Dalyan – 13th & 14th December

I had just 4 days left with Norman and 10 days left in Dalyan on Saturday 13th December. I hoped to be able to fit a few things in here, before the end of the year. The weather was good, Norman was snoozing and I got a notification to tell me that my author’s proof copy was arriving in Pontefract this morning! Even though I’d woken up with a sore arm from the flu vaccine, I thought that nothing could spoil my day!
I didn’t bother with the Saturday market but had a walk in to town and met Penny & Phil, content in the knowledge that Captain Caveman had the weekend off and would soon be opening ‘The Handy Travel Planner’, getting the red pen out to correct any obvious mistakes. We had chatted about having a video call so that I could then update the book and get it ready for people to start buying before Christmas on Monday!
At Jik’s, Penny had already ordered and was eating a breakfast, I decided to treat myself to a bacon and mushroom sandwich with an orange juice which was lovely. We got chatting and then decided to move tables to sit in the sun and I had a couple of red wines.
We saw lots of passing Dalyan Dwellers who had already been to the Winter fair and decided we would have a wander over to the Mosque Square to look round the fair, too I paid my 700 lira (£12.50) bill and off we went. It was very busy with lots of stalls, Penny found it hard to walk round for too long so I left her and Phil at Corner Bar. I had a mulled wine and a chocolate brownie from the Ren Garden stall for 150 lira (£2.68) while saying a quick hello to Görkem. I bought some books for 800 lira (£14.29) at the book stall which had a ticket for each book. All the tickets went in to a draw to win a bag of goodies. This is where I met the stall holder, Ali, who was raising money for the dog shelter. The books I picked were all detective/thriller novels for Dad to read, as I know they only bring hand luggage out and books he hasn’t read are difficult to get.
I popped to Kate’s stall where I managed to spend just a few quid on some new coasters. She was raising money for Arthur’s Legacy, a cat charity.
It was so very crowded, the busiest fair in Dalyan I had seen and I went back home to drop stuff off then over to Jamie’s to check on Norman.
While I was there, I checked if Captain Caveman had got my book and had he looked at it yet – he’d decided to go away for the weekend and so, disappointingly, the answer was no. He was due back tomorrow night and would look at it then, if it hadn’t been left out in the rain!
I decided to walk Norman back in to town but he was not keen on going far. We got as far as Ren Garden, where Penny, Phil and Caramel now were so I joined them. Norman loved it in there and I even let him off the lead to see if he and Caramel would play together – they didn’t. Penny had bought a whole cooked chicken from the butchers to feed Caramel with so of course Norman wanted to eat it too. I was hesitant as I didn’t want it to affect his tum but he did share some and snaffled it down. I had 2 mulled wines and a piece of really good carrot and walnut cake. I paid a total of 500 lira (£8.93) and we stayed out until 9pm.
Norman was very sprightly walking home and was so pleased with himself to have had extra chicken from Penny and Caramel.

Gratitude List
1. A good day with friends at the Winter fair
2. Norman
3. Mulled wine.

Sunday 14th December had any plans I might have had, cancelled. Poor little Norman had an accident at just gone 7am. He’d sneezed, coughed, farted and shit himself on the tiled floor of the dining room. The chicken he’d had last night had not done him any favours as I moved him away from a puddle of orange liquid that smelled foul! I felt awful for him and let Jamie know, seeing as I probably shouldn’t have let him eat the chicken.
I’d only just finished cleaning it up when Nanny Kay popped round for a visit and Norman was pleased to see her. We had a good chat and a laugh then arranged to have a pre Christmas drink on Friday as well as seeing each other next Sunday before I left for the UK.
Norman managed a short walk but he wasn’t his usual sprightly self so we chilled on the sofa in the evening. I had a homemade chickpea and spinach curry with couscous for dinner, which was nice. I waited for Captain Caveman to call or message to say he’d got my planner but I never heard anything! This meant that ‘The Handy Travel Planner’ would not be going on sale tomorrow. I was yet again disappointed and mad with myself for not planning it better.

Gratitude List
1. Seeing Nanny Kay
2. Norman
3. Healthy curry for dinner.

