We were picked up from our bucolic university setting just after midday and whisked off through the crazy Istanbul traffic to the Atatürk Airport. We remembered too late the one-suitcase-rule for domestic flights and had to re-distribute our luggage awkwardly and tensely on the floor of the departure area. Then followed the usual security checks and check-in with no real time for lunch before it was time to board the plane.
As it approached Bodrum, we were fascinated by the arid-looking mountains with tiny little settlements nestled in dips in the landscape. We were met at the airport by another driver with a sign, who took us to a roomy van with only 4 seats. The airport is 60 kilometers from Bodrum, so we got a chance to observe the landscape, which in many ways reminded us of driving from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara last July. The town of Bodrum, however, is a different story. Think narrow little streets with no pavements and with motorcycles, cars, and vans hurtling down them at great speed with pedestrians jumping out of the way. Whomever has been to Napoli will know what I am talking about.
Our driver stopped in a very unpromising place, unloaded all the luggage, grabbed as much as he could and led us at a fast clip down the road, round a corner, down an alley and then, YES, into a lovely courtyard surrounded by white low buildings and masses of flowers, with a pool visible further on.
The SU Otel, where Karen & Tito stayed last year. We quickly settled into our pool-side rooms, changed into our bathing suits and went to take a dip followed by the very necessary post-travel gin and tonic! My Mac decided to act up and not accept the wireless, so I was off the air. The Lehrers checked in with their son and daughter-in-law, who should have had little Sidney 2 weeks ago. We are all rooting for her in Turkey! After showers we wandered down to the boardwalk and looked at our new town. We found a simply wonderful restaurant, Kocadon, set in a candlelit old courtyard with soft soulful Turkish songs playing and superior food.
We immediately settled on a Kir before dinner, which included very fresh grilled fish and pomegranate sauce, and which was concluded with one of the most wonderful desserts I have had in a long time. Not even sure what it was, but I think cheese grilled in flaky pastry served with ice-cream. Really, trust me, to die for!
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