was getting rid of and I never have enough if I invite people over for dinner. She also gave me 3 black tops which were ideal for winter.
Later I met Vanessa and another friend in Ozzy’s as Vanessa had just arrived back in Dalyan for a few weeks.
I had a strawberry milkshake and a soda water for 210 lira (£3.82). For dinner, I just ate chicken nuggets for my one meal that day as I’d not had time to make what I had planned.

Gratitude List
1. Booking a holiday to Marrakech with Captain Caveman
2. New plates and tops from Nanny Kay
3. Out with friends for an entertaining catch up.

I had a busy Monday morning on Monday 3rd November; mostly content writing and scheduling. I also had several interactions with Captain Caveman, including messages before his 9am start. He got me researching the flight times and prices for our trip to Bulgaria. We finally plumped for the ones with BA and they were cheaper to book direct so Captain Caveman booked those and he paid for Morocco and the Bulgaria hotels. He’d also booked us tickets for Faithless, with cousin Anna, and a Metallica weekend ticket in July – both of which we were really looking forward to.
I didn’t have lunch until 2.30pm and just had soup with pasta in.
When I finished working for the day, I popped out for a walk and to get some shopping. Here’s what I got with prices in lira;

Migros Supermarket
Green peppers 10.49
Red onion 14.49
Milk 21.80
Red peppers 26.99
6 eggs 49.50
Wholemeal sliced loaf 84.95
Bitter chocolate 87.50
2 Quark 91.90
Total spent 387.62 lira (£6.96)

There were still no tinned tomatoes so I went to the next shop;

Şok Supermarket
1 Dido chocolate bar 46.50
775g chicken 189.63
Total spent 236.13 lira (£4.29)

No tomatoes still!
I wasn’t hungry, so for dinner I just had chestnuts and had an early night.

Gratitude List
1. Booking our own holidays
2. Shopping
3. Having an early night.

It was the calm before the storm on Tuesday 4th November. I split my day between Resort Experts and designing my new planner. I was getting rather impatient with Canva as I was half teaching myself and half following instructions from Claire Clarke from her videos. I had never realised it, but I’m not good at following spoken instruction and would much rather read the instructions.
It was 4pm when I finally got some lunch which was a warmed up chickpea and spinach curry. Captain Caveman had booked his trip to Vietnam without me for March as I was already busy then. We had discussed me getting a flight to London on the Easter weekend to meet him on his return but they were £74 one way, without luggage. Also, I had a couple of work related events/more Fam trips which may be happening in April and I didn’t want to miss out on those. I worked hard that day and didn’t realise until 10.30pm that I had not moved from my desk! At 11pm I just had chestnuts for dinner (again).

Gratitude List
1. Curry for lunch
2. Captain Caveman finally getting a trip to Vietnam booked in
3. Chestnuts.

Dalyan – 31st October

I worked hard on both the Resort Experts content for social media and the design for my new planner on Friday 31st October. By midday the neighbour who shares the same stairwell as us, decided to have a party for one, with deafening music. I knocked on the door to ask her to turn it down but she didn’t answer. I made myself a pizza style wrap for lunch and tried to get back on with my to do list.
At 5pm I had an hour long training session with Travelpack and Swan Hellenic about Expedition cruising, mainly in West Africa. It was super interesting and made me really think about the types of holidays I wanted to promote and go on myself in the future.
I finished just after 6pm then had to get ready, as I was off on an evening out. I wore my orange t-shirt from the Aussies, as I know how much they love Halloween. I decided to wear some lace up pumps for the first time since breaking my foot and I didn’t take my crutch. I was a bit nervous as it was dark and the floors are uneven in Dalyan, but I would take my time and walk slowly.
At Ren Garden, the owners had really pulled out all the stops and it was very Halloween themed, which I hadn’t bargained for. Joining me were; Jamie, Nanny Kay, my parents, Julie, Gareth, Adam & Kath.

Some people had really got in to the spirit of dressing up, including a lady dressed as an old woman who lots of people were scared of. There were a few other familiar faces who we chatted to, too. We had a good night but by 8.30pm my parents, Adam and Kath were hungry so they decided to go elsewhere. Julie & Gareth stayed a bit longer, along with Nanny Kay but, after they left, Jamie and I decided to go for one in Sofra. We left there about midnight and went back to Ren Garden where it was pretty lively.
Jamie and I had another drink in Ren before sauntering home. I had quite a few wines at 140 lira (£2.57) per glass and lost count of the total. It had been a nice evening and I didn’t realise until the next day that my parents and their friends had gone for a meal at Olivia’s and then come back to Ren, but we had already left for Sofra. I didn’t check my budget v spending for the end of the month, as I would do it tomorrow when I was sober.