Dalyan – 2nd to 4th December

There was a lack of photos and blog type updates on Tuesday 2nd December as it was a bit of a sad day. I’d fed my friend’s cat, seen the white dogs and watched Captain Caveman pack before midday. At noon I said farewell to Captain Caveman. He was joining Ma, Pa, Julie and Gareth plus a few other Dalyan Dwellers on the flight back to the UK. I was going to miss him – I was looking forward to seeing him later this month and for our trip to Morocco for the first week of January, to celebrate my birthday.
At 1pm I attended more training with Anex Tours and found out that from July 2026 they would be doing flights to Antalya from Teeside airport.
I popped over to Jamie’s to let Norman out and then went to a funeral. It was my first funeral in Dalyan and I was there to support a friend, who’s lovely mother had died unexpectedly. It was upsetting, of course, although it was good to see so many people attend the send off.
I was in two minds as to whether to go to the wake afterwards, but decided to pay my respects. It was actually really nice to share some memories of such a lovely woman, even though we weren’t close I’d been to a few social events and a couple of boat trips here and there. I went home feeling sad for my friend and her family.
I didn’t eat dinner that night and had an early night, going to bed being so much more grateful than I usually am.

Gratitude List
1. Having enjoyed 11 days with Captain Caveman
2. Having a holiday booked
3. Knowing my parents had enjoyed their 3 months in Dalyan.

After feeding my friend’s cat on Wednesday 3rd December I said hello to the white dogs and popped to the chemist. I bought 2 months’ worth of pills for 660 lira (£11.79). Back home, as it was weigh day, I got on the scales to find I was the same weight as last week. I got a phone call and forgot to take my measurements though.
I got busy in the office until lunch time when I had beans on toast and a green tea.
At 3pm I walked along the river to Fat Club, where I had lost just 0.1kg (0.2lb). I swapped my existing magazine for another to inspire me with some recipes and walked home via the shop. Here’s what I bought with prices in lira;

Migros Supermarket
Nut Dido chocolate bar 30.00
Halloumi 96.50
2 Quark 99.90
Meatballs 199.95
Mini Magnums 250.00
Total spent 675.36 lira (£12.06)

I fed the cat and then, for dinner, I made a chickpea and spinach stew which I had with couscous. It was quite tasty and healthy, until I followed it with a mini Magnum.

Gratitude List
1. Animals
2. Not putting weight on
3. Good food.

Thursday 4th December was hardly worthy of a blog post, aside from my interaction with the white dogs on the way from cat feeding. Massive storms with heavy rain were forecast any time from 5pm tonight. I had beans on toast for brunch. I worked, I did the evening cat feed early and warmed up the chickpea stew with couscous for dinner.

Gratitude List
1. Knowing rain was coming but I was prepared
2. The white dogs
3. Good healthy food.

Dalyan – 1st December

For Captain Caveman’s last day in Dalyan on Monday 1st December, I decided we should go on the Yellow Boat to Köyceğiz. I’d booked the 2 of us on at 400 lira (£7.27) each, leaving at 10.30am and returning by 5pm. I was mainly looking forward to buying some fruit and vegetables at the market as we hadn’t been to the Dalyan one.
My first job was to feed my friend’s cat, get cash out of the bank and then grab us a couple of croissants from the bakery for breakfast. It cost 180 lira (£3.21) for 2 and they were really good and fresh. I checked the stats for my JOLOYOLO.COM blog and was pleased to see I had 6% more views in November than October. The top 3 nationalities were listed as the UK, Turkey, then the USA. Unfortunately, Vietnam was down in 15th place – beaten easily by Australia, Thailand and the Netherlands!
It was quite chilly out but dry, so we were optimistic for the boat trip today. When we got on, there was just us, Brigette and her hubby, Jim, plus a Turkish lady who was the mother of a walking friend of Captain Caveman’s. Usually there are about 16 onboard so this felt like our own private trip!!
We sipped our hot drinks and nibbles on simit, as we sailed along the river and towards Köyceğiz Lake. The water and scenery was so beautiful and my phone camera didn’t even do it justice.

When we arrived it was around midday so Captain Caveman and I headed to the market. Here’s what we bought with prices in lira;

Potatoes, onions & garlic 45
Peppers & courgettes 45
Black Olives 50
2 pairs of Slippers 100
Total spent 240 lira (£4.29)

For lunch we decided to try Kebapçı Antepden 1999 where I had a lentil soup and Captain Caveman ordered a chicken wrap. The waiter also brought us some free starters, lots of bread and it was all very nice for 480 lira (£8.57). Our next stop was to call for a drink by the lake at one of our favourite places, Avantgart, where we spent 700 lira (£12.50) on a glass of red wine and a rakı.

