Dalyan – 1st to 4th November

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dalyan – 29th & 30th October

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

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

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

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

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

Migros Supermarket

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

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

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

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

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

Dalyan – 25th & 26th October

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

Stall 1
3 potatoes 20 lira (37p)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dalyan – 20th & 21st October

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dalyan – 18th & 19th October

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The snake was alive

Dalyan – 15th to 17th October

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dalyan – 1st October

October was going to be eventful! I was awake before 7am on Wednesday 1st October and it would turn out to be a busy day. Before I even got out of bed, I had set the budget for the month at £1,000 and, now that Captain Caveman was no longer coming to visit me in October, I planned to work as much as possible on Resort Experts, my handy travel planner and the next handy travel tips book. This would mean I could turn down anything that was not aligned to my goals and my budget and concentrate on what needed to be done. I checked the data on my JOLOYOLO blog to find that it had less visitors and views last month, than in August. Vietnam readers were not in the Top 10 (again), the Top 3 countries were the UK, Turkey and Spain. I sat out on the terrace with a big mug of tea and started planning my week of looking after Norman. I also needed to get my broken foot to a point where I could walk properly again. It was weigh day, so I got weighed to find I had put on 0.25kg (0.6lb). Not great, but my measurements were more favourable; bust -2cm, waist no change, hips -3cm. I wasn’t able to walk to Fat Club today and I had too much going on with work to go, anyway.
Midmorning, I decided I would walk to the nearest shops to get some provisions. It took me about 25 minutes to get there and here is what I bought, with prices in lira;

Şevikoğlu Supermarket
Small water 5.00
Milk 13.00
1 simit 15.00
1 Loaf 15.00
1 Açma 15.00
Mints 19.00
Cherry sweets 20.00
Rice crackers 22.90
Biscuits 32.00
1 pot noodle 34.90
Digestives 45.00
Wholemeal bread 59.90
Feta Cheese 122.90
Total spent 419.60 lira (£7.63)

I was conscious that I couldn’t carry any tins, bottles or anything too heavy so I kept it to small or light items. When I got back, it had took me around 1 hour to walk the 300m and back! I still had quite a bit of improvement to make on the walking.

After eating an early lunch of an açma and a banana I worked and also started to look at holidays for Captain Caveman and I. I started a Facebook thing with a couple of colleagues, where we shared Optimistic October prompts. Today’s was to write down 3 things I was looking forward to in October. Mine were going to Antalya on a work trip, getting my handy travel planner a bit nearer to being completed and getting more content written for my next handy travel tips book.
I finally got little Norman out for a walk but we only made it as far as my parents gate and back. We didn’t go in, as they were out with friends on the yellow boat today, tomorrow they were off to Göcek. I’d asked them over for a farewell drink with the Aussies at the weekend but they weren’t able to join us as they had already been invited out with their friends for dinner and drinks on both Friday & Saturday. For dinner I warmed up a chicken dinner and then watched Netflix with Norman, before bed.

Gratitude List
1. Having good measurements despite putting weight on
2. Walking to the shops and back with actual shopping
3. Planning my own holiday.

Dalyan – 25th to 27th September

Thursday 25th September was mainly a ‘getting stuff done’ kind of a day, given that I had taken a day off yesterday – the first one in a while. I was meant to be joining my parents tonight to go on a boat to Kingfisher restaurant but we had decided to wait until I could walk a bit better. Unfortunately, my favourite pen ran out so I messaged my Mom to ask her to get me a couple more if she was passing the stationers. I also needed some medication from the pharmacy so she said she would be able to do that, which was good of her.
We had the Resort Experts team meeting where we discussed that Classic Collection were ceasing taking on any new bookings, which we were all shocked about. I had clients booked with them so it was reassuring to know that all would be fine for any holidays booked for the next year, and would run as booked.
In the evening, I had a video call with a Sheffield friend where we talked about lots of different topics, including that her and her husband would be back in Dalyan at the end of next month. What I couldn’t talk about was that her hubby was booking her a holiday as a surprise for her birthday next year and I had to keep it quiet – that was tricky! I also had a video call with Captain Caveman who was sat outside the Sun Inn, in Barnes, freezing his bits off.

