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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Photo Credit – some photos taken by attendees of the Anex Fam Trip
We had the morning to ourselves on Friday 10th October, the first official day of the Anex Fam Trip. While my room mate, Debby, slept I made my way down to breakfast. The breakfast buffet and cooking stations at the Selectum Luxury Resort hotel were very impressive and it was difficult to choose what to have. The waitress brought me Turkish tea and orange juice but everything else you just went up and got it yourself. When Debby woke up I introduced myself and I felt like I was very lucky to have a nice room mate. We got on the bus to go to our first hotel inspections of the trip. This afternoon we were visiting the Land of Legends hotels and the theme park. We got split in to 2 bus loads and we looked at the hotels. Our group started with the Land of Legends Kingdom hotel which is 5 Star and absolutely fantastic for families. Of course Jamie had to test out the kids club facilities just to make sure it was up to scratch and I decided I would do the bed and bathroom testing. As I was crutching about I found it tricky to make notes but a couple of the other travel agents offered to help me get about and share their notes.
We visited the hotel bedrooms, which were amazing and we even saw the dining places which were not just tailored for children. The Nickelodeon hotel, again 5 Star, was very impressive too and as I waited for the lift I asked a couple of children what they thought of it. They never wanted to leave and looked to be having an amazing time. There was a sweetie area where anyone could help themselves to a few treats – a great idea. Both the hotels had comfy beds, great themed rooms and gave free access to the Land of Legends Theme park where all the rides and swimming pools are located.
After the tours and a walk around the massive shopping precinct, we were given a bit of time to go and enjoy the theme park for ourselves. I didn’t take my swimmers but some people did and I wandered around by myself, slowly. There was a system in place where you can top up a wrist band with money from your bank card to enable you to buy beers, food and souvenirs. I didn’t partake in this as I’d taken water from the hotel with me. I met up with more travel agents and got friendly with Suzi and Louise, who were more my pace. Suzi and I bonded while getting a bit lost in the theme park – which is easily done. After 2.5 hours of wandering around it, I still had only seen half of it!
On the first evening, all together at Selectum Luxury Resort we were treated to an amazing Bohemian themed evening by Anex Tour UK. The food was absolutely superb and my dining partner, Shahid, was able to help me snaffle down so many courses. The beef melted in the mouth, the prawns were great and there was just so much food. Cocktails flowed for those who wanted them but I stuck to the champagne! I was not missing out on the excellent food that just kept on coming out. As a temporary disabled person, I was worried about getting sat on the floor and getting back up but there were plenty of helpers around, should I have needed them. Shahid turned out to be a great dining partner, as he was also a food lover.
Dancers, saxophonists, fire and light shows followed but I didn’t miss my dessert. It was a really lovely pud but I was the only one who had one as the others had gone off to the bar and to watch the evening entertainment.
I managed a little dance with Fulya Çelik, the Anex Turkish contact, before sneaking back to my room for a camomile tea and a piece of fruit before bed.
Gratitude List 1. Getting to visit Antalya and Belek on a work trip 2. Being very lucky with my room mate, Debby 3. A fantastic Bohemian party with Anex Tour UK at Selectum Luxury Resort hotel.