Back on the boat we had some fruit and snacks then I had a wine and Captain Caveman had a beer. We all watched a bird eat a snake, which was a little grim, but interesting! It was a really good boat trip and we even tried dried persimmon with pecan nuts with the Turkish lady – they were delicious.

After dropping the shopping back in Dalyan, I went to feed my friend’s cat and we had sausage casserole for dinner again. This time Captain Caveman had the leftover lamb added to his. Later, we headed to Ozzy’s bar to meet my parents for a farewell drink. Here’s what we had with prices in lira;

2 Efes Malt 300
2 red wines 320
Total 620 lira with 60 lira discount
Total spent 560 lira (£10)

My parents and Captain Caveman were on the same flight back to Manchester tomorrow, as well as Julie & Gareth, so they were all going to the airport together. As I wouldn’t get to to say bye to Ma & Pa tomorrow, I said my goodbyes that night.

Gratitude List
1. A great day out in Köyceğiz on the Yellow Boat
2. Tasty food
3. Leaving drinks with my parents and Captain Caveman.

Dalyan – 30th November

It was still raining when my alarm went off at 6am on Sunday 30th November. I didn’t go to feed Baby C until it stopped raining around 7.30am. On the way home I checked on the 2 white dogs who were fine but one of them had a half wet blanket.

Back home, I had a cup of Yorkshire tea and decided I would go with Captain Caveman on his Sunday Walk. As usual he’d had lots of people saying they might come but no definites and it’s always hard to know who’s coming when it looks like rain. My parents and several Dalyan Dwellers were going to the Çaliş fair so it looked to be a quiet Dalyan. I was hoping to sit and drink tea but when we got to the Kaunos tea garden meeting point there was only us. We decided to have a walk around the edges of Dalyan, just as it started to rain again. Opposite the tombs is a ridiculous wooden frame with plastic flowers draped over it, which were coming loose and blowing in to the river. I picked up several plastic flowers and put them in a bin. After about an hour and 15 minutes of walking we reached the Kefal tea gardens and ordered something to warm us up. Here’s what we had with the prices in lira;

Kefal tea gardens
1 Sage tea 15
1 Large Turkish tea 20
2 cheese & onion toasties 220
Total spent 255 lira (£4.64)

That was breakfast sorted and we decided to continue along the river walk towards the Denizkızı ferry. We bumped in to Ghislaine and her dogs so had a chat and I found it tricky to walk through the puddles with tons of stray cats round my feet, who may have thought we had come to feed them.

We got home before 1pm as we needed to shower and get ready for a lunch arrangement. Sezgin and Nur wanted us to join them for lunch at a place they love to go to eat lamb. Joining us were Debbie and Mike who we hadn’t had chance to catch up with yet either, so that worked well. I don’t eat lamb but I know that Captain Caveman loves it so I was happy to oblige. Sezgin recommended we all try the Tandır Lamb dish which is roasted lamb in the oven, slow cooked for a few hours. It came with plenty of bread, salad and pickled vegetables so I managed to eat just a little of the lamb. Mike ordered kofta (meatballs) instead but I wanted to try the dish Sezgin and Nur really liked. It was good, and cooked really well. Captain Caveman loved it and we even took some home to have for tomorrow. Here’s what we paid for our share of the meal with water to drink;

Köprübaşı restaurant
1,850 lira (£33.64)

After, we drove back to Kefal tea gardens for a second visit and had a drink and a chat. I paid for the drinks and here’s what we had with prices in lira;

Kefal tea gardens
1 soda water 25
2 Large Turkish tea 40
1 Espresso 65
2 Black coffee 80
Total 210 lira (£3.82)

It was almost 4pm by the time we got in, so on the evening cat feed I took Captain Caveman with me so we could go for another walk after. We were surprised to see people we knew in Sofra bar who were already back from Çaliş, including Jamie. We decided to join them for one and ended up having 3 drinks. Here’s what we had with prices in lira;

Sofra bar
3 Efes Malt 450
3 Red wine 540
Total spent 990 lira (£18)

We didn’t stay out late as it had turned quite cold and we needed to get some rest before Captain Caveman’s last day tomorrow. We walked past a new cafe which Ozzy was opening and would cater for people arriving late from the airport. Before bed, I checked where my finances were on my income & expenditure spreadsheet as it was the last day of the month. I had just about managed to get back to breaking even; I’d spent £780 against a budget of £1,000 so I was pleased with that. I’d also got a surplus of £392 to take in to the last month of the year. My credit card was paid off (as always) and all the bills were paid.