Gratitude List
1. Knowing my clients who booked with Classic Collection would all still be looked after
2. Chatting to my friend without revealing the secret holiday plans
3. Speaking to Captain Caveman.

On Friday 26th September I was busy with work stuff as it was a lot of people’s pay day weekends. I had enquiries to do and I was hoping to get finished in time for a soirée I had been invited to that evening. I had more pasta bolognese for a late lunch as I was running out of time.
In the afternoon, I surprised a few of my colleagues, at Resort Experts, when I confirmed the ideal holiday for my friends. When I’d started this enquiry 37 days ago, I’d asked in the group chat for any help or advice from other Resort Experts who had more knowledge than me on USA, Canada and cruises – as these were areas I had the least knowledge in – I’d only been to New York once about 20 years ago! At the time I had replies saying that what the client wanted to do was impossible for the budget they had set. I called on friends outside of Resort Experts to help me, as well as an amazing lady at Travelpack. Over the last month, I’d contacted Norwegian Cruise Lines directly and I did endless training webinars and read up on all that I needed to know. So today, when we had confirmed the perfect holiday for the client and under the budget I was proud of myself.
I sent all the confirmation to the joint email adress as instructed by the husband booking it, then waited for his wife, my friend, to see the surprise. It took a while but when she did, we all had a video call and it was honestly the best feeling to have sorted out her birthday trip which included a 12 day cruise. She was so happy and I was relieved it exceeded her expectations.
After the call, I went over to Jamie and Drew’s where they were having a BBQ. I arrived with a bottle of Prosecco just in time for food and to find the party in full swing. I had a glass of Prosecco which got knocked over in to my chicken & salad and on to Nanny Kay’s crotch. We played loads of silly games and had a good laugh. After a couple more drinks, I ended up leaving just after Nanny Kay. It was about to get messy as I heard 3 people jump in the pool around 11.30pm. I’d taken no photos as my phone was almost dead.

Gratitude List
1. Being busy with Resort Experts
2. Getting the holiday booked for my friends
3. Having a good laugh at Jamie & Drew’s BBQ, especially when Nanny Kay had to cycle home with a soggy crotch!

Ma & Pa were off to the market on Saturday 27th September and had asked me if they could get me something. As they were coming to bring me some other stuff, I accepted their kind offer and they brought me nectarines, bananas and grapes. Mom wouldn’t take any money for the fruit so I wasn’t sure about the prices. But here’s what else they picked me up, with prices in lira;

Stationers
2 pens 200 lira (£3.64)

Şarküteri
250g Lurpak butter 345 lira (£6.27)!!!

Balcı Pharmacy
2 packs Contraceptive pills 658.36 lira (£11.97)
20 Ketoprofen 100mg 108.69 lira (£1.98)

I was shocked at the price the butter had gone up to and decided I would have to use it very sparingly. My parents didn’t stay long as they wanted to get back and rest up, ready for a trip to Ölüdeniz with friends tomorrow.
I ordered some water which came immediately and cost 100 lira (£1.82) for 19 litres.
That evening, I couldn’t be bothered to cook and I hadn’t remembered to get anything out of the freezer. I decided to treat myself to a takeaway, a first in a very long time. I contacted Onur at Simple and ordered beef noodles and a crispy chicken with fries. I decided I would eat half of each and save the rest for tomorrow. It cost 800 lira (£14.55) for the 2 dishes, including free delivery and was absolutely delicious.

Gratitude List
1. Shopping from Ma & Pa, which I really needed
2. Having a water delivery service
3. Delicious food delivery from Simple.

