I made sure I got up and out early on Tuesday 17th June before it got too warm. I went to the shops and here’s what I bought with prices in lira;
Migros Supermarket 2 pot noodles 54.50 6 eggs 55.00 Wholemeal Wraps 99.50 Washing powder 157.95 Total spent 366.95 lira (£6.92)
Parlak Bakery 1 loaf 15.00 1 açma 20.00 Total spent 35.00 lira (66p)
I also called in to Jiks to get photos of the pizza menus because we were invited to Nanny Kay’s tomorrow. Captain Caveman and I had breakfast together of açma (half each) with white cheese and some of the left over olives from Saklı Bahçe at the weekend. We both got on with work and I had some enquiries from friends about Turkey. There was a sale on with Classic Collection who only offer holidays through agents and the deposit is only £12.50. Captain Caveman had 3 meetings and they were loud and sounded stressful. We both chose pizzas for tomorrow and messaged our choices to Nanny Kay. At lunch time, we had bacon sandwiches which were very nice and I got a message from a friend who’d been away. I’d booked them a city break and they had really enjoyed it. They were looking to book another one so we arranged a chat for later in the weekend. In the evening we had sausage pasta for dinner then had a walk through town. We called at Rehab bar to see Tay where Captain Caveman had an Efes Malt and I just had soda water (as it was Fat Club tomorrow). While we were there, the mozzies were out in force so we both had to spray stuff on and the bar staff went and bought more!
Gratitude List 1. Getting the shopping done early 2. Eating meals with Captain Caveman in between work tasks 3. Seeing Tay at Rehab bar.
Wednesday 18th June was a busier day for me. It started with the usual measurements and getting weighed on my home scales. Unfortunately, having Captain Caveman here had been detrimental and I had put on 1kg (2.2lb). I’d lost 1cm off my bust and hips and 2cm off my waist so that was good. At 11.30am I went to Turkish class at Lukka bar where I paid 60 lira (£1.13) for a small water and 150 lira (£2.83) for the lesson. I made lunch at home for Captain Caveman and I which was salad with cheese and salami. I had 3 online webinars, made a test book on Canva for a new planner that I’d started working on and saved that as a draft before heading back out to Fat Club. Carol’s scales were kinder than mine and and I had only put on 0.7kg (1.5lb) but I still needed to watch it a bit. After Fat Club, I went to the shop next to the hairdresser’s and bought a new AC remote for 400 lira (£7.55) and ordered 2 more for next week. The Arçelik shop wanted 1,000 lira (£18.87) for one but luckily, Carol had put me on to this shop and I’d saved lots. While I was still waiting for Katrina at Maizie Moo to make more citronella candles, I bought a cheap pack of 3 from the Millenium shop for 140 lira (£2.64), they weren’t as good but were better than nothing. Captain Caveman and I finished work by 7pm and walked over to Nanny Kay’s house where we ended up having quite a night! We had a Jiks pizza delivery which was piping hot and all correct, plus quite a lot of red wine. Nanny Kay was also asking how we would be spending the rest of Captain Caveman’s time in Dalyan and I was disappointed to hear him say I wasn’t really featured in his plans. He would be working all week and then wanted to do his own things at the weekend, before he left early on Sunday. I had already been lining up a boat trip and he now was not interested in another one and would rather go walk some dogs at the dog shelter or play Bridge. Luckily, Nanny Kay helped talk him in to agreeing to another boat trip, this time with Princess of Ekincik but only if there was less smokers on board. I checked and then we confirmed 2 places on Saturday, so I wouldn’t be going on my own. We walked home quite sozzled and it was late when we got back.
Gratitude List 1. Measurements being better than weight 2. Getting a bargain AC remote 3. A wonderful evening at Nanny Kay’s.
Captain Caveman arrived before 2.30am on Wednesday 11th June. At Manchester Duty Free he’d bought us a bottle of Hendrick’s Gin for £29.99, then on landing at Dalaman he’d bought 2 bottles of Prosecco for €31.80 (1,443.08 lira). He’d also brought me the following treats, some of which I’d asked him to; Chopsticks, Eye mask, Tea Towels, Robinson’s cordial and Thai Curry pastes. After a bit of sleep, I was up first to start work and get weighed. My home scales surprisingly said I had lost 1.6kg (3.5lb) but that couldn’t be right. My measurements showed my bust and hips had stayed the same but I’d put 1cm on my waist – that will be the alcohol at the weekend! I topped up the Turkcell with 50GB of data for 425 lira (£8) as Captainnet isn’t always reliable and there was now 2 of us working from home. By 11am, Captain Caveman was on his morning video call and he was so loud, I expected the neighbours to complain. I left him shouting and complaining about not having any coffee and went to Turkish class at Lukka bar. I made us a salad for lunch and then I went to Fat Club in the afternoon. Carol’s scales were not as forgiving as my home ones but I was still shocked to find that I had lost 1kg (2.2lb). We had a bit of a laugh that the wine & Prosecco diet had done me well this week, but now I had to watch putting on weight next week! I called at the shop on my way back and here’s what I bought, prices in lira;
Migros Supermarket Milk 33.95 2 Dido chocolate bars 43.90 2 tins tomato paste 59.90 Roasted red peppers 79.95 Walnuts 98.50 Coffee 164.95 Total spent 565.65 lira (£10.67)
Captain Caveman had been less than impressed that I’d given him a coffee made from Jamie’s decaf this morning and had insisted I get proper ground coffee – he was missing Vietnamese coffee! He didn’t have one though as, as soon as he had finished work at 7pm (5pm UK time), I was whisking him off to meet people! I’d arranged to meet Jamie, Drew, Norman and Edna after their dog walk, in Lukka bar, for a quick hello/goodbye drink. Drew was heading back tomorrow so he and Captain Caveman are rarely in sync and it would be a quick meet up. Edna was the most excited to see Captain Caveman and I think she had hoped to get some wine. I ordered a soda water and Captain Caveman had his first Efes Malt of the visit. We all noticed that Edna was doing a little cough and I know she does that sometimes for attention. Norman got a stroke and was happy checking the floor for any scraps he could eat. Captain Caveman and I decided to have another drink, as we were having a roast chicken dinner at home for our meal and it was still in the oven. We tried a glass each of the house red wine and we chatted about all sorts. Drew mentioned Edna had been slightly off her food that day (which never happens) so Jamie was taking her to the vets before I dog sat on Monday – just in case. I paid the bill for Captain Caveman and I, prices below in lira; 1 Soda water 60 1 Efes Malt 160 2 Red wines 380 Total spent 600 lira (£11.32)
Despite it being on the more expensive scale to what I’m used to, here in Dalyan, Captain Caveman was impressed at how cheap it was compared to the UK. We said our farewells and headed home for our chicken dinner which was delicious. I forgot to take any photos and we had a relatively early night as tomorrow we were both very busy.