Photo Credit – other guests and staff on the Anex Tour UK Fam Trip
I was packed and ready by 10.30am on Thursday 9th October when Jamie came to pick me up. Although the Anex Fam trip included flights from Manchester or Gatwick, Jamie and I had arranged to meet everyone in Antalya. Jamie had kindly offered to drive so we could take any luggage we wanted and I had thrown in a few dresses for the fancier evenings. We were given 4 nights accommodation at the 5 Star All Inclusive Selectum Luxury Resort in Belek. On the drive there, we had the Resort Experts team meeting which we did on the move. When we arrived at the hotel we were greeted by staff who drove Jamie’s car to the car park, took our bags and told us to be seated at the check in desk. We were given a welcome drink and told who we would be sharing a room with. Jamie was going to share with Shahid and I got a lady called Debby. All of the other Travel Agents and Anex Tour UK staff were arriving after midnight so Jamie and I went to our respective rooms and unpacked before meeting back up in the 24/7 cafe bar. On entering my room, I was struck by the red and black decor which reminded me of a bit of a tart’s parlour. I chose the bed nearest the window as I preferred not to sleep in the bed next to a massive mirror. The bathroom had all the toiletries, a separate shower and bath but no door. Just some beaded tassels on the edge of where a door would ordinarily be. There was also a well stocked fridge that took some working out how to get in. Jamie described his room as sexy, and his was not red & black. It certainly wasn’t a hotel room I would recommend for just anyone and was definitely designed for a more romantic trip away – think Moulin Rouge! We shared a Turkish spring roll and ordered pizzas at the 24/7 cafe bar. Jamie had a beer and I chose a red wine while admiring the sea view. My mushroom pizza was good and Jamie enjoyed his chicken caeser salad one.
Our next venture was to check out the pool, the spa, the gym and the beach. There is a pier where you can pay a little extra to hire a sunbed area which has direct access, via a ladder, in to the sea. It comes with your own bar staff between 10am and 6pm – ideal for those people who really like to rinse the benefits of the All Inclusive. I took it upon myself to feet out the sunbeds, which came in single and double Jamie and I decided to have a little rest before dinner and I rested my foot. I was finding it easy enough to get about with my crutch at the Selectum but it was just so big and I was very slow.
When we got back to our rooms, there had been a delivery of a bottle of red wine and a bowl of fruit with a message from guest relations – how lovely. I made myself a herbal tea and decided to have a bath. Unfortunately the bath plug didn’t work so I had a shower instead. There’s nothing nicer than popping on a fluffy robe in a hotel after a hot shower. Jamie and I met back up and had a good look at the restaurant, it had such a vast selection of food to help ourselves to and we then retired to the bar area. We decided we would try to stay up for the Manchester flight which was due to have some Travel Agents arrive by 1.30am. I was still taking it relatively steady, despite the all inclusive alcohol, as I didn’t want to fall over. The hotel decor was quite dark and even the toilets were black and red. I remember thinking it wouldn’t be an ideal hotel for anyone with poor eyesight, like my dad. On a trip to the loo, Jamie returned with a goody bag from Fulya, the lady from Anex Antalya, who was organising the trip. Inside we had a handmade pot, an eye mask, a notebook and pen and a really great hooded top. Jamie and I put the tops on and were really impressed. Fulya came over to join us, to stay up for the Manchester contingent. The Manchester lot arrived and we went to greet them at the 24/7 cafe bar. I ordered some baclava and a tea while most people were ordering alcohol but I’d had enough. I introduced myself to a man who said he didn’t drink alcohol and so he joined me with the baclava and tea. It would turn out that this fella was going to be Jamie’s room mate, Shahid! The Gatwick Travel Agents were due to arrive around 3.45am but I decided I could not stay up for that, even though Debby my room mate was one of them. I left Jamie with the Manchester crowd and went to bed. I kept a light on so that Debby could find her way about and went to bed – I never heard Debby arrive.
Gratitude List
Getting to go on a free Fam Trip to Antalya with Anex Tours
Jamie driving us to Antalya
Great food and drink in the amazing Selectum Luxury Resort Hotel.