Dalyan – 20th & 21st September

I woke up with my foot throbbing and itching at 7.15am on Saturday 20th September. The skies outside were still a little smoggy and the nearby fires were still ongoing. There were some posts on Facebook about local charities sharing, or not sharing, money donated from a recent event which involved some friends. I decided to leave all of the Facebook groups this related to as it was getting silly. I also did a sweep of any other Facebook groups or pages I followed that I no longer had time to follow and removed myself.
I had a cup of Yorkshire tea and some cheese spread on toast for breakfast then did a little bit of work and caught up on my blog posts.
Debbie very kindly went to the Saturday market for me again this week and here’s what she bought for less than 200 lira (£3.64), which I was delighted with;
2 onions
2 potatoes
Mushrooms
Red & Green peppers
4 carrots
1 lettuce
Bananas
Green Grapes
The lettuce alone was 50 lira (91p) which Debbie was unnecessarily apologetic about, given that they were cheaper last week. She also gave me more fresh figs, some black grapes and plums from her own stash. We had a drink and a chat, which was nice.
Later, Ma & Pa called in with some quark and bread for me from the shop. They didn’t stay long as they were off out with friends on a Dalyan night out. I warmed up some pasta Bolognese for dinner and spoke briefly to Captain Caveman who was working on site this weekend in North Wales.

Gratitude List
1. Cutting out the Facebook group crap made me feel better
2. Market produce brought for me by Debbie
3. Bread and Quark from my parents.

On Sunday 21st September I rested up mostly and caught up with some writing – I was quite behind. I treated myself to a bacon sandwich with the last packet of bacon from the freezer and the loaf my parents had brought yesterday.
I contemplated inviting my parents over for a meal but they were having a rest day as it had been a late one last night. Meanwhile, I was feeling the benefits of not having had any alcohol for 16 days with several more to go. Captain Caveman was in Newark meeting up with some friends for a Sunday lunch.
I reheated a roast chicken meal for my Sunday dinner and even treated myself to some gravy. I tried to have an early night, as I was up early for another hospital visit tomorrow morning, but I couldn’t sleep because of my foot pain and I had already taken the maximum amount of pain relief.

Gratitude List
1. Bacon
2. Writing
3. Sunday dinner.

Dalyan – 13th & 14th September

It was market day on Saturday 13th September and I’d offers from a few people to get me some shopping in, should I need it. I was running low on a few items so I asked Debbie if she would mind grabbing me some items. I spared my parents having to carry their own stuff and mine but did ask if they would get me some items from the shop, including a wholemeal sliced loaf for toast.
The water man came and, luckily, he always brings it upstairs and replaces it in the cooler, all for 100 lira (£1.82). Debbie arrived in the afternoon and brought me nectarines & onions from the market, figs from the garden and a Dido chocolate bar and some homemade cookies. It was a lovely treat and we sat and had a good natter over a cup of tea. I should send her to the market more often as it came to less than 100 lira. My parents arrived with shopping and it was hot outside as Dad moaned about Mom forgetting the shopping list. Ma bought me a loaf, a whole chicken and some cheese spread. They didn’t stay as they were a bit out of sorts with the heat, and Dad didn’t even notice Debbie was there.
That evening, I made a chickpea and spinach curry with steamed rice, which was very tasty and had spare for the fridge/freezer. I also had some naan bread in the freezer which I had to go with it.

Gratitude List
1. Having people who were able to go shopping and to the market for me
2. Tea and a chat with Debbie
3. Curry for dinner.

I’d toyed with the idea of inviting my parents round for a Sunday dinner on Sunday 14th September, not quite sure if I could hobble about long enough to cater. They had been here a week already and I’d only seen them twice. It turned out they were busy when I asked if they had plans but I decided if I cooked a roast chicken anyway, it would make me quite a few meals for the week.
I had fresh figs, nectarines and cheese for breakfast, which was delightful. I had beans on toast for lunch and then excelled myself on the roast dinner – I even did stuffing (but no Yorkshire puddings).
It tasted lovely but I think I’d overdone it as the washing up took longer than I thought and my foot hurt a lot. By the time I spoke to Captain Caveman at 8pm I was tired, in pain and emotional. He reminded me that it was not even 2 weeks since I broke 2 bones in my foot and that I needed more rest.