Gratitude List 1. Captain Caveman arriving in Dalyan (& with chopsticks!) 2. Losing weight despite a messy weekend 3. Seeing Jamie, Drew, Norman & Edna.
I had a busy day on Monday 9th June as I had decided to embark on a course to work on publishing a travel planner. After spending many an unsuccessful browse in book shops and stationers I’d realised there was a gap in the market for this book. I wanted to design, write and publish a planner that would enable buyers to plan their year of either small holidays or the big bucket list trip. It was a product I’d needed for myself, in the past, and I thought it might be really useful for others and to also add to my passive income stream. I had veggie noodles for breakfast and then got on with work. I attended another training webinar for a hotel chain in various European locations which was really good. I didn’t have lunch until gone 3pm and then it was a warmed up curry with steamed rice. I worked until 8.30pm and then messaged friends I had missed yesterday to apologise for me being AWOL. At 9pm I made myself 2 small pizzas from tacos, which were very nice. I spoke to Captain Caveman who was at work and cold in the UK.
Gratitude List 1. Starting to produce a Travel Planner 2. Good food 3. Training
There was a bit of excitement in the air on Tuesday 10th June as it was the day that Captain Caveman was travelling from Manchester to Dalyan after work tonight. While he worked in Warrington all day, I worked from home and tried to get quite a lot of my to do list done so that I could take the weekend off. At lunch time I nipped to the shops and here’s what I bought, prices in lira;
Migros Supermarket Green tea 34.95 2 Quark 70.00 A 2.2kg Chicken 219.69 Total spent 324.64 lira (£6.13)
Unfortunately, I saw a tortoise wandering towards a gate which it thought it could get under, so I had to move it. I rushed back to attend a webinar at 1pm which was about the new improved Quote Away platform and was very informative. I had a late lunch of jacket potato with cheese, done in the Airfryer and served with lettuce and carrot – a last ditch attempt to be healthy before tomorrow’s weigh-in! At 3pm I got a request from Captain Caveman to check he had his sunglasses here, and he did – he was finishing work soon and was heading to the airport for his flight at 7.20pm. I let Sonuç, of Dalyan Transfers, know that he’d be arriving at 01.35am tomorrow. Before dinner I went back out to the shops to get some provisions ready for Captain Caveman’s arrival and also because I wanted to take advantage of some offers that were on. Here’s what I bought with prices in lira;
Dalyan Şarküteri 1 tin baked beans 65.00 1 tin coconut milk 75.00 250g Lurpak 220.00 Total spent 360.00 lira (£6.79)
Parlak Bakery 1 loaf 15.00 1 simit 15.00 Total spent 30.00 lira (57p)
At 9.30pm I got a photo from Captain Caveman who was on the plane and it wasn’t even full so he had extra space to spread out. He also sent me a list of the holidays he had requested from work. I had planned on going to bed but I decided to wait up for Captain Caveman and I caught up on my Turkish homework while I waited.
Gratitude List 1. Rescuing a tortoise 2. Finding a big chicken 3. Captain Caveman was on his way to Dalyan.
Thursday 5th June was a working day but I decided to spend the morning on my laptop, outside on the balcony. I even heard the gardener doing some work which was good to know. After he had cleaned and topped up the pool, I went and took some photos while it looked good. I noticed we seemed to have a lot of ants on the back balcony so I ate a banana and chucked down the skin. Ants hate bananas so it helps to get rid of them. I have ant powder but it doesn’t seem to deter them at all. Our Resort Experts team meeting was a good one where the second version of our quote tool, Quote Away, was being launched. Of course, Jamie and I were always on hand to volunteer to break it. For dinner I tried to recreate the noodles from Simple, mine weren’t as good but they did the job. I’d also made a big batch of cauliflower and cashew nut soup in the slow cooker, it’s really creamy but low fat and the nuts can be counted as part of the B Option on Slimming World. I was determined to get back to healthy eating and being frugal, before Captain Caveman arrived.
Gratitude List 1. The pool looking good 2. Working outside 3. Great colleagues at Resort Experts
I mainly spent Friday 6th June at home and on my laptop. I had beans on toast for breakfast, worked on the kitchen balcony until soup for lunch and then worked inside when it got a bit breezy. I checked out flights to go back to the UK in July and found that the week before Captain Caveman’s birthday was looking cheaper. For dinner I warmed up chicken curry with steamed rice and made a cheese and garlic naan bread using 2 wraps in the airfryer. I even treated myself to an Efes beer to go with it and dined on the balcony.
Gratitude List 1. Great food 2. Cheap flights for potential UK visit 3. Being able to work outdoors again.
I landed in Dalaman airport at 2.55am on Tuesday 3rd June and was the first to the luggage carousel which had not been put on yet. I headed to the toilet and, as I did, I noticed that there were several areas where there were bits of concrete/rubble on the floor in the airport, which was odd. After a slow walk back from the toilets while I turned my phone on, I saw updates on Facebook that there had been an earthquake which had affected Dalaman and Dalyan. I decided to spend a bit of time in the Duty Free while waiting for my suitcase and, as I had already bought a litre of spirits in Gatwick, I could only get a couple of bottles of wine. I bought 2 bottles of Prosecco for 854.38 lira (£16.12) and, once I had my case, I went outside to my booked pick up with Sonuç of Dalyan Transfers. He updated me on the earthquake and said it had certainly been felt in Dalyan, it had woken people up from sleeping. My taxi cost £30 which I paid in English and we got back to Dalyan by 4.30am. Once home, I had a quick check around the apartment to make sure there was no broken items from the Earthquake, as some people had reported that happening. All was fine so I got in bed as I was so tired. I didn’t wake up until 8.50am and then just had herbal tea. I unpacked a bit and then got on with work, breaking off at lunch to have cheese spread on toast. I booked Captain Caveman a pick up with Sonuç as he had booked a flight to come over to Dalyan next week! He would be working from home for the first time in Dalyan and I was really pleased. The pool and garden looked to be in a respectable order now and the weather was hot and sunny with a bit of a breeze. It still wasn’t hot enough to need the AC on, though. I hadn’t had chance to go food shopping but I did quickly nip to the bank and to Captainnet to put the internet back on. On the way back I popped in to Migros, here’s what I bought with prices in lira;
For dinner I had beans on toast which was lovely and I was in bed by 10pm. I was starting to feel better from the water infection but I was incredibly tired.
