Back to Selçuk: A Change of Plans and a New Adventure
After leaving Samos and clearing passport control once more (thankfully, a smoother process this time), we made our way back to Selçuk. We couldn’t resist returning to a place that had so quickly captured our hearts. Naturally, we had to stop by Agora Restaurant to say hello to Scrappy and the rest of the furry entourage before leaving the area for good. It was such a relief to see them all still there, and it honestly felt like they were just as happy to see us... although I'm sure they're happy to see anyone who gives them a belly rub.
Walking back into ANZ Guesthouse felt like coming home, with the warmest of welcomes that instantly made our hearts smile.
On to Kaş: A Journey by Bus and a Warm Welcome
The next morning, we caught the bus to Fethiye and easily found a connecting bus to Kaş. With just an hour to kill, we grabbed lunch at a local pitstop café—surprisingly great food for a roadside joint.
We arrived in Kaş around 6 p.m., and Google guided us through the charming streets to our accommodation. As luck would have it, our room was on the third floor of a building with no elevator. But hey, no worries—our 20-something concierge happily offered to lug our bags upstairs.
After settling in and cooling down—legs up the wall to combat those lovely cankles that had developed from a long, hot bus ride—we decided to venture out and explore as much of Kaş as we could in our one and only night there.
Discovering Kaş: Where Bustling Energy Meets Laid-Back Vibes
Kaş had us under its spell from the moment we stepped outside. The town pulses with a unique blend of energy and relaxation, a hive of multinational activity where artisan shops sell everything from handcrafted jewelry and leather goods to one-of-a-kind clothing. The harbour is lined with vibrant bars, cafés, and restaurants, and we quickly discovered that silver and gold jewelry here is sold by weight—an intriguing little detail.
The Soccer (football) was on, and the bars were packed with eager fans—especially those with a TV broadcasting the game. Phoebe was keen to catch the second half, so we joined the crowd, ordered cocktails, and got swept up in the lively atmosphere.
After the game, we wandered through the winding streets and stumbled upon a tucked-away bar known for its creative cocktails. Down a quiet alleyway, this hidden gem lived up to its reputation, serving up drinks that felt more like herbal elixirs than your average cocktail.
I was ready to soak up the town’s vibe and party into the night—Kaş has that effect on you—but my more sensible daughter reminded me of our early start the next morning to meet our sailing boat. She was, of course, absolutely right so we headed home around midnight.
Setting Sail: Serendipity and Sweet Surprises
The next morning, as we checked out of our hotel, we were joined by two other women at reception. The man at the desk—whom we’d met the night before—commented on how similar we all looked. I turned to the older woman and asked, “Mother and daughter?” She nodded, and in a moment of pure intuition, I asked if they were also heading to our sailing boat. And guess what? They were! What are the odds?
These two women, visiting from the U.S., quickly became close friends.
And what could have been a crowded sailing adventure with up to 20 people as advertised, (something I wasn’t exactly thrilled about) turned into a more intimate experience on a smaller, subcontracted boat with just eight guests. The family of four who joined us for the first three nights were a lovely English family living in Dubai, and we genuinely missed them when they left.
But when it was just the four of us—two mother-daughter pairs—left onboard with three attentive staff members, it felt like we’d stumbled into a dream. It was as if we’d booked a private cruise without the private cruise price tag. Score!
The Crew and the Magic of the Mediterranean
Our boat, the Feyyaz Bey, was captained by Feyyaz himself, a man whose presence I still miss even a month after leaving Turkey. His crew was nothing short of wonderful, and the food—oh, the food!
Rafiq, the chef, cooked with heart and soul, whipping up mouthwatering salads, fresh whole fish, and other local delights that had us eagerly gathering around the table for every meal. After the family left, there was room for the crew to join us, and those shared meals became some of my most cherished memories.
The Turkish waters were like something out of a dream—clear, deep, and stunningly blue, even under the scorching sun. I don’t think I’ve ever swum so much in my life! We’d eventually drag ourselves out of the water only when our fingers started pruning, or when it was time for another delicious meal or afternoon tea. This was definitely not a trip where I worried about calories.
Our days unfolded in a blissful rhythm—paddling on SUPs, kayaking, swimming, and soaking up the sun’s warm rays. We also found time for a few land excursions, like exploring the ancient Lycian civilization and visiting the 2,400-year-old town of Simena with its castle perched high on the hill overlooking the bay. These moments deepened our connection to this incredible land and its rich history.
Moments to Treasure: From Starry Skies to Sea Turtles
One evening, we decided to check out Smugglers Inn, a quirky spot filled with—you guessed it—Australians! It wasn’t the wild night we’d anticipated, but it was a fun experience nonetheless... and I was quietly grateful.
However, the real highlight of the trip was sleeping on deck under a blanket of stars. At first, it took some getting used to—The first night..the wind whipping around, the heat, my hair flying everywhere, and then waking up with the sun in my face. We all spent the first few hours the next morning in a groggy, zombie-like state, laughing at ourselves and each other. But by the end of the trip, I knew it was something I’d never forget, and I wanted to soak up every moment, looking forward to sleeping on that deck each night.
And then there were the turtles in Demre—huge loggerheads swimming gracefully around the boats. Seeing them so close, in such clear water, was nothing short of magical.
Another unforgettable moment was when our little “team” lined up on deck with my mini torch, watching the fish drawn to its light. It was quite hilarious how entertaining the simplest of things became when you have nothing on your ‘to-do’ list. One night in particular, we asked Feyyaz for some bread to lure the fish, and even though he knew it wouldn’t work, he indulged us, tossing bits overboard just to keep us happy.
It was those little things that made the trip so special—his willingness to indulge our whims, all the while prioritizing our safety and comfort.
A Few of My Favorite Moments:
Sailing over the sunken city of Kekova, marveling at the ruins of this ancient town destroyed by an earthquake over a thousand years ago
Sharing stories and laughter around the table with guests and crew alike
Communicating with the chef in German, which added a personal touch to our meals
Getting a brief glimpse into the ancient Lycian civilization and its fascinating history
Spending precious time with my beautiful daughter, soaking up the sun and sea during our first adult mother-daughter adventure
Witnessing the blending of cold and warm waters—where the cold water flows from the land and meets the warmer ocean, creating a mesmerizing jelly-like effect
Swimming into a secluded bay that felt straight out of a James Bond movie, crawling out of the water and finding a path lined with fig trees—I was truly in my element
Watching the crew stay up for a few drinks and games with everyone—though I eventually headed to bed, I couldn’t help but bask in the joyful atmosphere that radiated from the table
Laughing out loud when I rolled off the SUP while Heather captured it all on film—priceless!
And finally, marveling at every breathtaking stop along the way. At one point, Feyyaz laughed and said, “You keep saying each place is your favorite!” And he was right—each stop was uniquely stunning, leaving me with no clear favorite, just a deep appreciation for the beauty all around us.
Serendipity and sun-kissed memories...This trip was filled with unforgettable moments, connections, and sheer beauty—memories that will stay with me for a lifetime.
コメント