Gratitude List
1. Having nice food
2. Being able to cook for myself still
3. Knowing that things could be a lot worse and I would get better soon.

Dalyan – 7th September

Sunday 7th September was a busy day as I prepared for Captain Caveman leaving and my parents arriving. My parents’ flight was due to land at 10.20pm and Captain Caveman didn’t need to leave to go to the airport until 11.30pm at the earliest, however, I thought it would be a lovely idea to arrange for Captain Caveman to say hello (& goodbye) to Ma & Pa at the airport. My ‘crazy’ idea was that Captain Caveman and I would set off to Dalaman airport much earlier than required for his 1.20am flight on Monday morning. We could be at the Arrivals exit to jump out of their taxi, say hello and then leave Captain Caveman while the 3 of us headed back in the taxi to Dalyan. My parents last left Dalyan almost 10 months ago so I was also thinking they might need some help putting on the electric and sorting out their apartment so they could get to sleep quicker and I could perhaps help. Captain Caveman had agreed despite knowing he would be stuck in the most expensive airport for way too long, I wrongly assumed my parents would like this idea. Ma replied to say they would rather get straight off as they didn’t want to be hanging about.
My first mission for the day was to very slowly make it out for breakfast. Captain Caveman and I decided to go for a last day breakfast and treat ourselves to a large full English at Ela’s Kitchen. It’s not for the fainthearted (or those supposed to be doing Slimming World) but it is fantastic. Here’s what we had with the prices in lira – not the cheapest place in town but in my opinion it is one of the best;

1 Large bottle of water 100
1 Espresso 130
1 Yorkshire Tea 150
2 Large breakfasts 1,190
Tip 100
Total spent 1,670 lira (£30.36)

What a treat and we even asked for extra toast which we weren’t charged for – my eyes were bigger than my belly, even though I gave Captain Caveman my eggs and tomatoes (why he needed more toast). While we were at Ela’s we noticed a sign which stated they would not serve people who were half naked. This was a good move, however, a guy sat down under the sign and then took his shirt off! He didn’t get served and had to take his order away but the young waitress was clearly really embarrassed. While I crutched back home, Captain Caveman nipped to the shop for peppers and courgettes.

I rested up all afternoon while Captain Caveman sorted his packing and the moving of anything I might need/not around the house. We obviously didn’t need a lunch and I wasn’t mobile enough to do any cooking. Captain Caveman decided we should enjoy his last meal at Duble, another one of our favourite places to eat in Dalyan. Here’s what we had with prices in lira;

2 Lentil soups 250
1 Haydari 155
1 Beetroot 160
1 Hummus 170
1 Potato croquettes 165
1 Prawns 495
1 Liver & Onions 295
1 Red wine 140
1 Big Water 95
Tip 200
Total spent 2,125 lira (£38.64)

The food was fantastic and I felt so lucky to get all the prawns to myself as Captain Caveman can’t eat them. Ibo, the owner, was still chatty despite the place being really full. A couple even got turned away and told to come back later as it was so busy.
I really had been spoiled today although I was quite drowsy from the medication and the walking about when I had to say bye to Captain Caveman. Sonuç picked him up at 11.30pm but I didn’t go to the car to wave him off on account of me not wanting to come back up the stairs in the dark without any help. Hopefully, Captain Caveman would be coming back again in October, so I might get to see him soon.

Gratitude List
1. An amazing breakfast at Ela’s Kitchen with Captain Caveman
2. A wonderful dinner at Duble with Captain Caveman
3. Having had the best time with Captain Caveman in Turkey.