Gratitude List 1. Arriving after the earthquake and to no damage 2. Finally getting in bed to sleep 3. Being back in sunny Dalyan.
Wednesday 4th June was a a fairly busy day for me in Dalyan. But my first job was to face the scales to see how much weight I’d put on while I was away. My weight increase was just 0.3kg (0.7lb) on my home scales but we would see what the real damage was on Carol’s scales later. My measurements were good; no change to bust or hips and 2cm off my waist – it’s amazing what a week of zero alcohol can do! I worked in the morning and, as I was still unwell, I didn’t go to Turkish class at 11.30am. I did arrange to pay for the lessons I had missed and Sioned agreed to leave me the lessons at Lukka bar for me to pick up. After very little to eat, I was on my way to Fat Club at 3pm. In the 3 weeks I had been away in England, I had put on 1.4kg (3.1lb) which doesn’t seem much but it now meant I was 2.4kg (5.3lb) over my target! After the group, Carol and I had a visit to the grocery shop in the old market square. Word had it that the old fella who owned it had got his son running it and he had given it a bit of a spruce up. It was impressive, eggs were cheap and they even sold celery and lemongrass now. At Uygun Manav I bought a melon, plums, bananas, courgettes, mushrooms, peppers, onions and carrots for a total of 534.00 lira (£10). Next, I collected my Turkish lessons at Lukka and popped next door to Maizie Moo to buy a Citronella candle. They had run out but Katrina was making more and I bought their famous natural Mosquito Repellent for 300 lira (£5.66). Of course, there are cheaper products like Off and Sinkoff in the local shops but I prefer the natural product which is better for my skin. I no longer have eczema but I don’t want it coming back. I made a chicken and vegetable curry with steamed rice and had an early dinner, making sure I put some in the fridge and the rest in the freezer. It tasted lovely and I was ready to have a night in but I’d said I would go over to Vanessa’s with her stuff. I checked my parents’ place as I walked past it and the pool was looking good and had been cleaned and filled. The maintenance and gardener they have is much better than ours. When I arrived, they already had new throws on the sofa so it meant we needn’t have bothered carrying the big thick ones from England! Matt had since had some made in Dalyan and they did look nice but he could’ve said we didn’t need to carry the others!! I gave Vanessa the throw and the rest of the stuff I had brought over and we had a cup of tea. They were driving back to England, via Europe in 15 days time so they had plenty of Weetabix and Branston to get through in a fortnight! On the way back home, I decided I needed to go food shopping, as I wouldn’t have time tomorrow and I needed more provisions. Here’s what I bought with the prices in lira;
Beef is expensive in Turkey but I had bought it while it was on offer, thinking I would make something nice like a curry or casserole. I was home and ready for bed by 10pm, still feeling a bit tired too.
Gratitude List 1. Still being not as fat as I used to be, despite putting weight on in England 2. Being able to splash out on fresh food 3. Seeing Vanessa and Matt.
The medication was starting to do its thing by Sunday 1st June and I was glad as it was my last full day and night in the UK. I was off back to Turkey tomorrow so the plan had been to have a lovely day together, while Captain Caveman had a day off. We’d talked about going to Kew Gardens, as I’d never been, but I wasn’t well enough for an outing. Instead, I checked my stats for my blog to find that I was up 42% on views from the previous month. My top readers were located in the UK, Turkey and USA and I even had some new reader in Botswana. I was hoping for a good month and I even saved a post from my colleague, Helen the Resort Expert in Italy, which was promoting Joyful June – we could all do with a bit of that. Captain Caveman and I were very grateful to his parents for letting us stay, even more so when they potentially unwittingly allowed us to do a load of laundry. At lunch time, Captain Caveman and I decided to have a little walk to the shops in Barnes to eat our lunch in the park, near Barnes Pond. Here’s what we bought, prices in pounds;
Sainsbury’s Supermarket 2 tins of Baked Beans 0.80 1 Double Decker chocolate bar 0.85 Fairy Liquid 1.25 6 packs of Mini cheddars 1.50 Parmesan cheese (for Carol) 3.95 Weetabix (for Vanessa) 4.00 Total spent £12.35
There wasn’t much going on for lunch options in Sainsbury’s, not for the first time, so we went to Marks & Spencer – my favourite! Here’s what we bought, prices in pounds;
1 pack mini sausage rolls 2.10 1 pack raspberries 2.65 1 salad box with edamame and nuts 2.90 1 Feta & sun dried tomato pasta 4.25 Total spent £11.90
My salad was delicious – I wish I’d bought two, and the raspberries were so lovely. We ate them sat on a bench while watching a young family who were attempting to let their young boy climb a tree, rather badly. Of course, after they had moved and we had eaten, Captain Caveman had to shimmy up the tree to show how easy it was. We also discussed the idea of me flying back to the UK on the 17th of next month to help Captain Caveman celebrate his birthday. The flight was only £53 and we contemplated booking it but decided to wait. The rest of the afternoon was spent sorting laundry and me packing, then we had a walk to the Brown Dog pub. Captain Caveman had a pint of a new beer that was on while I had a tap water. I was only functioning at 50% and needed to be ok to travel by tomorrow. I still had 2 more days worth of antibiotics but I think they were starting to have a positive effect. That evening, Captain Caveman’s parents had prepared us another tasty home cooked chicken dinner and then we watched a TV programme of Guy Martin in Vietnam. It was a relatively early night for me and I was rather upset that my last few days and not been as good due to being sick.
Gratitude List 1. Progress on the Blog views, it was still being read! 2. Being in Barnes, which is idyllic, to eat our lunch (and climb trees). 3. Captain Caveman’s parents being so easy going.
