HI,
So glad things have worked out for you and your dream is coming true! Was very interested to hear your view of Kassandra as we are going 1st july for 2weeks! Would you mind if i picked your brain?
I have read mixed reviews about Kassandra, im glad to hear you found it clean, as this was my main concern.
Do you know how far the Sirca apartments are from Kassandra as our friends are staying there?
And, lastly, can you think of anything that I should take as its our first time in Turkey? I have a 10 yr son.
Thanks.
K

Congrats, have a wonderful life, live the dream for the rest of us

good on you! If you don't mind me asking, have you retired to Bitez or are you intending to buy a taverna or similar?

Scotty - You can pick my brain anytime"¦ As I said before, the Kassandra is spotless. It has a lovely, clean swimming pool and a couple of snooker tables that will do for you son. There is an astro-turf football pitch, next door to the hotel and a tennis court and basketball court for your son, if he's the sporty type?

If memory serves me correct, the Sirca apartments are about a 5/10 minute walk, towards the back of the hotel.

Negative points about the Kassandra -The safe is extortionate. It cost us 35 lira (about £14) for 1 week, normally at the Manuela Hotel, it costs £7 per week. I highly recommend getting a safe, for all your personal things/travel documents/cash. I don't want to worry you, but we had our bag stolen from the beach about 3 years ago (this summer they have had CCTV fitted all along the front). Just be aware at all times, like in any foreign country!

We had ground floor rooms, which we requested, but they only had net curtains covering the windows. We had to put our beach towels over the windows to prevent a peep show! So ask for second floor.

Everyone in Bitez is going to want you to eat in their establishment, as its your first night/first day"¦ politely smile and tell a little white lie and say you have eaten, don't be drawn into shaking peoples hands, as they will pull you into the restaurant. Don't be intimidated! Otherwise you will never get past the first few restaurants.

Always be cheeky and ask 'what are you going to offer us if we eat with you' most places you get the standard garlic bread/fruit etc, this way you'll get a bottle of wine/free beers and discount off the meal - bargain!

Take your son on a boat trip, it's a good day out, remember the high factor and snorkel kit.

There is an Aquapark, about 10 minutes away, which all the local travel companies do as an excursion for about £10.

Bitez has a constant cool breeze, and it's easy to get sunburnt.

I guarantee you and your family will LOVE Bitez. We've been going for years, 5 weeks every year!

We go back on the 30th June, for 2 weeks - so we'll probably bump into each other. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Joan - Thanks for the good wishes

Helen - No, we aren't retiring there. We bought it as a holiday home to spend our summers, and as an investment.

Hi,
Thankyou so much for that info you have really put my mind at rest. The safe is pretty costly but I think it has to be done. We were about £14 for 2 weeks in corfu. My son is so excited about the astro turf! It has become the only thing he wants to do. Im sure that will change when we get there!
Can you remember how much the air conditioning was? Just so I can calculate how much Lira I will need to start off with.
Are you going back to stay in Kassandra? It would be great to have a beer.
Thankyou again.
K

Hi Scotty/K

We won't be staying in the Kassandra next month, as our apartment is ready to move into. It's by the harbour in Bitez, so it's not far from you! You're welcome to come up and have a look at our place and I'm sure your son would love a swim in our pool. (It has a waterfall"¦ brag, brag! )

Introduce yourself to Koc (pronounced 'coach') who works at the Kassanrda, he's a great lad and we'll ask him who you are, and meet you for an Efes.

As I said before, the Kassandra is cheap and cheerful, but very clean. We didn't need the air conditioning in May, so don't know the cost. The rooms don't have tea making facilities, so if you're a tea-lover, take your own kettle.

You're staying on a beautiful peninsula, so you must venture out of Bitez for the afternoon and try and visit some other stunning places.

Turgetreis market on a Saturday is a must. Bodrum has a market on a Tuesday, but it's not as good.

36 more sleeps for us"¦ and counting!

Hi,
Thankyou for the invitation, that would be great I will certainly look out for Koc. We are really looking forward to going, only 34 sleeps for us!! I look forward to meeting you and seeing your "dream".
Have a good trip over.
K