Gratitude List
1. A Sunday Walk for just the 2 of us made a nice change for me
2. Traditional Turkish Lunch out with friends
3. Being within budget.

Dalyan – 28th & 29th November

On Friday 28th November I was up and about very early on animal duty. Captain Caveman was off to Bridge again in the morning so I worked and caught up on some blogging and content posts. Captain Caveman suggested I take the afternoon off but I’d enrolled in another Travelpack cruise training session at 5pm. Instead, we had a bit of a walk at lunch and called to the off licence where we bought 2 bottles of wine for 665 lira (£12.09) to stock up for the weekend.
I’d also decided to arrange a night out at Ren Garden with friends. I’d invited my parents too but they were already booked up to go out with their friends. After feeding the cat and Captain Caveman making us a halloumi pasta for dinner, we got ready to meet Jamie, Vanessa, Leanne & Sonuç. As it was bad weather a few others had cancelled but we had already got a warm private room at the back, near the pool. It was really nice and we did have a laugh. Ren Garden’s mulled wine goes down so quickly and the new cheese plate addition was very nice. Some other friends were in the other room and came to say hello and another couple of fellas came to join us.
Our bill for the evening came to 1,890 lira (£34.36) which included 13 alcoholic drinks and a cheese plate! Not bad for a Friday night out for 2, really!

Gratitude List
1. Good food
2. A night out with friends
3. Mulled wine.

It was a wet one on Saturday 29th November. I went to feed the cat and got a little bit wet and the rain really came down before lunch time. Even our front balcony got too much water on it at once and it started to overflow. I had planned to go say bye to Vanessa and Matt but it was raining so heavily that we decided not to. The Saturday market was not an option for us as we decided it was a day on the sofa.
In the afternoon I baked a camembert in the oven and we had it with some crusty bread. It was so good! For dinner we had a home made sausage casserole with airfryer Yorkshire puddings which we cooked together and was also amazing!
In the evening Captain Caveman and I started to look at holiday plans for 2026, including ideas of me spending the whole of July with Captain Caveman, which would be lovely. Baby C didn’t show up when I’d gone to feed her that evening, in the rain, so I suspected she had someone else feeding her and keeping her dry, elsewhere.
Captain Caveman had organised another Sunday Walk for tomorrow, which clashed with the Çaliş fair and rain forecast so we weren’t expecting many people. I set the alarm so that I could be up ready for Baby C before going to the tea gardens.

Gratitude List
1. Baked Camembert
2. Sausage Casserole
3. Planning some time together for 2026.

Photo Credit – some by Ren Garden & Jamie

Dalyan – 23rd November

It was quite windy and cold out on Sunday 23rd November as I left Captain Caveman in bed, snoring away. I fed the cat as usual and was back home before 8am, the weather didn’t look great for Captain Caveman’s Sunday Walk but he was up for it. I’d already been made aware that I wouldn’t be able to do the walk due to the difficulty level so I had taken it upon myself to meet up with others who couldn’t do it either. Captain Caveman had arranged to meet at Kaunos tea gardens at 9am and there was quite a turn out. A few of us less athletically inclined today, had planned to join the walk as far as the Portakal ferry then walk back to get a bit of light refreshment, however, someone was running late. I didn’t want to hold the main Sunday walkers up so off they all went and I said to Captain Caveman I would meet him at the Kefal tea gardens after they had finished. Our little group got a hot drink inside the new indoor bit, it was a little chilly without any sun and Nur had to rescue a bird from a cat. Sezgin and his family had to get back home so they said their farewells and off we all went.
Vanessa, Janet, Julie and I then ambled from one tea garden to the other, one where we sat indoors and ordered breakfast and drinks. The sun came out and it warmed up nicely. I had a Turkish breakfast plate and a Turkish tea for only 290 lira (£5.27) and it was really tasty. I had plenty left when Captain Caveman and the walkers arrived and ordered a beer. At the tea gardens they had now switched from Efes to Tuborg beer and it cost 150 lira (£2.73), a bargain compared to the prices he was used to in the UK.
Captain Caveman and I called at the shops on the way home and this is what we bought, prices in lira;