My flight from Gatwick was not until 8.50pm on Monday 2nd June so we were both working from home in Barnes. I checked in online for my flight and was given an aisle seat near the front. There was still some laundry drying so I did a bit more packing and, at lunchtime, Captain Caveman and I had a walk to the shops. I bought something for lunch and also something for later, here’s what I bought with the prices in pounds;
I ate some of it for lunch and saved the rest for the flight. In the afternoon I got notification that I had been paid from my book royalties and it was my first proper month so I was quite pleased. It wasn’t an amount I could retire on just yet but it was enough to top up my income for the month. I was pleased to see that I had sold more than 1 copy per day on average and I had already started to get some great (5 Star) reviews. At 5pm, Captain Caveman and I had finished work and were ready to set off to Barnes train station. Captain Caveman came with me as far as Clapham Junction so that he could help with my case. Interestingly, there were announcements saying the lifts weren’t working and I thought I’d struggle with my case, but they were all working fine. Captain Caveman waited with me for my train connection to Gatwick and we said our goodbyes. I was a bit sad because we had enjoyed spending time together so much and had not had one argument, which is an achievement in itself with Captain Caveman and I. The fare from Barnes to Gatwick was £15.60 and took less than an hour at rush hour. Once at the airport, I had to get in to the queue for the bag drop, and it was a good job I went early as it was rather long. By 6pm I was getting some English money from the cash machine to use for boat trips in Dalyan. I strolled through Duty Free and was unsure what to get, so messaged Captain Caveman to see what he thought was the best value. By 7.10pm I had bought one of my own favourite tipples a Ron Zacapa Rum for £48.19. I saw that there was a Wagamamas, which I love, and decided I just had enough time to eat something there. I ordered a vegan rice dish of pulled shiitake donburi for £13.50 and it was amazing! I boarded the flight and had plenty of Netflix Downloads to keep me busy. I was glad of the aisle seat as I was constantly up and down for the toilet. Although feeling much better, the water infection was still there. My flight with the 20kg hold luggage had cost just £49.99 which I thought was very reasonable, and I was due to land in Dalaman at 2.55am tomorrow.
Gratitude List 1. Passive income from ‘You Can’t Shit Yourself on a Bicycle’ 2. Edamame beans – I love them 3. Captain Caveman’s help to Clapham Junction.
Friday 30th was meant to have been my last day to catch up with various people I’d not seen yet, as well as some I already had. The plan had been to finish work early and meet Louisa then, when Captain Caveman finished work, he would come join along with Vanessa and some of her family before attending Caz’s birthday celebrations that night. My sister was hoping to be able to meet me too before she went on holiday and I needed to say bye to my parents before I went back to Turkey. Captain Caveman and I were driving back to London the next day and I would get to see his parents before I flew back to Dalaman on Monday. Unfortunately, I woke up feeling worse and the cystitis medication was doing bugger all to alleviate the pain, or the symptoms. Most of the day was spent in pain, feeling nauseous and a bit blurry. Vanessa was dealing with a delivery of a couple of sofa throws which had been ordered for her settee in Dalyan and they were really nice, but heavy and big. She’d asked Matt to get some made in Dalyan to save paying for luggage but he’d not been able to get any. I agreed to take one in my suitcase as I had enough room and was already taking a jar of Branston, which they had forgotten on their last trip out, plus a couple of bits. I didn’t mind at all but I only had space for 1 of them, poor Vanessa would have to take the other in her under seat bag. I started doing some packing while Captain Caveman was in meetings and Vanessa went out to meet her son and his girlfriend, with arrangements to see us at the Lescar pub later. I doubted I would be able to go but I really wanted to see people before I left as I didn’t know when I would be back. At lunch time, Captain Caveman gave me a 2 minute warning that we needed to pack up and leave during his lunch hour as he had another important meeting and we needed to get across town. Months ago when Captain Caveman had arranged to go to Caz’s birthday celebrations he had thought he would stay at a hotel he had used before, the Jonas hotel, Endcliffe. I wasn’t quite with it as I hastily packed and rushed to the toilet in between as I still was in a predicament.
We arrived at the hotel which is located in a student area and is really stylish. Captain Caveman logged on in the communal working area ready for his 2pm meeting and I ordered a cup of Yorkshire tea and a cake for £4.50 as my lunch (there were no sandwiches left). I took the key and went up to the room where I tried to have a little sleep but I felt quite sick. I googled my symptoms and decided I needed to see if I could get antibiotics from somewhere and set off walking to Boots on Ecclesall Road. I got as far as the Tesco Supermarket and was nearly peeing my pants so went in to find a toilet. They didn’t have one, but I did find an adaptor plug for £4. At the pharmacy, still desperate for a wee, there was a massive queue and I could hear the on duty pharmacist saying he would love to visit Turkey for a holiday to one of the staff. That member of staff then told the woman in front of me that there was not a prescribing pharmacist on duty today so she would need to go to the walk-in centre. I was already distressed and desperate for a pee so I decided to ask the lady at the counter if I could speak to the pharmacist in private. Mo, the on duty pharmacist, obliged and we went in to the room next door where I explained my predicament. I also told a bit of a fib that I was due to drive to Gatwick tomorrow to get my flight back to Turkey and that I was so worried I wouldn’t be able to travel. We chatted about Turkey, politics and how if he needed a pee sample I could probably fill a bucket while crying, right now. He prescribed me Nitrofurantoin and said it was probably a bladder infection. By 4pm, I left the Boots Pharmacy, having paid £9.90 and was so relieved to have seen Mo. He was a lovely fella and really helped me out in a predicament. I located the nearest chain coffee shop for the toilet, in desperation. I had to buy an overpriced bottle of water (£2.25) to get a code to get in for the biggest (painful) pee of the day. I was so relieved and took my first tablet while on the loo. I walked back to the hotel but got lost and ended up walking quite far out of my way, up and down big hills, which I’m no longer used to. I got back and went to bed, which was super comfy but would’ve benefited from extra pillows.
