1. Winter/Spring 2009                        

MARMARIS YAT MARINA, TURKEY

Return to Marmaris, 6 February 2009

Istanbul

Each year the marina runs a trip to the Istanbul Boat Show in February. We stayed at the Side Pension for 35€ a night (double/ private bath/breakfast). Its a brilliant location just a few steps from the Blue Mosque, Aya Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar, the Golden Horn and fantastic views over the Bosphorous.

this picture is of the view from the rooftop of the hotel to the Blue Mosque.

 

Its a good trip and the Boat Show itself is getting better and better. West Marine now have a franchise operation in Turkey, they also had a stand there along with other chandlery and marine companies. we wished we could have stayed a bit longer but the schedule for our boat trip on the Bosphorous didn't allow the time.

We spent a morning wandering around the Grand Bazaar. its an interesting place full of colour and smells brimming with stuff and people. Carpet shops and jewellers rub shoulders with linen and shoe shops. something for everyone.

Cappodocia

I cannot imagine there is any place like the Turkish region of Cappodocia in the world. The geology has created a stunningly unique landscape that nearly defies description. So here are a few pictures:

We went with our Canadian friends, Brian and Debs and got the overnight bus from Marmaris to Goreme for 130ytl each return. The bus trip was as ok as any coach trip of 13 hours can be. Unfortunately we fell for a tourist trap and got pulled off the bus at Nevshehir by a local travel agent who said that we should go with him to get the mini bus to Goreme. He virtually kept us and several others hostage in his office until one of us idiots bought a trip from him. our only excuse was that it was very early in the morning and we were still half asleep. but we did feel like chumps for falling for it. apparently he does it all the time, so be warned if you are going that way.

We stayed in the small, central town of Goreme at the Walnut House Hotel for 45ytl a night; bed and breakfast, double room, own bathroom. It was clean and tidy, everyone was friendly and helpful - they booked us on the tours, recommended places to go and how to get there. We were expecting it to be spring, but it snowed and was very, very chilly. the hotel had under floor heating which was not switched on until 5pm and left on all night. they had a lovely fireplace in the reception area, but only lit the fire on one night. i think the cold snap had caught everyone by surprise and we wished we'd brought a bit more clothing.

On the second day Brian and Debs got up at 6am to go on a balloon flight. they said it was fantastic - really worth the 130euros each. after that we took a day tour that took us on a 120km round trip of the area taking in an underground city, a walk in Butterfly Valley, a hot lunch at a riverside restaurant and an early christian rock village including cave churches with frescoes. the guide was brilliant - an archaeology student and the trip was excellent value at 50ytl each.

Cappodocia is a 'must see' - but perhaps late April or early May would be better, or even October/early November.

 

Jobs

Oh yes, we know you think we sit around all day, reading, drinking, socialising; and to be fair, on occasional days we do, but the rest of the time we spend working on our boats or getting advice about jobs, or trying to get hold of bits to complete projects. Since we are getting ready for our big trip down the Red Sea to India, we've got some fairly large projects to complete to get ourselves in tip-top condition.

We often work for 7 days a week, 10 hours a day, lunch on the go, no training, just read the manual, ask for advice and then get on with it. AND there's no pay!

We've taught ourselves, or had advice to help us do diesel mechanics, 2-stroke engine maintenance, 12v electrics, installing electronics, canvas work, carpentry, rigging, teak deck repairs, etc etc.

our major projects this year included:

- moving the windlass from the chain locker to the foredeck, which included having to drill several holes in the deck which was a wee bit scary.

- a new bow roller for the anchor.

- buy and install a water maker

- fit a bimini

- install a temporary forestay to fly a storm jib

- new solar panels

- fit the Hydrovane wind vane self-steering

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weather

Contrary to many expectations, winter in the eastern Med is not warm and sunny and this year was less so than last. We had a very bad storm on Jan 23rd with sustained winds in excess of 50kts. Fortunately we were not there at the time and Roam II was fine.

You can see a short video clip of the storm by clicking here.

I had not expected to need my boat wellies once clear of the english channel, but sloshing around the puddles in the incessant rain, they proved essential. It was also cold, there was even snow on the hills around the marina at one point. Infact it really only got warm during early May and even then the air was still cold out of the sun. I'm not really complaining, rain is needed if Turkey is to survive the long hot scorching summer, especially in these areas. and really it should not be a surprise that it rains as there is lots of lush green vegetation here.

We do get nice days of course. The easter weekend was lovely and a walk and picnic was organised on Friday to the hills behind the marina.