Migros Supermarket
Onions 4.54
Potatoes 13.87
Carrots 65.68
6 eggs 72.95
Cashew nuts 95.00
A 1.3kg Chicken 97.75
Cherry juice 105.00
Walnuts 109.00
Espresso coffee 499.95
Total spent 1,063.74 lira (£19.34)

Back home, after sitting on the balcony to dry off my wet hair, I prepared some food ready for later as we were going to be eating a roast chicken dinner. I decided to call to feed the cat early as the weather looked a bit iffy and I wanted to check all the windows were closed. She was very pleased to see me and got some tickles, I then walked back past the bank and got out some Turkish cash for Captain Caveman for tomorrow. I’d hoped we might be off out on the yellow boat to Köyceğiz as I’d took the day off, but he was already booked up. Before dinner we had a quick drink in Tez bar to say hello to Tez then went home for White Russians and a lovely dinner.

Gratitude List
1. A lovely non Sunday Walk with like-minded friends
2. Great food
3. Spending most of the day with Captain Caveman.

Dalyan – 21st November

Friday 21st November was the last day before Captain Caveman’s arrival in Dalyan. I was obviously looking forward to seeing him, however, the stress of trying to get everything done so that I could take some time off from Resort Experts and writing had crept up on me. I didn’t get to feeding the cat until almost 7.30am and she was questioning where her pâté was when I got there. I gave her some fuss before feeding her – she’s always very affectionate but calm. On the way back I checked in with the 2 white dogs, one of whom still had a bit of a sniffle but loved the warm blanket someone had put out for it. I still did a little walk but didn’t go as far today as time was cracking on.
I was meant to have a call with a friend, take my winter coat for a zip repair and call in to see Leanne at King Emlak but my morning didn’t go to plan and none of those happened.

I worked hard at my laptop until lunch then made a Slimming World friendly pizza from a wholemeal wrap. I had a quick video call with Captain Caveman who was excited to be getting out to Dalyan tomorrow. I’d been invited to Jamie and Drew’s for dinner and then we decided we would have a Friday night out. On my way to feed the cat again, I picked up a bottle of red Angora wine for 415 lira (£7.55) in Yaman Büfe 2. I also stopped to check on the 2 white dogs who were now firm friends.
At Jamie & Drew’s villa, Norman was pleased to see me and he was pacing about the kitchen hoping to get a morsel of dinner. We ate a lovely shepherd’s pie with a delicious red cabbage dish and we sipped wine and chatted.
After dinner, we walked to Ren Garden as they had their Friday night mulled wine on. Jamie and I are rather partial to a mulled wine and I ended up having 5 of them and we stayed until midnight. My bill came to 750 lira (£13.64) and I was rather merry. As we were passing and it was open, we ended up having a night cap in Jiks. We were the only 3 in there but it was cosy so we ordered a bottle of red wine between us. It was only Isabey but they charged 1,200 lira (£21.82) for it so I spent another 400 lira (£7.27) on booze and was convinced it would have been cheaper by the glass. One thing is clear on how to save money in Dalyan, though, is to not drink alcohol, but with so many bars and drinking pals it can be hard to do. Still, it was good to know I could have a great Friday night and get hammered for less than the equivalent of £30!
We all staggered home, a bit merry and I hoped I wouldn’t be hungover for Captain Caveman’s arrival tomorrow.

Gratitude List
1. Cute animals
2. Dinner with Jamie & Drew
3. Mulled wine night at Ren Garden.

Dalyan – 19th November

Wednesday 19th November turned out to be quite eventful. I’d fed the cat before sunrise and decided on another walk through Dalyan’s town and by the river, on my way home. It was a little chilly but beautiful and quiet.

I’d turned in to a bit of a magnet for stray animals as various ones came to say hello. I now had a handful of dogs who came over to get some fuss on a regular basis.