Dalyan – 5th September

Captain Caveman decided to treat me to breakfast at La Sorella on Friday 5th September. We ordered;
1 water
1 Espresso
1 Green tea
1 Croissant
1 Croissant with banana, berries & chocolate

I forgot how much it cost, though, I was slacking! It was very nice and, as I wasn’t able to drink alcohol for the next 2 weeks because of the painkillers, I was happy to have a food treat instead.
While I crutched back home, Captain Caveman went off to do the shopping and made sure he stocked up on items I would find hard to carry once he left Dalyan on Sunday. Here’s what he bought on the first visit, with prices in lira;

Migros Supermarket
1 Red onion 7.59
3 potatoes 10.88
4 milk 43.60
Grapes 47.36
1 Protein Quark 55.95
Wraps 84.50
Fabric Softener 116.95
Nectarines 130.85
Washing Powder 505.95
Total spent 1,003.60 lira (£18)

It was sunny in the afternoon so we went to Okyanus so that Captain Caveman could have a few beers in the sun and we could meet up with The Aussies who we hadn’t seen for a while. We ended up having some food there too – here’s what we paid;

Okyanus
3 soda waters 210
1 Lamb wrap 420
1 pizza 440
3 Efes Malt beers 450
Tip 150
Total spent 1,670 lira (£30)

While Captain Caveman went off for more shopping, I went back home to rest my foot and get more medication. Here’s what Captain Caveman bought on his evening shop;

BIM Supermarket
2 packets of pasta 25.00
1 wholemeal loaf 29.50
2 Dido Chocolate bars 31.50
400g Mushrooms 49.00
6 eggs 65.00
Basmati rice 69.50
Toilet rolls 87.00
Bananas 95.68
Total spent 452.18 lira (£8.10)

Sok Supermarket
Carrots 35 lira (63p)

Şarküteri
2 tins of beans 170
1 tin coconut milk 100
Total spent 270 lira (£4.84)

We spent the evening at home and we had more friends arriving in Dalyan tomorrow to join family who had already arrived. I was in quite a bit of pain so I needed to sleep.

Gratitude List
1. Breakfast and a late lunch out
2. Seeing our friends
3. Medication

Dalyan – 30th August

I woke up on Saturday 30th August with a cold and sore throat, I’d finally caught what Captain Caveman had in Köyceğiz.
It was toast for breakfast and some Theraflu medication with my cup of Yorkshire tea. I mainly did nothing until my video call with Vanessa at 3.30pm, which I did from my bed.
Captain Caveman and I looked at flights to Vietnam for Christmas and New Year but we couldn’t book them yet as not all of Captain Caveman’s holidays had been agreed by his boss yet. They also didn’t look that cheap as we would be flying the Friday before Christmas. We hoped to go for 3 weeks and would return on my birthday. Ideally, Captain Caveman would take flights from the UK but I would meet him there having flown from Istanbul.
At 4.15pm Captain Caveman got us both Dubai chocolate Magnums which we ate on the sofa together. He’d been in search of 100% fruit juice in each of the supermarkets and finally found some. Here’s what he bought with prices in lira;

Migros Supermarket
Travel sweets 26.45
2 Dubai Chocolate Magnums 150.00
2 Cherry juice 179.90
2 Orange juice 206.40
Total spent 562.75 lira (£10.42)

In the evening, Captain Caveman popped out to see The Aussies and I went to bed feeling like shit. He said he was just going for one in Ozzy’s so I asked him to get me a Chicken pizza from there as they are delicious. We didn’t have anything in for dinner so I was really hungry by 10pm but Captain Caveman was still out and wasn’t answering his phone. I eventually tracked him down to Ela’s Kitchen when one of the owners let me know he was there and asked him to bring me a takeaway pizza. The pizza was ok, but it wasn’t the one I’d originally had in mind so I was a bit disappointed. Regardless, I ate it in bed and hoped I’d feel better soon because we were getting picked up at 2.30am tomorrow to go to the airport, and I had hoped to get some sleep. Captain Caveman didn’t bother coming to bed that night.