Gratitude List
1. Being busy with content writing
2. Nice food
3. Ren Garden with friends and family.

Dalyan – 29th & 30th October

It was weigh day again on Wednesday 29th October and I was not optimistic, given last night’s over indulgences. It was also the end of my dog sitting for Norman as Jamie would arrive back after 10pm tonight.
It was a busy day, starting with me having to wake little Norman up at 7.35am.
I took my measurements; I had lost 1cm from my bust and waist and 2cm from my hips – that was surprising, but we would see what Carol’s scales said later.
I worked and got ready for the dog and house handover, at lunch time I went to the shops on the way to Fat Club. Here’s what I bought with prices in lira:

Migros Supermarket
1 toastie loaf 70.00
1 pack Rivita crackers 79.00
375g Chestnuts 104.98
3 Quark 137.85
Total spent 391.83 lira (£7.19)

At Fat Club I was pleased to find I had not put weight on, in fact I was 0.15kg (0.3lb) lighter! I picked up a Slimming World book for more inspiration for this week and was determined to do better. I joined an entrepreneur Facebook group, The Impact Project, run by Strategist Lisa Johnson which was free and looked interesting.
For lunch I had rivitas with cheese, olives and grapes (as a treat), and I had interest in my cheese.
In the evening I just had 7 chestnuts for dinner as I wasn’t hungry and I had been too busy.

Gratitude List
1. Losing weight
2. Norman
3. Chestnuts.

On Thursday 30th October I had a chat booked in with a publisher about doing my next book cover for me. I’d been so busy and stressed with Canva that I really needed some expertise for ‘The Handy Travel Planner’. It would also mean that I could get it completed to be able to have it out by Christmas, hopefully. I’d done a few designs myself but they lacked oomph so I spoke to Nicole who works for Claire Clarke, a publisher of planners, workbooks and journals. We got on well and I was pleased she got me and wasn’t offended when I ranted on just how much I hated Pinterest and found it an utter waste of time.
In the afternoon, I had a Resort Experts team meeting to attend where we had a training session with Major Travel. They had some really great deals on for Dubai as well as covering the US and the Maldives.
After 6pm I ventured out of the house to draw out some cash for the weekend and to get more shopping in, here’s what I bought with prices in lira:

Migros Supermarket

Rice crackers 24.00
1 Dido chocolate bar 24.95
Pasta sauce (tomato) 33.95
Bin liners 44.95
Sliced wholemeal bread 59.90
Wholemeal wraps 93.50
Total spent 281.25 lira (£5.16)

It was a sign that November was approaching as there were no tinned tomatoes on the shelves, and not for the first time. I tried another shop but to no avail;

Şok Supermarket
500g pasta 14.00
Jellies 19.50
Chicken pieces 55.00
Total spent 88.50 lira (£1.62)

I arranged a night out for tomorrow with Jamie, Nanny Kay, my parents and their friends. It was bound to get messy as we were meeting at 6.30pm. I had less than £100 this month and I didn’t really have the money to be going out, however, I felt I needed a ‘Friday after work’ drink to round off a hard going month. Captain Caveman said he would give me some money and I said I would put it to one side for when he came next month.
I made a quick chicken pasta for dinner and then had an early night.

Gratitude List
1. Working with Claire and Nicole at IamClaireClarke on my next book
2. Being able to afford shopping
3. Captain Caveman offering to give me money so that I could go out at the weekend.

Dalyan – 27th & 28th October

Monday 27th October was a busy admin day and I didn’t really stop for a minute. I spoke to Captain Caveman at lunch time who was also busy but he helped me out with something related to a hotel booking.
Norman was well behaved but sleepy and didn’t want to walk far on his walk.
I had more leftover bolognese for dinner and then arranged a night out for tomorrow. Lukka bar had been asked if they would have one last Music Bingo night and they had agreed if there were enough takers.
My parents hadn’t been to it this year and their friends had never been, so I booked us all in for tomorrow. I was looking forward to it, even though it was on a school night.

Gratitude List
1. Being busier at Resort Experts
2. Norman
3. A video call with Captain Caveman.

I was awake early on Tuesday 28th October and had a busy day. The sky was cloudy and the rain was forecast. For lunch I made a Slimming World style vegetarian pizza. A friend who had booked a holiday with me was on their family holiday and she sent me a message and a photo to say they were really enjoying it, which was great to hear.

