6th October
Read The Signs
Despite being woken by a prolonged CTP from the mosque it was nice to be up early and have a chance to wish grandson Mitchell a happy 18th before he went out to celebrate.
It was also nice to know we were not walking today and just being driven to the beautiful seaside resort of Kas. It sits tucked in between the cascading mountains behind and the Mediterranean in front , which is full of islands just off the coast.
While Kalkan is home of tne Poms , Kas is a German favourite. The town is predominantly units. Hotels, restaurants, cafes and the usual tourist shops. Although we did find a little house squeezed amongst the others- orange tree and all. The tree might be symbolic of the price they will eventually squeeze out of a buyer.
It was a full car as , 5 people, plus luggage and backpacks headed off on the rollercoaster ride across the mountains down into Kas.
Arrived about 1130 and got into our room with Eco the Consierge trying his best to put us on recommended boat trip and into his favourite restaurants. We declined gracefully.
We unpacked and did a tour of the city including the beaches which in all but one case were stairs off the cliffs into roped of areas – all privately run and charged for the privilege.
To sit and eat in accompanying restaurants cost zero, so we plonked down for lunch and a little tipple.
The views either way were amazing , you could almost touch the Greek aisle of Meis
Followed lunch with a stroll along the harbour trying to see the right boat trip for tomorrow.
I was snapping away merrily and Jane pointed to the sign – absolutely no photographs or filming in this area- apparently I was outside the Customs compound where people going to and from Meis have to present passports. Thankfully I went undetected.
Wandered further along and up into the cafe and restaurant area and came across a little street lined with umbrellas. Just just around the corner was where one could sit free and get a fairy blessing
Continued through street after street filled with hotels and ended up at the famous amphitheater which was in great condition.
Then it was a wander through the commercial centre where we got a mini gelato and some tummy sweet roll.
We dropped down into the town square where a huge stage was set up and they were televising the World Free Diving Chsmpionshkps with , remarkable underwater technology- guess without that it’s just watching and hoping someone surfaces from 90 metres below.
Then it was off to get changed and head to the free pebbly public beach which was about 30 square metres and occupied by 20 odd people and a overly excitable dog. We had a nice dip in water that was strangely layered with hot and cold temperature streams. It was very refreshing and begged another visit tomorrow.
Did another run along harbour and picked the boat tour for tomorrow – weather permitting. Passed the Grndarme Compound on the way back and Jane made sure I didn’t dally to take a picture of the guard with the machine gun- this time I had read the sign.
The locals are both creative and optimistic, former was no better illustrated than in the way a cafe had converted 44 Gallon drums into tables and chairs.
In a country where there appears to be more cats and dogs than people we spotted this dign for a missing cat- good luck finding it
As is the norm here we scaled several sets of steep stairs to get back to the hotel. I decided on a swim in the infinity pool, but didn’t read the sign about diving and a less than elegant entry caused sa mini tsunami in the pool area and down towards the foyer.
It generated an SES. type response with 3 men armed with squeegees rushing out to stem the tide whilst I stood neck deep in water looking apologetic and Jane giggled as she recued her gear just in time.
Skulked out of the poo almost under the shade of darkness and then went out for a small dinner before going down and watching presentation for the diving. An Aussie won a medal and broke an Aust record.
The Ukrainian team who had enjoyed success on the day allowed us a group photo that we can send home to our lovely and patriotic Ukrainian neighbour.
Walked a few more hills, more because we had to than wanted to and headed home hoping the weather forecasters here are as inaccurate as Australia,
Gobble Up Turkey 