I’m not much of a tablet taker so I immediately noticed that the Nitrofurantoin was having a weird effect on me, in the afternoon. I’d already had to start letting people know I wouldn’t be in any fit state to see them today. I needed to take my next tablet with or after food and needed to avoid citrus and spicy food. It was such a shame as Captain Caveman had finished work and wanted to go out for a nice meal before going to meet Caz and all the others at the Lescar for drinks. We decided to walk down the hill and find a restaurant to get a meal and I could take my next tablet. After mooching about and me not fancying anything because the thought of eating didn’t appeal, we settled on a Spanish Tapas place. That way, I could nibble on something and Captain Caveman could enjoy a nice meal with a drink or two. Here’s what we had with prices in pounds;
Iberico Restaurant Olive oil with Balsamic 1.00 Alioli (extra) 1.00 Bread 3.50 75ml sherry 4.00 Belly pork 5.00 Chorizo with honey and toast 5.00 Artichokes 5.00 Tortilla 7.00 Ham Croquettes 9.00 250ml red wine 11.00 2 Manchego with Membrillo 12.00 Lots of tap water (free) Total spent £63.50
I loved the Manchego cheese and even managed to eat the meat dishes but, when the tortilla came, I had to make a dash for the toilet to be sick. Eggs can often make me feel nauseous when I’m ill but I was in a state and needed to lay down. As we were so near to the Lescar, we decided I would go and wish Caz a Happy Birthday, say thank you and farewell to Vanessa and hopefully see some of the other friends while I was there. Captain Caveman and I were the first there, shortly followed by Caz and Tim. I said hello, apologised for being ill, found out water infections are more common during menopause and drank just half of my tap water. I was in a bit of a state but I did have time to at least say hello to Caz and friends and get in a photo. I had to run to the loo to pee and throw up but was conscious of wasting the antibiotic so swallowed it! Vanessa and Brad didn’t arrive and I couldn’t wait any longer so Captain Caveman and I left, he would return after walking me back. My sister messaged to say she was sorry she hadn’t been able to meet me but was at a family meal at Gill’s & Co on Ecclesall Road. We were walking past it, so we went in just to say bye to everyone. I had a soda water, Captain Caveman had a drop of the bottle of wine on the table and my sister was on good form. It looked like a lovely place to dine. I paid visits to the toilet more than once and then I just had to get back to the hotel for a lay down. I said bye to everyone with promises to see them in the summer, so not too long to wait. Captain Caveman left to rejoin Caz’s birthday bash and I walked back up the hill to the hotel. I could see the hotel so went in my bag to get the hotel key, only to realise that I didn’t have it. I called Captain Caveman and text but no answer. When I did speak to him, I was already in the hotel reception toilets, trying not to throw up. He wasn’t about to come back with the key so he said to ask reception for a new one, which they were very accommodating about. I had the second shower of the day and put my PJs on to go to sleep, just hoping I would be well enough to get to London tomorrow. At 9.20pm Vanessa messaged to say they were still at Grandma’s having had a Chinese so wouldn’t be able to make it out, after all. She wished me well for my journey and I her for her flight tomorrow and I would see her in Dalyan next week.
Gratitude List 1. Mo, the pharmacist – life saver! 2. Iberico – I will have to visit again when I’m better to fully appreciate it. 3. At least seeing Caz (and friends) on her birthday night out and saying bye to the Lessing family.
Captain Caveman was working in Stoke all day on Thursday 29th May and I decided, as Vanessa was going back to Dalyan before me, I would take the afternoon off to spend time with her. After tea and toast for breakfast I did a full morning of work, including our Resort Experts team meeting. I’d finished around 12.30 and we got the tram to Crystal Peaks. Vanessa and I were both really surprised at how neither of us had got a hangover, especially after at least 6 rum & cokes and 3 ‘Blow Jobs’ yesterday. Oddly though, I had a strange pain in-between my stomach and groin area, which I’d never experienced before. Vanessa thought my symptoms seemed like it could be Cystitis and she used to be a doctor’s receptionist so I took her word for it. Our first stop was at the retail park and Boots where I bought mini face wash, mouth wash, moisturiser, plus a bottle of water and some cystitis medication for a total of £6.80. Our mission of the day had been to have a KFC because it’s our favourite junk food. Usually Vanessa would just have a 1 piece meal but today we both ordered a 2 piece meal, I went large but Vanessa had normal with BBQ beans. I had water and she had a strange drink I’d never heard of before and it looked like a milkshake but with things in it. The food was great but my pain was getting worse and I did not feel well at all. In Marks & Spencer they had bras in my size but, because of all the weight I’d lost I was now a 34B and I’d been a 38E at one point! If only I could shift that much from my waist! I bought a pack of 3 for £20 and I didn’t even need underwired anymore! I’d always thought I’d got big boobs but it turned out I was just fat! While in M&S I started to feel even more unwell and I needed to pee 3 times. Granted, I had drank quite a bit of water before bed last night and again this morning plus the cystitis meds but it felt different – like it was coming on all of a sudden. Our next shopping stint was in I Love Sweets, a traditional sweet shop which had every type of childhood confectionery you could think of. We were like the proverbial kids in a sweet shop and I bought Floral Gums, Yorkshire Mixture and Sherbet Pips – I could easily have bought more and if you’re in the area I can highly recommend the place. We had a lovely nostalgic chat with the owner and I loved the shop. Unfortunately, as we left I needed to pee again and felt a bit woozy. I wasn’t sure what was happening as one minute I was absolutely fine the next I thought I might collapse. I had started to really need a lay down so, as Vanessa headed over to Poundland to see if they had Weetabix, I had to nip to the loo again. I ended up in Peacock’s where I bought some size 12 pyjamas (without trying them on!) and another bottle of water as I was now desperately thirsty. I paid £12.75 and didn’t realise until later that I had picked lilac and grey, which were Vanessa’s colours.
I had to cancel my plans for the evening and I really struggled to make it back to Vanessa’s without pissing myself. I was now at the stage where I didn’t know if I needed to pee or not and when I did I was crying out in pain. I had a rest on the bed and Vanessa made us all fajitas for dinner which was a lovely meal. I was a bit upset that I’d had to cancel my evening plan to meet friends but I felt so poorly. Even Captain Caveman, who was meant to be going to a caving catch up before joining me and my friends, didn’t go out. I took more medication, drank loads of water and went to bed early, hoping I’d be ok for tomorrow.
Gratitude List 1. KFC for lunch with Vanessa 2. Bras 3. I Love Sweets
Apologies for lack of photos, I was too busy feeling poorly.
On Sunday 25th May Captain Caveman and I decided on an outing in to Sheffield town centre. I needed a hairbrush and some clothes and Captain Caveman had said he would treat us to a trip to the Curzon cinema to see The Phoenician Scheme. As the cast of this Wes Anderson sounded good, I had agreed and was excited to finally be going to the cinema. The last film I’d seen had been a disappointing Barbie film in Fethiye. In the morning I did a bit of work as I had forgotten it was Bank Holiday Monday tomorrow so Captain Caveman was off for the day. We got the supertram in to town from Gleadless Town End at £3.40 each. Once in Sheffield, our first stop off was at Superdrug, here’s what we bought with prices in pounds;
I went in to Primark, Captain Caveman isn’t a fan so he mooched about while I bought 5 pairs of socks for £3.50. I saw a large suitcase for only £38 and wanted to get it but we were going to the cinema. I wanted clothes but there was nothing to my liking so Captain Caveman suggested Blacks. Here’s what we bought, prices in pounds;
Blacks 4 tops (for me) £31.44 A coat (for him) £59.00 Total spent £90.44
While I looked and found nothing in New Look, Captain Caveman went back for the £38 suitcase from Primark. We shoved all our stuff in to the case and took it to the cinema, as you do. The Curzon was very nice and Captain Caveman had a beer, I had a glass of wine but no popcorn! The film was a massive disappointment and I’ve never been in a cinema where most people around me were snoring at one point or another. Even I fell asleep! We left in confusion and rain, wheeled our new suitcase to the bus station and got the bus to Mosborough, which cost £2.60 each. We called briefly to see my parents and pick up the van before going home for a nice meal at ‘home’ with Vanessa. She had been to her grandson’s birthday party where one of my other Sheffield friend’s son had gone. They got chatting and worked out they both knew me and that I had invited Vanessa to Caz’s birthday celebrations next Friday. It’s a small world.
