A day on the Aegean

We are sitting in a seaside cafe/wi fi hot spot eating french fries. I'm still in my bathing suit; just off the boat. The breeze is blowing, pedestrians in beach wear are streaming by, as are bikes, mopeds and cars. We are trying to decide if we should eat now or later.

Today we had a real Turkish experience. We spent about 7 hours cruising on a boat. Actually, much of that time the boat was moored in one of three places we stopped. The first stop was an island that had a warm spring and a deserted hotel. There is no source of fresh water on the island, so the hotel couldn't make it. It is there, with beds made, glasses and plates on a counter, and broken plaster fallen right on top of everything. Very odd. But the spring was warmish and you could swim into the cave from which it came.

Next we went to an area the locals call the aquarium. It is made up of several coves of crystal clear turquoise water. We moored there, along with a few other boats, for about three hours. I was the first to brave jumping into the water. To say it was brisk is an understatement. (It is still very early in the season.) People from each boat cheered each other on to jump! I stood there for several minutes getting up the nerve. Jim also jumped in. After we laid around on cushions for a while and got warm again, the captain's crew (a nineteen year old boy) announced that lunch was ready. We had curried chicken, salad, rolls and pasta. Jan tempted fate and jumped in the sea after lunch. He was shocked. Then we all laid around and slept, including the captain. (We think he had a hangover). As each new boat came in we watched as people decided whether to swim or not. And then we watched people lie down for a snooze.

A little boat came through selling ice cream. Another boat was offering rides on a flying inflated raft. When they got going at the right speed and in the right direction, the raft literally lifted off the water. Apparently in mid season there are hundreds of boats at a time in that area.

Next we went to another cove where there were cows sleeping and school boys playing on the beach. I got up the nerve and dove in again -- scream!!!!-- and then swam to shore. Jan also got up the nerve to jump in -- my brave honey. Finally we trundled back to harbor. We thought we'd be tired after so long out on the water, but really, the naps were wonderful. We were all refreshed when we got back to shore. In fact, Jim couldn't stand the relaxed state we were in and had to start calling people from the boat, including his clients. (Of course, now that we are on shore he can't get a signal.

Yesterday Jan and I walked into Bodrum from our hotel. It was quite a hike -- took us about 1.5 hours. Then we all went through the underwater archealogical museum. It is situated in the old castle that many of you would recognize from the harbor of Bodrum. It had artifacts from shipwreck digs, peacocks, turrets, torchure chambers and the English tower. Mostly it had fabulous views of the harbor. Here's the best moment. All the time that Jan and I were walking, he kept looking for the castle. The area is quite hilly, so we couldn't see it most of the time.  About 30 minutes into our time in the museum, as we were walking along the ramparts at the various views, he said to me, "Why haven't we seent he castle yet. I know we should be able to see it from here." I said, "Honey, we are in the castle." We laughed for a long time.

Patty spent three hours yesterday trying to find just the right hat for our boat trip. She finally settled on one. She never wore it today. Ah, the best laid plans.

We are trying to make arrangements to get to Ephesus on Wednesday. Tuesday we will probably stay around our resort, so may not be able to post any news. But we love hearing from you. Love keeping in touch!