When I finished work, I went to join my parents and their friends, Julie & Gareth, in Retro bar for a quick drink before our night out. It was good to see Nusret, the owner, who had been working hard this year on making the bar even better than it was before. I had a red wine which I paid 150 lira (£2.75) for, including a tip. We had to be at Lukka bar by 7.30pm for our meal and had decided to push the boat out on their final Music Bingo night, which I absolutely love.
All 5 of us ordered food and drinks and the night was really good fun. I really enjoyed my beef dish, which I had the last time I came. There was singing, chair dancing and Julie even won a bottle of wine on the music bingo. As midnight approached, it did get a bit chilly sat outside with just a denim jacket on. When we came to pay the bill it was probably the most I’d spent on just me on a night out, in quite a while, but it had been such a good laugh. Here’s what I had, with the prices in lira:

Beef Çökertme 950
Baklava with ice-cream 375
5 red wines 1250
200 tip
Total spent 2775 lira (£50.92)

Gratitude List
1. Update from a friend in Fuerteventura
2. Norman
3. A night out at Lukka music bingo.

Photo/video credit – Apo & Julie

Dalyan – 25th & 26th October

It was still a bit wet out on the morning of Saturday 25th October so I had decided not to bother with the market. As the ground was wet with puddles and I was still wearing sandals, I thought I’d rather not get wet feet.
By the time it got to lunch time the sun was back out so I changed my mind and ventured out. I took a proper bag to the market and I’d already got cash so there was no faffing about today. Here’s what I bought with prices in lira;

Stall 1
3 potatoes 20 lira (37p)

Stall 2
Tulum cheese
White cheese
Olives
600 lira (£11)

Stall 3
Tomatoes
Carrots
Mushrooms
Pumpkin
Grapes
Strawberries
550 lira (£10.09)

Stall 4
Spinach Gözleme (pancake) 100 lira (£1.83)

Total spent 1,270 lira (£23.29) which was probably the most I’d spent in the market in a long time – it was also the most I’d carried since breaking my foot and I managed. I’d gone a bit mad on the cheese as the stall holder had the nice strong Tulum which looks like a regular cheddar but tastes more like a blue cheese without the blue in it – it’s very strong and lasts ages. I always get to taste the cheese and the olives too, even though I usually buy the same ones.
When I got back, Norman hadn’t even noticed I’d been gone and was still fast asleep. I ate my very tasty gözleme for lunch and then did some work in the afternoon/evening. Ma & Pa popped round, I gave them some eggs and they brought Norman’s towel & bowl back – they didn’t stay as they were off for a walk but I suggested we might catch up tomorrow.
For dinner I had a pasta dish and put a sprinkling of the tulum cheese on top. I didn’t have any alcohol as I was trying to be good tonight.

Gratitude List
1. Managing a full market shop and walking back with it all
2. Norman
3. Nice, simple food.

On Sunday 26th October I didn’t wake up until 7.50am and when I went downstairs, Norman had had an accident – runny poo on the tiled floor and he’d slipped in it. Poor Norman had to be cleaned as well as the floor and he had a sorry look in his eyes. I told him everything was going to be ok and stayed with him all morning, I even made him some eggs for breakfast.
I decided to make a pumpkin soup in the slow cooker and did a bit of work, despite it being a Sunday. For lunch I had leftover pasta with the rest of the salad from Friday’s takeaway and Norman, although sleepy, seemed to be doing much better.
I left him for an hour when my parents called to go for a walk to the Kefal tea gardens. They both ordered a mackerel sandwich and drinks but I just had a plate of chips. I decided to ask my parents over for a Sunday dinner and we walked back past the Şevikoğlu shop to buy provisions. Unfortunately, they had no whole chickens left, nor any decent wine so we had to make do with chicken breasts and I would order the booze in.

Here’s what I bought, with prices in lira;

Şevikoğlu Supermarket
1 plastic bag 0.50
Red cabbage 21.39
Wet wipes 39.90
3 Dido nut chocolate bars 89.70
1.6kg chicken breasts 295.04
Total spent 446.53 lira (£8.19)

When we got back, Norman was pleased to see us and had been fine. I messaged the off licence for them to bring us wine – my parents were surprised you could do this but it saved us walking and carrying it.

Yaman Büfe
Wine
Soda water
Total spent 1,040 lira (£19.08)

We sat on the terrace with our wine and Norman potted about, he was having trouble with the steps so we tried to fashion a ramp out of a big tile. Norman seemed interested but it wasn’t really safe.
I served up the pumpkin soup, a first try of it for my parents who said they liked it (they didn’t have seconds though). We had sliced chicken breast with roast potatoes, carrots and red cabbage for main, I didn’t have any stuffing to put with it. I saved Norman some chicken as he’s quite partial to a roast dinner and he wolfed it down. Our dessert was just a Dido chocolate bar each and we didn’t have a late one as I had to be up early tomorrow. It was nice to have Sunday dinner with my parents and have the afternoon off.