Gratitude List
1. Theraflu medication – it’s cheap and better than paracetamol
2. Dubai Chocolate Magnum to soothe my throat
3. Finally getting some pizza.

Dalyan – 27th August

We decided on a more relaxed day in Dalyan on Wednesday 27th August. Captain Caveman had planned to help out with a bit of Dogging at the local dog shelter in the morning. It was going to be another hot one so I declined to join him and caught up on a bit of blogging, as I was quite behind on the editing. I had beans on toast for breakfast and Captain Caveman made himself an egg related concoction before I had even surfaced.
As it was weigh day, I got on the home scales to find I had put on 0.25 kg (0.6lb), which wasn’t ideal but could’ve been worse. My measurements were not ideal either with a 1cm off my bust, my waist stayed the same and I’d put 1cm on my hips.
In the afternoon our friends, Amanda & Greg (aka The Aussies) had arrived from Australia for 6 weeks, and had invited us over to their villa. As soon as Captain Caveman was back and cleaned up, we walked over to see them and we were met with a surprise. They had brought us gifts and the most thoughtful one was a T-shirt for me which was my ‘You Can’t Shit Yourself on a Bicycle’ book cover with a QR code on the sleeve, to scan to my blog! I nearly cried with happiness at how good it was! And it fit perfectly – how fantastic. We had a drink to celebrate but then I had to leave Captain Caveman and The Aussies to it for a bit.
I stood in for Carol at Fat Club as she was away, her scales told me I had put 0.3kg (0.7lb)! We had a good chat at Fat Club but then I had to rush back to rejoin the welcome party. We had a few more drinks and then left to call at the supermarket opposite our friends’ house. Here’s what we bought with the prices in lira;
Garlic 54.90
Halloumi cheese 76.90
Frozen fruit 164.90
Total spent 296.70 lira (£5.50)

We had a bit of a walk through town and by the river towards home. We took the shopping home and I hung up my new t-shirt. Before dinner, Captain Caveman suggested a bit of a walk and then a drink in Lukka bar, which turned in to 3!!! Here’s what we had with the prices in lira;

3 Efes Malt 540.
3 Angora red wine 750
Total spent 1,290 lira (£23.88)

Although Lukka is certainly not for the cheap chasing crowd, I didn’t find the prices extortionate and the service is very nifty. I noticed on the receipt that Lukka quoted the price in lira, US dollars, Euros and UK pounds. They had the GBP price listed at £25.80 which meant that they were still using 50 lira to the £, but it was actually cheaper than that if paying in lira.
While at Lukka we got chatting to Katrina and a couple of our neighbours, they were eating what looked like some rather tasty meals. Katrina let me try her Çökertme which was very good so we decided we would ask The Aussies if they fancied joining the Music Bingo night tomorrow and have dinner there. As luck would have it, they did and we booked the last 4 seats (it’s very popular with the tourists) and even pre-ordered the lamb’s leg for the men. We went back home for a dinner of halloumi salad, knowing tomorrow we would be giving the ball a good kick!

Gratitude List
1. Catching up on blogging
2. Seeing The Aussies and having my surprise T-shirt gift
3. Impromptu drinks at Lukka bar with Captain Caveman.