Back home I got weighed to find I had put on 0.3kg (0.7kg) which wasn’t ideal. My measurements weren’t good either; my bust remained the same but I’d put on 2cm on my waist and 1cm on my hips. I would find out later what Carol’s scales read. The Slimming World plan kept falling by the wayside but I was determined to get back on track before the end of the year.
I had beans on toast for breakfast and then went to do some more edits on my new travel planner. Canva had started playing up with the page numbering I had saved and was showing page numbers on pages I had asked it to hide, as well as moving the odd one to the right instead of the middle – very frustrating and unnecessary time was wasted.
At 3pm it was time for Fat Club, only to find I had lost 0.3kg (0.7lb) on Carol’s scales, which was better than expected.
I went straight home after Fat Club as I needed to finish off some work before my friend popped round. Vanessa arrived as soon as I’d finished and we chatted and drank tea. We were going to meet at Jiks but decided it would be better to chat first then go out. I went to feed the cat and then we were on our way to the bank, when we saw my parents with their friends in Ren Garden. They’d been out a while and were planning on going home but they stayed out a bit longer with Vanessa and me. It was the first time I’d seen them since they went to Jiva Beach almost a week ago so they were telling us how good a time they had on their trip for Kate’s birthday. I had 2 white wine and sodas for 300 lira (£5.45) and, while Vanessa went back home, we stayed out. My parents hadn’t got anything ready for dinner so we were going to eat out at Çağrı. Unfortunately, it was closed as it was already 8.50pm so we decided to walk to one of our old favourites, River House. We shared a large bottle of water, a meze plate and balloon bread. My parents both ordered liver with either mash or chips and I had meatballs with cheese. My share of the meal came to 1,410 lira (£25.64) including a tip and was very nice but slightly extravagant for a Wednesday.

Gratitude List
1. Animals
2. Not being as fat as I’d thought
3. Seeing Vanessa and my parents.

Dalyan – 10th & 11th November

Kate had invited me to join the pub crawl bunch on a trip to Göcek on Monday 10th November. As I had work to do, a planner to finish and little Norman to take care of, I had to decline. Göcek is a lovely town with a harbour, it can be a little more on the expensive side so, even if I had a day off, it isn’t really a place to visit if you’re on a tight budget.
I’d walked Norman and had a bit of an incident when he found some discarded fish and started eating it. I had to get my fingers in his mouth. He was crafty and hid it in his cheeks then, when I removed my hands, he snaffled it down. Norman proceeded to trot down the street as proud as punch that he’d got away with some fish that he’d found in the street!
When we got home Norman had to give himself a wash to get rid of the manky fish he’d had.
I did quite a lot of work for a Monday and didn’t have any time free to work on my planner, as I’d hoped. After another walk with Norman I made myself a Slimming World style pizza, forgetting I ate one yesterday.

Gratitude List
1. Saving money by not going on a jolly to Göcek
2. Norman, despite the fish eating incident
3. Slimming World style pizza.

I was up and out with Norman before 6.30am on Tuesday 11th November as I didn’t want him to disturb my neighbour again. Yesterday he had been barking at 7am when a cat got in the stairwell and was sick on the stairs. He managed to pick up a bit of oyster shel
Norman slept for most of the rest of the day but then we had an invite out in the evening. My parents had invited me over for a meal at their’s and this time Ma was cooking! I was really looking forward to it as Mom does a lovely Spag Bol and it was nice to be invited out, despite it being Fat Club tomorrow. Norman loves going over to my parents too and he was up the stairs in a flash. Rain had been forecast but it didn’t come while I was out and about.
It was nice to get together as Ma & Pa were off to Jiva Beach for Kate’s 5-day birthday break from Thursday. We had wine and lots of food which was really good. I took Norman’s treats with us so that my parents could give him some – he absolutely loved it.

Gratitude List
1. Early walks
2. Norman
3. Dinner at my parents.

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 – 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.

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

Dalyan & Ekincik – 23rd & 24th September

After the excitement of yesterday and knowing there was an outing planned tomorrow, Tuesday 23rd September was a day spent at my desk. I had lots of bits and bobs today so I worked down the to do list and ate nice food.

In the evening Captain Caveman and I both looked for flights for him to come to Dalyan but they were looking quite expensive for the dates he needed. We were still planning on flying to Vietnam for Christmas and Captain Caveman had seen some flights from the UK.

Gratitude List
1. Nice food
2. Flight searching for ourselves
3. A fairly calm day.