Gratitude List
1. Good food
2. Norman
3. Spending time with my parents.

Dalyan – 24th October

I was woken up just after 2am on Friday 24th October, with the sound of the heavy rain. It took me a while to get back to sleep but then I was up to let Norman out at 7am. He was quite snoozy but he had a wander round the garden, had breakfast then was snoring away by the time I got my laptop going. I had tea and toast for breakfast and it’s the law that Norman has to have a corner, which he woke up for.
At lunch time, while there was no rain, we had a quick walk. I attended an online webinar training session about cruises in French Polynesia at 5pm, which was very informative. If ever I came in to some spare cash or won the lottery, it would definitely be a place I’d love to visit – the Marquesas Islands looked amazing!
My parents had invited me, and Norman, round to their place for dinner tonight. They had been here almost 7 weeks and this was the first time I’d been in their apartment so I was looking forward to it.
Norman was also a bit giddy as he likes a soirée and hoped there may be snacks available. I took his towel to lay on and a plastic bowl for water and he seemed genuinely excited to be going to Granny Annie’s & Grandpa Stupot’s. Mom had decided not to cook and had suggested we order a delivery from somewhere, but first Dad was on drink pouring duty. I’d taken over the Moldovan wine (from the Anex Fam trip) to try and it was lovely. Norman didn’t settle straight away on account of wanting some fuss and knowing that there were crisps on the quite low coffee table. I’d been waiting to see my parents’ new bed and some furniture plus they had changed things round a bit. It looked really good and a lot more comfortable.
Ma & Pa didn’t have any takeaway menus at home so I contacted someone we know to get the number for the owner of Pamukkale, Fatih. We’ve only ever eaten in the restaurant but a lot of the other restaurants use Pamukkale for their pizzas and pides.
We ordered 3 pides and 2 lahmacun for a total of 1,000 lira (£18.35), including tip, and it came with a massive side salad too. We didn’t eat all of it and I ended up taking some of my pide home plus most of the salad. As we were leaving, little Norman decided he didn’t want to go home! He wanted to stay with Ma & Pa even though they hadn’t given him any titbits and it was getting late. It had started raining and I wanted to get him back home before we both got soaked.
Norman refused to walk down the stairs, I was still using a crutch and the hand rail so I couldn’t carry him down. My Mom carried him and, when we left, Norman was most reluctant to walk.
We got home soaked to the skin and both of us needed towelling off! Norman went to bed feeling a bit sorry for himself that night.

Gratitude List
1. Getting invited to Ma & Pa’s for dinner
2. Norman
3. Having a night out (well, in) with Ma & Pa.

Dalyan – 22nd & 23rd October

To say I was hanging out of my arse on the morning of Wednesday 22nd October was an understatement! Going out drinking with my parents last night had ruined me – far more than any night of the all inclusive 5 Star trip with Anex.
When Jamie arrived at 8.30am for dog sitting Norman, I was barely ready. Norman was pleased as it meant he could get away with anything today. After barely acknowledging Nanny Kay and saying farewell to Jamie, I still had to function as I had work to do. I worked on some Anex quotes for friends who had shown an interest in a trip to Antalya next year.
At 1pm Norman and I were sat out on the terrace and I’d put him in charge. I still felt ill and couldn’t eat breakfast or lunch. At 2.30pm I had a call with a potential client who said I sounded chirpy – I didn’t feel it! At 3pm I was on a training webinar outside on my laptop, when I realised my phone was almost flat and I couldn’t find my charger. By 5.30pm I had finished work, walked Norman and gone to get my charger to apologise to Carol and the ladies at Fat Club for not turning up to Fat Club and not messaging them when asked where I was. I only had some salty chips for dinner as I still felt like death and had a bad stomach – I’m sure the white wine here does something to my guts. By 7.30pm both Norman and I were lolling on the sofa, me still hungover and feeling shit as I had pretty much wasted a day, being less than 100% productive.

Gratitude List
1. Managing to get up in time for Jamie & Norman
2. Norman the dog
3. Getting through the day (just about).

I was still feeling delicate on Thursday 23rd October and was up with a bad stomach at 6.50am. By 7.30am Norman and been out for ablutions and scoffed down his breakfast. Rain was forecast so we did a little walk before work and then I was super on it, not even stopping for a lunch break. We had a team meeting at 1pm and at 5.30pm I downed tools for Norman’s benefit. We had a walk, he got fed and I warmed up a chicken dinner for me, which was lovely. I was in bed by 11.15pm and the rain had started.

Gratitude List
1. Having a more productive day
2. Norman
3. A chicken dinner – finally I could eat again.

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.