We had a lovely time at the surf cafe. We were only down there for a couple of hours but it was buzzing the whole time with windsurfers, kite surfers and people taking out small sail boats. Those Çalış winds really ARE good for something!
I took a whole day off in the week and went on a boat trip with Kenny. Those of you who know Poppy know that Kenny is part of the establishment; for anyone returning here, one of the first questions is ‘is Kenny still here?’ – a bit unnecessary as he has been here from May to mid-November for the last seven years (maybe eight – we can neither of us remember!) Also, the apartment we call number 6 is popularly known as ‘next to Kenny’, popularly being the correct term as I am also frequently asked ‘can we have the apartment next to Kenny?’.
 |
| Kaan and Kenny on Oasis boat |
So how does our Kenny – known as Celal Amca (uncle Jelal) to locals – spend his time here? Again, those of you have been before will know that he spends at least 3 days a week on a boat trip. He always goes with the same boat – Oasis – which is never too crowded and where they always look after him well. He goes on the twelve islands trip twice a week, where he does a lot of swimming and ‘fish-watching’; and Göcek trip on Sunday when he also gets the chance to do a bit of shopping in Göcek market, as well as checking out the yachts in the marina.
 |
Every day is different on the boat and on Wednesday when we went the excitement was one of the boys catching a couple of squid and an octopus (which they put back). I swam a couple of times, but also enjoyed lazing around reading my book, while Kaan (11 years old) and Kenny (70 and a bit years old) entertained each other.
 |
| Kenny and Kaan 'fish watching' |
On the days when he doesn’t take to the sea, Kenny mostly just takes it easy, goes for strolls about and catches up on his ‘housework’. He knows plenty of people around, including all our regular guests, so he is never short of people to socialize with if he wants to. And when he doesn’t feel like it, he has everything he needs in his room, including television (!) to watch English football and some films on.
His sister and family come out to visit in May and September and he returns reluctantly to the UK in November to see his doctor and have his check-ups; but what a great way to spend your retirement… who wouldn’t choose Çalış over Bradford!