I took the day off on Wednesday 24th September as Jamie had invited me on another boat trip. He had friends over on holiday and there had been a spare place for me.
Before that, I got on the home scales with it being weigh day. I had put on 0.95kg (2lb) which was hardly surprising. On my measurements, my bust had increased by 1cm, my hips had remained the same and my waist had lost 3cm.
Of course, I was about to potentially make it worse by going out for the day.
Jamie & Drew had organised another day out with Captain Ünal on Duran Duran boat to Ekincik Bay. We did the usual boat trip which never gets boring and everyone had a fantastic day. It was quite choppy in parts so I plonked myself in the shade at the back of the boat while most of the others were up the front or on the roof making the most of the sunny weather. Mick, Nick’s Dad, kept me entertained with his hilarious Sheffield banter and we had some delicious food. Nick played mother and got me my plate of food which was really lovely, as always.

I didn’t do any swimming as my foot was hurting so I just chilled out. On the way back I had to have a second sea sickness tablet and also gave a couple out to others who were feeling a bit iffy. We stopped at Little Dalyan for fruit and cake while seeing some turtles. By the time I got back, I was super tired and drowsy but everyone was going to Lukka bar so I did too. Instead of alcohol, which I’d had none of for 3 weeks now, I ordered one of their excellent milkshakes. Everyone carried on their night and I was told later most ended up in Sofra bar. I needed my bed as I was exhausted.
I’d spent a total of £45 today and had a very lovely day – I wouldn’t need any dinner and I ended up falling asleep on the sofa.

Gratitude List
1. Losing centimetres from my waist
2. Being invited on another boat trip
3. Having such lovely food and fun company.

Photo credit – some photos by others on the boat

Dalyan & Ekincik – 11th September

Jamie had invited me to join him and some friends on a boat trip on Thursday 11th September and it had been booked long before I broke a couple of metatarsals. I had already paid my money to Sioned to go on Captain Unal’s Duran Duran boat and didn’t want to miss it because of being in pain. It has been a week since I’d not seen that very small step! It was also a good chance to catch up with my parents, Nanny Kay, Jamie, Josh & Martha, Ann & Stuart, Karen & Shaun, Julia and Evie. The boat was moored the nearest to home that it could be, which was good for me crutching to get there. I took a seasickness tablet as well as my medication and I was well away before 10am. We sailed to Ekincik and, as usual, we were served welsh cakes and other nibbles with our hot beverages. It was a lovely day out albeit limited because of my mobility but I did manage to get down the lovely disabled friendly steps to go for a swim. The lunch was great and my mom was kind enough to do the buffet run for me. The food was amazing with extra meatballs being dished out by Ünal. In the afternoon there was a delicious cake with fruit. It was probably one of the best I’d had on this boat too – I really did need to just stick to the fruit next time! I was a little sad that Captain Caveman was back at work in the UK and unable to be here for this trip. Due to my medicine it was another alcohol free day, too, and I wasn’t really missing drinking.
After the trip, I was tired and resting up on the sofa while adding stuff to my to do list for tomorrow.

Gratitude List
1. Being on another one of my favourite boat trips with lots of friends and family
2. Going in the sea and managing to get back out without further injury
3. Amazing food on the boat.