Dalyan & Köyceğiz – 25th August

While friends in the UK had a bank holiday on Monday 25th August, Captain Caveman and I were off on another adventure from Dalyan. I’d arranged to join a friend’s boat trips to the Köyceğiz market and then I had booked a night in the Kaunos Hotel.
It did mean we had almost a full day on Adıl boat with Captain Fuat and all the lovely guests. We were meant to set off at 9.30am so I was on at Captain Caveman to be on time, he seemed to have increased the amount of times he leaves thing to the very last minute. This means he can rush there but then it always looks like I’m the late one as I can’t keep up. He wasn’t ready, so I decided to take the bin out and said I would wait for him by the bins. It was hot, I waited ages, he never arrived. I called him but he didn’t answer his phone. I walked back to the apartment and he wasn’t there so I decided to walk to the boat – he was already on it, sat playing Bridge on his phone and we had our first fall out!
Captain Caveman was annoyed that I lost my temper at being stood by the bins in the hot sun while he had gone to the boat a different way, not even passing the bin! He then retaliated by going quiet and going on his phone rather than speaking to anyone. We set off late so Captain Caveman was annoyed at me nagging him to not be late so the trip didn’t get off to a good start. I soon forgot about it when Captain Fuat got out the cake for breakfast. We sailed to Prison Island where some had a swim around it but I was conserving my energy for a swim in the hotel pool later; so we just had a shorter swim.
The lunch was a feast of many delicious dishes and Captain Caveman and I had a beverage or two! When we got to Köyceğiz, we paid our 2000 lira (£37) bar bill, in addition to the £30 each for the boat trip and said farewell. Our friends on the boat had an hour in Köyceğiz while we were going to check in to the hotel and return tomorrow.

Captain Caveman and I checked in to the Kaunos hotel, which was right on the Köyceğiz lake path and had a gorgeous pool. Debbie at Fat Club had been before and had recommended it. I’d chosen the most expensive room type to ensure we had a lake view with a balcony to sit on for sunset and sunrise. My plan was to go to the market and off licence to stock up on cheese, olives, fruit and wine so we could enjoy a romantic evening after our swim in the fabulous pool. Of course, that didn’t quite go according to plan.
I knew Captain Caveman wasn’t feeling 100% but thought it was because he’d been necking beer in the sun and was dehydrated. He wasn’t his usual speedy self as we walked to the market and he didn’t even taste all of the cheeses and olives (it’s not like him to turn down free nibbles). At the market, here’s what we bought with prices in lira;

Market
Cheese 500
Olives 80
Tomatoes & figs 50
Grapes 25
Total spent 655 lira (£12.13)

Bakery
2 Açma 40 lira (74p)

In the Carrefour supermarket Captain Caveman wasn’t in a rush to get out and was browsing slowly for snacks, while I got the last 2 bottles of Prosecco. When Captain Caveman put orange juice in the basket I assumed it was to have bucks fizz the next morning. We spent 940 lira (£17.41) on snacks and fizz which was rather extravagant for me.

We got back to the hotel around 5.15pm and went to get our swimmers on. Again, Captain Caveman wasn’t as speedy as usual and by the time we got down to the pool it was almost 6pm. Unfortunately, the pool was closed for cleaning so we were unable to use it and I was so disappointed – it was the main reason for choosing this hotel. I couldn’t believe it was almost the end of August and I’d still to swim in a swimming pool! The pool man could see my frustration and came over to show me the signs and explain that the hotel pool is always closed from 5.45pm until 10.15am for chemical treatment.
In just my swimwear I went off to the reception to check what time we had to check out. I was flabbergasted to find we had to be out by 10am, 15 minutes before the pool opened! I said to Captain Caveman that we would check out tomorrow but then come to the pool until midday and he agreed. I also insisted we sit on a lounger by the pool for half an hour now, just to get some photos of the pool and hotel grounds.

Back in the room we opened the Prosecco and I got some of the nibbles out. Captain Caveman had to be coaxed out on to the balcony and we had orange juice in our fizz. Captain Caveman was not bothered about sitting out as ‘he’d seen a sunset before’! He had also started blowing his nose and sneezing a lot and remained laying on the bed for the rest of the night, on his phone.
I sat out on the balcony drinking Prosecco, eating cheese and olives and admiring the romantic view, by myself. It wasn’t quite the day off I’d imagined for the money we had spent!

Gratitude List
1. A lovely boat trip on Adıl boat
2. A hotel stay in Köyceğiz with lovely views
3. Prosecco.

Photo credit – some photos by Captain Caveman

joloyolo

The ramblings and observations of a fortysomething lady of leisure

Tag: supermarket