Being a bit of a lazy begger I suppose it's time to update our blog a bit, just in case there's anyone left wanting to read it?
We get our daily email from weatheronline.co.uk so we had a good idea the winter season being well established. Despite this I was hoping we might see 20ºC during the daytime (occasionally). Our thomascook flight 'Manchester-Antalya' was late (as usual recently) and our Oflas failed to turn-up on time to get us from the airport to Kemer. Some rather costly phone calls and an hour waiting conjured-up our transport and we were fortunate to be on the yacht just after eight (mint-free).
During the next four weeks we had plenty of time down below, keeping out of the rain! We also sampled some of the strongest winds we've witnessed in Kemer. For example, on the worst night it felt like we were actually sailing in storm conditions with the yacht slewing heavily from side to side. It's impossible to settle in bed when this is happening even when confident all mooring lines are good. I even thought about putting the engine on, just in case! I decided against doing so, only because all shore-side power was off anyway and it would have been impossible to manoeuvre within the marina anyway. Me thinks its better to keep some lines attached to prevent being smashed further-afield that being a 'loose-cannon' in an unpredictable washing machine spinner. Sue makes a point of reminding me how much it rains in Kemer during winter. Despite this, we participated on some really good walks in the company of our friends on most Sundays. Kemer during winter has significantly fewer live-a-boards nowadays. Hence, no Kemer-net (which means we have more horizontal time morning exercises) fewer organised events, less tennis and well-frequented Navigator happy-hours each evening. Also, plenty of project time to get things done on-board (which proved really useful, as expected). One particularly good evening worth a mention was our only participation on the Antalya Symphony Concert Run. An absolutely outstanding evening entertained by a world-class violinist and Antalya Orchestra playing 'The Four Seasons'. Top class.
The most unsettling thing recently is undoubtedly the fateful introduction of the new Turkiye Visa Rules (which came into effect 1st February). Being restricted to 90 days in 180 means being unable to be in Turkiye for more than 90 days at a time and not being able to re-enter Turkiye until 180 days after first entering! Fortunately, the latest news (as of this week March) seems to indicate they're amending the rules to enable us to extend a 90 day visitor visa by an additional term, by visiting Turkiye immigration (see links below).
http://www.todayszaman.com/news-273704-visa-policy-for-foreigners-visiting-turkey-to-be-eased.html
http://www.todayszaman.com/news-273704-visa-policy-for-foreigners-visiting-turkey-to-be-eased.html
Our four and a bit weeks on-board were indeed very useful and hugely enjoyable. The addition of a separate DVD player is a big success and we were able to enjoy watching Henry XIV (final series), Cadfael (whole series) and a few films & concerts (Katherin Jenkins mostly!) between evening meal and after-wines cuddled in our saloon.
We always look forward to going out to Ticketeeboo and towards the time when we know we're going home soon, we look forward to doing so with equal enthusiasm. So there we are.......................... now getting ready to being on Ticketeeboo again!