Dalyan – 6th September

Captain Caveman and I were having breakfast at home on Saturday 6th September. He was contemplating going to the dog shelter to walk some dogs. I was going to do a few bits of content editing for next week, being back at work, so that my 2 weeks off went smoothly. I also had loads of stuff to share from this holiday, with Captain Caveman, and couldn’t wait to get it on my business page.
Our friends Josh & Martha had arrived in Dalyan to join their family and they had booked the Princess of Ekincik boat for a private day trip, after I had recommended it. There had been a group chat to discuss requirements for the wheelchair user on board so I hoped it would be suitable and comfortable for all of them. For those who might need to know, a wheelchair up to 60cm wide will fit!
Martha got in touch to say that her and Josh had been delayed on their flight, after another passenger had a medical emergency, so they were super tired. She wanted us to join the trip so that we could catch up and help keep everyone lively. I was on the strong medication and lidocaine based sprays, so I was away with the fairies and said yes. I hadn’t accounted for the fact that I needed to walk all the way to the boat which took me absolutely ages. When I got there, Ismail mentioned that they do have a mobility scooter that they can collect disabled guests on, should I have needed it. I got a hot drink and sat myself down with my leg propped up until the others arrived.
When everyone got on board; Martha, her parents, brother and Josh, it was really nice to see them all and we got on great straight away. The wheelchair went on and off fine and was parked up so that Zac could see the amazing scenery as we sailed down the river to the sea.
The crew, the boat, the food, the drinks and the company were absolutely perfect and to see Zac be able to enjoy a boat trip in Dalyan was just fantastic. We had a couple of swim spots and even a visit to the back of the beach, Little Dalyan, where I kept Martha’s mom company on the boat while the others went off for a bit of adventure. I even had a cherry juice in a wine glass so that Trish wouldn’t feel alone in her red wine enjoyment – it was a real pleasure to see her have a bit of time to herself and not worry about Zac, who was in very capable hands.
When the family got back, they had enjoyed a jaunt over the beach to the sea and Captain Caveman didn’t fall for the joke of me having red wine in my glass – he knew I wouldn’t be drinking against Doctor’s orders. We then decided to go to the boat end of the beach so that we could see the tourist part and it was very busy. We saw turtles which was great as some of the guests on board hadn’t seen them before in Dalyan. We all enjoyed a really lovely lunch on board which, given that Captain Caveman and I had decided to join only this morning, was plentiful.
After spending the rest of the afternoon on the boat and enjoying ice creams, then some cake with fruit, we returned to Dalyan at gone 5pm. I’m not mentioning any names but I think more than 1 of us had a power nap, as we were just so relaxed.

That evening, after resting my foot, Captain Caveman took me for a slap up dinner at White House. We both had my favourite meal, the beef wellington, which is just so good. Captain Caveman had wine and cocktails but I had water and a friend booked our table while waiting to chat to her boyfriend. Our bill was 4,000 lira (£72.73) which I thought was reasonable. Because of having eaten so much, though, I had to take half of mine home. Tomorrow was Captain Caveman’s last day in Dalyan and I wasn’t looking forward to him leaving.

Gratitude List
1. Having such an amazing day that it was difficult to pinpoint just 3 things to be grateful for!
2. The Princess of Ekincik boat trip, being so good.
3. Beef Wellington Dinner with Captain Caveman at the White House.

Photo credit – some photos by Martha and her family

Dalyan and Devil’s Bay – 29th August

It was time for another boat trip on Friday 29th August, this time with Captain Ünal on Villa Duran Boat Trips. We had booked it at short notice when a couple of spots had become available due to a cancellation. It was going to Devil’s Bay, cost £40 each and included breakfast, lunch and afternoon cake and fruit. We were on board before 9am and the boat departed from very near to where we live so there was no falling out this time. Apo, the Captain’s mate, made us all a hot drink and we set sail towards the sea. The breakfast consisted of bread, cheeses, salad, olives, eggs, cheese rolls, jams, honey, and fruit – it was excellent. I’d took a travel sickness pill just in case. The sea wasn’t too choppy so we were moored up in a quiet bay for our first swim. On the boat were various passengers, none of who we knew already. There was a family on who were friendly and funny so we got talking to the son who was a nice young man. We gave him scores for his diving off the top of the boat.

By 12.30pm, Ünal had started the BBQ and we ate lunch around 1.15pm in a bay on our own, except for a few Turkish men who ate on the beach, having arrived by speedboat. They seemed to be quite taken with the young girls on board and went past a few times to ogle!
Lunch consisted of several mezes, bread, hot chips, chicken and meatballs – again, all excellent. Captain Caveman drank Efes Malt and I had rosé wine. There were lots more swimming and drying off in the sun before sailing to a secluded spot to scatter some ashes of the young man’s father.
I’d found myself sat in the middle of the family, so I excused myself and we gave them some space to say a few words and support each other through the tears.
Captain Caveman and I raised a glass for the poor guy as a mark of respect and kept quiet while they did what they needed to do. I didn’t know the bloke but I think he would’ve been pleased to be scattered where he was, in such a beautiful place.

Cake and fruit were served around 4.45pm and it was a very nice chocolate one.
Back home, I went for a shower and a short lay down, I was so tired that I didn’t wake up until it was very late so there was no dinner or going out!

Gratitude List
1. Getting a trip to Devil’s Bay with Captain Caveman
2. Fab food and drink on the Villa Duran Boat Trip
3. Swimming in the sea.