back in Gocek

After my whirlwind adventure with the parents I have returned to Gocek and the boat. The pictures should substitute for words describing the area that we went to visit. The four days that I was traveling made for very little sleep, yet great sites and excellent company (as we made it back to Antalya to see Yasemin and her mother and to partake in more overeating). I returned from the land of fairie chimneys (apparently i typed it wrong previously- carrie or something) to find Trish in good spirits and enough down time to catch up on some much needed sleep. While shopping we met Vicry- a gulet captain (gulet being a traditional wooden turkish boat- often used for tourism) that Trish and her crew had befriended last year. He invited us over for drinks which proved semi awkward as his English is not that great, as well as his questioning about me having a boyfriend and his request that I enjoy one of his six airconditioned cabins. Needless to say i was excited to return to Entheos, but before we departed he invited himself to breakfast. Breakfast the next day he nearly invited himself out for a day trip. Luckily right before we left, Richard, the portlander stopped by to say hi, and we invited him as well. The company of the two men made for a great day consiting ot swimming, eating and chatting. We ended up in a new bay next to some more of Trish's friends frome Finike. Finike is apparently a large wintering spot for many or the Yachters around this area and there is a surprising large community of them. Anyway it was nice and relaxing with good conversation and company. We returned to Gocek in time for some G&Ts and then I played taxi to the men, returning them to their boats. After turning down Vicry's invitations to dinner and a bar, I took Richard back to his boat where he invited me on board to look around and eventually for a drink. We sat around (in his lovely boat) drinking Raki- the traditional Turkish version of Ouzo, and reminiscing about Portland, Spokane, Billings Montana (all the places I have lived and he has family), NPR, life without a TV, etc etc. We called his girlfriend of 17 years and chatted about multnomah village and sympathized with all Portlanders for the 105 degree heat (hotter than here, and if you are reading this from Portland, Im sorry!) Anyway, I eventually returned back to Entheos and Trish where I topped off the great day by playing multiple games of OK- Trish's favorite game, something along the lines of Rummy cup? I beat her multiple times, let her win a few and then settled into bed for a good read before drifting off.
Today we are intown shopping before heading out to a bay for a few days. We will settle back into the routine of swimming, eating, reading and playing OK. I need to start planning the rest of my trip. It is looking like I will fall back into the hands of Turkish hospitality as I will travel with another Turkish friend.
Hope all is well at home, and I'll see some of you in roughly a month! (halfway point!)

Comments

Unknown said…
There's an old Turkish woman living in the apartment complex. Sometimes we see her and she says hi! and talks to us for a while. Really cute. Makes me think of you and your adventures.
Meg said…
Sarah! Hey lady! I just found your blog and it sounds like you are having an amazing time. Can't see the current pics but some of the older ones (and your Vietnam etc ones) are amazing! What an adventure dude. Wish ya were able to hit up Zam land on your way back, but keep me updated about what is next when ya get a chance. Love.