Turkey in Turkey

Have stopped in a couple of bays and Marinas since arriving in Turkey, Didim, Ören, Koiros(Datca) all were nice and required from the wind in Gökova bay.

Had a few good sails but have settled into Marmaris having bitten the bullet on cost. It’s a lovely bay and town with a safe marina. Arrived at night in a massive rain storm and stayed on the anchor so woke up in this amazing  bay. Abramoviches yacht is 

is parked over the way!I was here 40 yrs ago and just remember tourists and leather hawkers. There are still a lot of shops selling fake goods but the people are very nice and friendly. Not convinced by the knowledge of trades people. They seem to bumble about and make do on repairs. Never seen so many chandlers shops but none of them have any real knowledge or experience. Marine hydraulic oil was one example they all directed me to the car repair road , which would work but not really the done thing.

I got boarded by a massive fat cat who seems to like my boat. I came back the other day despite closing the main hatch and others and he was inside. I let him stay and bought him some whiskers but at night he goes for a walk and brings back pizza crusts! 

I’m on a little coach trip east. 17 hrs to Mardin then will work back taking in a few sights. I’m trying to find some turkey for crimbo, apparently they do sell it but I have to catch supermarket on delivery day. Brussel sprouts are available so it’s me and the cat for festive dinner- unless some Christian family takes me in for the novelty!

Had a few thunder storms and rain but it’s still 18 ° so no complaints there. I’ve booked into Ayia napa on cypress for January which is a very reasonable €600 / month that’s on the basis they are still not Schengen because if they kick me out and I go to the Turkish side I’ll run out of visa time- still dancing with the immigration wallahs!