Gratitude List 1. Captain Caveman taking me shopping 2. A new suitcase 3. Having a nap in the cinema.
As it was a Bank Holiday in England on Monday 26th May, we decided to have a day out in Sheffield. Check out the old stomping ground and see the sights. I’d been waiting to hear from my Mom who needed taking to an appointment but luckily my sister could take her so Captain Caveman’s offer of a lift wasn’t needed and we could go out. We got the bus in and had a wander along a canal, down by the old Castle Market area and then along to our first pub stop, The Harlequin. A great bar where Captain Caveman had a proper beer and I had an Ascension cider.
Our next stop was Riverside where it had now started to rain so more drinks were had as we took shelter. By this time I was getting peckish and the menu looked good.
Captain Caveman had an alternative plan and took me for a mint tea and vegan sausage roll at Gaarde. I was dubious at first as to if the sausage roll was vegan as it was one of the best I’d had in ages. We had a trip to the Wellington and had pork scratchings with our beers there, intending to get the tram. There were track repairs and a bus replacement that went past us. After that we had an uphill walk through Sheffield to the cathedral where we caught the tram back to Vanessa’s as there was a curry and rice waiting for us, made in the slow cooker. It was delicious and we watched Race Across the World on TV which Captain Caveman loves.
Gratitude List 1. An impromptu day off 2. Spending time in my home town with Captain Caveman 3. Great night in front of the TV with Vanessa.
Both Captain Caveman and I worked all day on Tuesday 27th May while Vanessa went out with a friend in the afternoon. At lunchtime we drove to the nearest Asda to buy some more shopping, here’s what we bought with prices in pounds;
Asda Supermarket
Lasagne sheets 0.64* 2 garlic bread 0.70 Bananas 0.85 Orange juice 1.62 2 sausage casserole mix 1.90* 2 Thai curry paste 2.40* Toilet roll 2.76 3 Fajita packet mixes 3.15* Chicken 4.42 1 bottle of red wine 7.27 Total spent £25.71 The items with a * were for me to take back to Dalyan in my suitcase.
In the evening, Captain Caveman made a Spaghetti Bolognese for us all and we watched more Race Across the World on TV.
Gratitude List 1. Shopping at Asda 2. A lovely meal 3. Spending the evening with Captain Caveman and Vanessa, watching TV.
Having done sweet F A, but travel and eat yesterday, it was a day of grafting on Thursday 22nd April. It was only 9°C at 7am which I wasn’t used to so I got a cup of tea and went back to bed. It was weigh day and I had brought my tape measure but I didn’t take the measurements. I did get on the scales though and found I had put on 0.2kg (0.4lb). I cracked on at the living room desk while Vanessa pottered about. We had bacon sandwiches at lunch time and then I had an online meeting. I had forgotten to bring an adapter to plug my Turkish laptop plug in to the English socket and we said we would pop to Asda later to pick one up. After work, Vanessa’s son came to pick us up to go to his house for dinner. We called at Asda and had no joy with an adapter but we got some wine! Vanessa and I were excited as we were, not only seeing the rest of the family, but we were having fish and chips with them. We decided that we would share a portion between us, which was plenty and really good. We got a taxi back so the whole night had cost me £20 and I’d had a really great time.
Gratitude List 1. Bacon 2. Spending time with Vanessa and her family 3. Fish and chips.
I had a good night’s sleep and woke up just after 6am on Friday 23rd May, it was 7°C in Sheffield. I worked all day and Vanessa was the hostest with the mostest as she made me pancakes which I ate with strawberries. She had a busy weekend planned because it was her grandson’s birthday celebrations and I had some plans too. Captain Caveman still hadn’t moved in to a house up north and was using his parents’ place in London as a base these days. Vanessa had kindly agreed for him to come and stay for the weekend and he was driving back from Scotland today. As Vanessa and I don’t have any transport and the nearest local shop is a 10 minute walk away, I asked him to get a load of shopping in for us. He arrived at a decent hour, having had an eventful shopping trip to Aldi. He’d not got everything on the list as he didn’t have a pound coin for the trolley and had to do it all by basket and his arms. I imagined it was like a Friday Crackerjack where they had the game of holding lots of stuff, including cabbages. I am showing my age now! Anyway, here’s what he bought with the prices in pounds and listed cheapest to dearest;
Aldi Supermarket
1 plastic bag 0.30 Garlic 0.37 1 tin of tomatoes 0.45 Chickpeas 0.49 Tomato puree 0.59 Cucumber 0.69 Mushrooms 0.69 Toothpaste 0.69 Lettuce 0.77 Carrots 0.79 Red onions 0.95 Spinach 0.99 Brown sauce 0.99 Baby potatoes 1.09 3 tins Baked beans 1.23 Pasta 1.29 Double cream 1.39 4 pints of milk 1.55 White onions 1.59 Peppers 1.60 Red potatoes 1.95 Bacon lardons 1.99 Wafer thin ham 2.29 Tomatoes 2.35 12 eggs 2.45 Cumberland sausage 3.49 500g beef mince 4.19 Chicken fillets 4.65 2 bottles of Champagne 30.00 Total spent £71.76
I thought tomatoes and eggs seemed more expensive than I’m used to. We opened a bottle of the champagne and had a toast to all being in Sheffield, before going out for the evening.
Captain Caveman had decided he wanted to take me out on the town on Friday night, well down to Woodseats at least. We figured we could get the bus to Norton and then walk down. We did invite Vanessa to join us but they were off out for a family birthday meal. After a very steep downhill walk we arrived at Guzzle, a micro pub that Captain Caveman had been to before. The lady behind the bar was fun and friendly and she had 2 cute little dogs. They also served Prosecco on tap and had pork scratchings – it was my perfect pub. We had a few drinks there and I petted Commander Riker, the friendliest and younger of the 2 pooches. We were getting ready to leave when an ex Aviva colleague arrived to join a group of fellas at the bar. We’d been having a bit of Sheffield banter with them and I’d had a few drinks so we said hello to Richard and he went for a toilet visit. His mates asked how I knew him and I lied and said I couldn’t say much but we went way back to when he was involved in the sex industry. They weren’t sure whether to believe me at first but I was convincing and they left. Captain Caveman and I were laughing at the conversation they were going to have in the next pub! We also decided to move on to The Herd where we were hoping to get some pizza for dinner. It had gone 9.30pm so no food was being served but we were offered Salty Dog nuts with our pints of beer. We decided on an Indian and went to Viraaj, also at Woodseats, for what ended up being a feast. The food was amazing and we had more drinks but when we came to leave it was pissing down with rain. We had to wait a bit for a taxi outside while talking to some German customers. When we got home, Vanessa was still out!
