Well another great holiday in Icmeler over.

Left Gatwick on 29th May (MYT433) just a few minutes late and arrived at Dalaman early. No problems at airport and the transfer, although on a coach was fine. Only Icmeler, so no Marmaris drop offs. Arrived at hotel (Juniper) at 1am to be greeted by Hussain on reception who was there 5 years ago when it was known as the Yavus 2. He remembered us although we hadn't seen him since we stayed there all that time ago. We left the cases in the room and took off to explore. We got less than 50 yards before we heard our names being called out and it was like we'd never been away. After walking round for a while we ended up in the Lion bar to be welcomed like long lost friends and stayed chatting till 4am. An exhausting day but oh such a lovely feeling of being "home".

We had a lazy holiday this time. Only went on one trip which was to Akyaka, which I can thoroughly recommend. As with a lot of return visitors, we have done all the local trips and it's nice when a new one appears. We went on a Saturday and by the afternoon it was very busy. Not many tourists but lots of Turkish families enjoying their picnics in the woods and jumping off the rocks, very brave or completely mad, I can't decide which. The beach was packed and everyone seemed to be having a very good time. The prices for food, drink and sun beds are cheaper than in the bigger resorts. I believe that it's much quieter during the week but it was lovely to see the local people still being able to enjoy what we all are privileged to have whilst on our holidays.

We ate at many different restaurants in Icmeler during our stay and the prices we found were much the same as last year. The exchange rate making it better value for us though. Two places that I would like to mention that are under new management this year are The Rainbow and the Artemis. If anyone remembers Serkan from his days at the Majestic and the Yakamos, he has now taken over the Rainbow which he runs with his wife Ruth whilst still coping with their beautiful twin babies Emre & Yasmin. Please pop along and see them, good food and prices. They also have a garden where the children can play whilst the parents enjoy their meals in peace. Tell them that Barbara & Martin recommended them. You will find the restaurant on the main road out to the old village about half way along. The Artimis, on the main road to the beach from the square was also good value for money and the meals were tasty too.

We never have time to visit all the places we would like, so we tend to eat each night at one place and then go on to a different place for a few drinks and some fun. We managed quite a few but most nights ended up at our favourite the Lion bar where we often met up with Gene, Ann & Andre (redrhino) for a good laugh. The English owners are I'm afraid interfering too much this year, the waiters know how to keep us all entertained and happy and should be left to get on with it. After all we go to Turkey for our holidays and don't want it turned into an English resort.

After two weeks, which went really quickly, we headed back to Dalaman. Again good transfer, no Marmaris pick ups and straight through at the airport. Our flight (MYT434) left on time and we arrived back at Gatwick 40 minutes early.

Now it's all over and back to reality, we're looking for another good deal for September.

Barbara & Martin