It was my last day of doggy day care with Norman on Wednesday 8th October – Jamie & Drew were due back later today. It was still rainy and Norman was a bit cheesed off. After his breakfast, Norman helped me eat my toast which I had with a tea. It was also weigh day and Carol had offered to pick me up later for Fat Club. I did get weighed at home to find I had put on 0.85kg (1.9lb). My measurements weren’t that good either as I had put 1cm on both hips and bust but lost 1cm from my waist. I worked all morning as well as making some progress on my side project. I was designing a handy travel planner to help people plan for their holidays. I was doing a course with Claire Clarke and needed to have put some ideas on Pinterest on an online board. I felt that that was a waste of time and I really didn’t get on with Pinterest at all. It reminded me of a virtual scrap book for people with far too much time on their hands. However, as I was trying to persevere with the Optimistic October, I did it. I had soup for lunch then got ready for saying bye to Norman. Jamie & Drew arrived back after a lovely holiday in Kos and then Carol arrived to pick me up to face her dreaded scales. Surprisingly, I had only put on 0.55kg (1.2lb) on Carol’s scales but it was still too much and I needed to get back to losing the weight. I now had 5.3kg (almost 12lb) to lose again to be back at my target weight. Carol dropped me back home after Fat Club for a Zoom Q & A call with Claire Clarke and the Create Publish Grow group, which went well. I put my Resort Experts out of office on and packed for my trip to Antalya tomorrow. The Anex Fam trip was finally here and I was really looking forward to it. My temporary injury concerned me a little as I hoped I would be able to keep up with everyone and not be a burden slowy at the back! I forgot to have dinner so I just ate some cheese and walnuts before bed.
Gratitude List 1. My last day with Norman, the dog 2. Homemade soup 3. Getting ready for a trip to Antalya tomorrow.
On Tuesday 9th September I was eating breakfast and looking at flights to go to the UK in November when I saw a message from Jamie on the work group chat. He had won a free trip to Antalya for 5 days in October. It was the day after his holiday with Drew to Kos where I was already looking after Norman, the dog, so I replied to say Congratulations and that I could extend the dog sit by 5 days if he needed me. He didn’t have time to respond before I had checked my emails to see I had also won a place on the same Fam trip with Anex Tours. Sod Norman, the dog, I was going. It was the best thing that had happened in my 11 months as a Resort Expert. Jamie and I had a quick call, got very excited and he had arranged for Drew to do the dog sitting. Next month we would be at a 5 Star All Inclusive resort in Antalya and we were super excited. I worked extra hard that day with a rest for a cup of tea in the afternoon as my foot was throbbing. In the evening, I got some bad news; the Turkish classes that were due to be starting back this week were no longer going ahead. Our teacher, Sioned, had decided she needed to focus on her family and could no longer commit to them. I was disappointed as I really enjoy them but I understood her reasoning.
Gratitude List 1. Winning a work trip 2. Getting to go to Antalya for work with Jamie 3. Having a zero spend day.
It was Weigh day on Wednesday 10th September and I was keen to know just how much damage my 16 days of holidaying with Captain Caveman had done. However, I was groggy, in pain and too busy to get to Fat Club, even if I could walk there a bit quicker. I also had a visitor; Jamie had to go to Fethiye and had dropped Norman, the dog, off for me to look after at 8am. I wasn’t quite sure how taking him for a walk would pan out but he seemed quite happy on the sofa while I worked. He had clapped the weight on too so I was in good company. I think Jamie had been giving him Edna’s share of the snacks since she’d passed away. At 12.30pm, I decided Norman might need a tinkle and I attempted to get him out for a walk. He wouldn’t go down stairs and just stood at the top watching me! I’d been down and back up for no reason while Norman thought it amusing. For lunch I had cheese, olives and nuts followed by fruit and quark. Captain Caveman asked me to look at flights for him to visit in October but they weren’t cheap. We might need a Plan B. Jamie came back for Norman and we said farewell, he wasn’t impressed we were leaving him to go off on a jolly next month, but we thought it was funny. Carol from Fat Club popped by with her scales so I could see how fat I was. I had put on 2.2kg (5lb) in the last few weeks – I’m surprised it wasn’t more but I was now back to the weight I was at the end of September 2024!!! For dinner, I made myself some veggie noodles which tasted ok, I was determined to lose the weight despite not being able to walk much. I continued working until I started to fall asleep and then went to bed. I’d got a day off tomorrow.
Gratitude List 1. Having Norman, the dog, come over to see me 2. Nice healthy homemade food 3. Not putting even more weight on.
joloyolo 