Gratitude List 1. Aldi shopping 2. Captain Caveman coming to Sheffield 3. Meeting Commander Riker.
By 4.50am on Wednesday 21st May, I was ready to start my journey from Dalyan to Sheffield. Vanessa had made us all a cup of tea, I’d made the sandwiches and Matt was kindly driving us to the airport. After a quick goodbye and thanks to our driver (Matt) at Dalaman airport, we were through to the first security check. We both had our own food and a bottle of unopened water each, hoping to get them through. The airport was relatively empty but the family in front of us got their juice cartons taken off them and we had to drink our water. For the first time, they also tried to take my tweezers and nail clippers from me but I said no and they gave them me back, this did mean they emptied my hand luggage bag completely but I didn’t mind as long as I got my stuff back as I only had hand luggage. It was quick and it now meant we had no water but we would be boarding soon. Vanessa’s bag was just an under the seat one which had a pair of men’s Crocs in so the bag kept tipping over. By 6am we were at the gate and doing the obligatory Facebook status update for everyone to see we were on a girls trip to England. I needn’t have paid the extra £10 to book a seat as the Sun Express plane wasn’t full and I moved on to Vanessa’s row who had it to herself. On the flight I bought us some drinks and here’s what we had and spent.
2 small waters 1 can iced tea 1 tea Total spent €13 (536.82 lira)!!!
The chicken sandwiches I’d made us were great too and we even managed to stop chatting long enough to watch something we had downloaded and fall asleep. On landing at Manchester we had almost an hour until our train so we went to the cafe where Vanessa treated us to a cup of tea. I opened the share bag of crisps, ate the cheese and had several biscuits too. I was pleasantly surprised to see that Manchester had some sun and I didn’t need my coat on! Our first train at 10.48am left on time and we changed at Manchester Piccadilly. Unfortunately, the second train was delayed due to a slow train in front of us. We did the whole journey at mostly 20mph and we didn’t actually get to Sheffield until 1.15pm.
By this time we needed a wee so I suggested a call to the Sheffield Tap for a cider/beer and to use the facilities – the station toilets had a queue. We also picked up a claim form at the station as we were entitled to a full refund of our train tickets. A quick shop in M&S and then we were ready for the taxi ‘home’, to Vanessa’s where I would be for the next 10 days. The taxi was only £11 which I thought was reasonable from Sheffield to Gleadless. We were through the door at 4.30pm which made our total journey almost 14 hours door to door (with the 2 hours time difference)! I was truly spoiled as we had a cup of tea first, obviously, then Vanessa’s daughter and grandson came over for dinner. Chelsea made us delicious chicken tacos with air fryer chips and it was bloody lovely. Vanessa and I shared a bottle of wine to celebrate being back in Sheffield. It was a great evening and I really enjoyed being back in England.
Gratitude List 1. Having a fun journey from Dalyan to Sheffield 2. Lovely food and a place to stay 3. Family dinner at Vanessa’s.
I started my last day in Dalyan on Tuesday 20th May, with a bacon sandwich and a cup of Yorkshire tea. I had lots to do including packing, work related stuff and some project related social media posts. For the last 10 days I had been doing a free course with Strategist Lisa Johnson and had rather enjoyed it. I did some promoting of my favourite vegan restaurant in Vietnam, Phong Nha Vegan, and I chatted on messenger to the staff and owner there. I missed them and their delicious and healthy food. By lunch time, I was using up ingredients in the fridge by making myself chicken, sweetcorn and egg fried rice which was so tasty. I cracked on with my busy to do list as I needed to be over at Vanessa’s at a decent hour and I was fast running out of time. I took a breather about 4pm to nip to the shops for some snacks, here’s what I bought with prices in lira;
Today the exchange rate had risen again to 52 lira to the pound and the temperature had reached 30°C. Meanwhile, I was making a mental note to get a big coat and socks added to my packing as it was going to be cold in Manchester compared to Dalyan. I realised I still needed more items for my journey back to the UK and went back out again.
Migros Supermarket 2 small waters 7.90 Mentos 20.95 Haribo jellies 22.45 Biscuits 31.95 Dubai chocolate Magnum 75.00 Total spent 158.25 lira (£3.04)
Parlak bakery 1 loaf 15 lira (29p)
I ate the Magnum on the way back home and really enjoyed it – it would be my last one for a while! I didn’t have time to make any dinner so I ate the last of the radishes and some olives. I packed, put any perishables and leftover veg in a bag for Matt and took leftover chicken, lettuce, bacon and cheese with the bread to make for Vanessa and my airport pack up. My bags were heavy so I was lucky to bump in to Murat and his dog, Latte, who gave me a lift on his mobility scooter. Over at Vanessa’s, we had some cups of tea and chatted before getting ready for an early night and a very early get up. We were leaving at 5am so I set my alarm for 4am.
Gratitude List 1. Bacon 2. Fitting everything in my small case 3. Managing to finish in time to get to Vanessa’s.
It was my last weekend in Dalyan for a little while, on Friday 16th May, as I was popping back to the UK with Vanessa next week. I’d also got a busy last weekend planned. After a cup of Yorkshire tea I nipped out to the shops as I had guests coming over for dinner tonight. Here’s what I bought with prices in lira;
Migros Supermarket 2 small cartons of milk 19.90 5 potatoes 22.68 Total spent 42.58 lira (83p)
Unfortunately, there was no Quark in either shop so I would have to do without and try again tomorrow. For breakfast I had a bacon and sausage sandwich with brown sauce as I needed to cook the sausages for a slow cooker casserole I was making for my dinner guests. I would do roast potatoes and vegetables later to go with it. I worked all day and used my ‘lunch break’ to clean the house. My friends were invited to eat at mine but they had messaged with a change of plan due to not being able to manage to get up my stairs. Instead, I would go to theirs but I still needed to take the food as I had cooked it already! Captain Caveman booked me a flight back from Gatwick to Dalaman for the 2nd June. We’d been waiting to see if I might be needed to help my parents out while my sister was away and the Manchester flight I was hoping to get with Vanessa had gone up by £50 since I’d last checked. Luckily, Captain Caveman had spotted one for a third of the price and including luggage but going from London. It meant I could have a couple of extra days in Barnes with Captain Caveman and his parents before I went back to Dalyan, so that had worked out well. I finished work, my friends came to pick me up in the car and help me carry the food and a bottle of red wine. The food was well received and we chatted about all sorts of things, while drinking quite a lot of wine. Although it was quite late when I left, I was more than happy walking it home and left my pans to go in the dishwasher. It had been a lovely night but it was rather late on a school night.
Gratitude List 1. Having a clean house 2. Being busy 3. Sausage casserole and wine with friends.
There was more excitement in my life on Saturday 17th May as I decided to ditch the Dalyan weekly market visit in favour of work so that I could be free by 3pm to meet friends. I just had tea and toast for breakfast then cracked on with some enquiries. For lunch I had some salami with radish, gherkins, cheese and olives for a bit of a change. I arranged to meet Debbie at Books and Cookies for a tea at 3pm. I arrived just before Debbie and ordered a tea I’d not had before; Rooibos is meant to be good for Diabetics, those on a diet and to prevent wrinkles – I just ordered the one pot for 60 lira (£1.16) which made 2 cups and was easy to drink. I’d say it was more of a winter drink, though. Debbie had a drink and a couple of the delicious homemade cookies. We had a very quick catch up and I signed a copy of my book ‘You Can’t Shit Yourself on a Bicycle’ for her before saying farewells and on to my next appointment. I had arranged to meet a couple of friends at Retro bar where it was quite sunny still. We had a good catch up and I had 3 red wines at a total bargain price of 270 lira (£5.23). The owner and friend, Nusret, had done a really good job of the renovations and had added more seating, a shuffle board, a swimming pool and better toilet facilities – it looked great. Retro bar seemed to be back in favour again with the Dalyan Dwellers as the drinks were so cheap compared to anywhere else, granted the wine was the Diamond brand which is not particularly a quality wine but, given most of the women drink white wine and put soda in it, it passes muster. I had red wine and it was drinkable, a whole bottle was only 350 lira (£6.78) but I wasn’t going mad. While we were there, some of the Dalyan Dwellers arrived back from a trip on the Yellow boat and some came to say hello to us. Friends of my parents came to ask how they were doing and wanted to know when they were coming back to Dalyan, which was nice. It was too late to do anything or eat by the time I was back home so I just went to bed, ready for an early start tomorrow.
Gratitude List 1. Tea at Books & Cookies 2. Cheap wine with friends 3. Sunshine.
After yesterday’s boat trip frivolities, I was definitely expecting weigh-in day to be rather unpleasant on Wednesday 14th May. I took my measurements to find my bust had stayed the same but I had put 3cm on my waist and 4cm on my hips – not good. I rushed to get my Turkish homework done before my lesson at Lukka at 11.30am. Our pool and garden company had sent someone to tidy the decking areas, remove the tree branch and sort the pool out. I just had fruit for breakfast but then had leftover curry and rice for lunch. Today, Carol was away so I was in charge of the scales and books at Fat Club. So that people didn’t have to tell me their weight if they didn’t want to, we all got weighed privately and I left it up to the ladies to let Carol know how they had done. Bizarrely, I had lost 0.95kg (2lb) which I was so pleased about. I was busy in the afternoon so I didn’t have time to make the dinner I had planned to. Instead, I had marmalade on wholemeal toast. I spoke to Captain Caveman who was still in the sunny north of England and seemed to be doing fine.
Gratitude List 1. Leftover curry 2. Losing weight 3. Speaking to Captain Caveman.
On Thursday 15th May I was up early and had even been shopping by 10am. Here’s what I bought with prices in lira;
I noticed that there was Peja, alcohol free beer, in Migros for just over £1 per bottle. Back home, the complex was starting to look a bit more summer ready and the pool looked ready for the first time this year. I had strawberries with Quark for breakfast and then got on with a busy day. I had a cheese and lettuce sandwich for lunch and dialed in to our Resort Experts Team Meeting at 1pm. We were introduced to a new Resort Experts Facebook page; Holiday Help from Locals – feel free to follow and like here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/holidayscheckitbeforyoubook/?ref=share&mibextid=lOuIew It was to help people looking for holidays get actual advice from people who lived in those destinations (us) and for us to share quotes, tips and any other holiday and travel related information. I had cheese and roasted vegetable pasta in the evening which was simple but very good.
Gratitude List 1. Being able to afford medicine 2. Tasty food 3. Resort Experts and the colleagues who were supporting me.
It was to help people looking for holidays get actual advice from people who lived in those destinations (us) and for us to share quotes, tips and any other holiday and travel related information. I had cheese and roasted vegetable pasta in the evening which was simple but very good.
Gratitude List 1. Being able to afford medicine 2. Tasty food 3. Resort Experts and the colleagues who were supporting me.
On Saturday 10th May I’d arranged to go to the weekly market with Vanessa. I took her suitcase back to her which Captain Caveman had used to bring all the English products over in, last month. I had my shopping list at the ready and I had popped 700 lira (£14) in to my pocket, assuming that would be enough. I actually spent a little bit over but I did buy strawberries, bananas and olives which added to the cost more than I had planned. Here’s what I bought with the prices per stall in lira;
Stall 3 2 punnets of Strawberries 300 lira (£5.81)
Stall 4 Olives 100 lira (£1.94)
Stall 5 Banana and apples 190 lira (£3.68)
Total spent 735 lira (£14.24)
I was still pleased with what I had purchased for the price but I definitely was noticing the costs of things rising a little bit more. Apples seemed to be more than usual this week.
I didn’t get home until 1pm and hadn’t done any work today yet so I had a bacon sandwich for lunch and caught up on my messages, before it was time to meet another friend and Vanessa at Kefal tea gardens. I’d quickly managed to shove in the ingredients for a sausage casserole in to the slow cooker to have for dinner which wouldn’t be ready until late. After teas and chitchat with the ladies, we all paid and here’s what I had with prices in lira;
Kefal Tea Gardens 1 sage tea 15 1 double cay 20 Total 35 lira + 5 extra tip as I had no change 40 lira spent (77p)
I love the tea gardens for bargain teas, the lovely views and polite no-nonsense approach. Dinner was a really lovely sausage casserole with roast potatoes and carrots and I had some left for the fridge/freezer.
joloyolo 