Symi to Turkey

From Khalki we headed for the island of Symi and stopped off in Monastery Bay in the south. A beautiful, quiet anchorage with the magnificent buildings of the monastery along the shore. Stayed a while, went round the museum and sat and sketched the tower.

On to Symi town itself in the north of the island having seen dolphins on the way. A pre dinner stop at this lovely ouzerie down the side street.

We were in Symi to see the annual celebration of the day they signed the declaration when the allies took the Dodecanese back from the Germans

Symi was a wonderful little town where the houses seem to have been built on top of each other up the slopes - very colourful.

When there is a flight of over a hundred stone steps going up out of town you just have to climb them for the view from the top! Dave assured me he had Serenity in the picture but actually she is just off to the left!

TURKEY!!!

After arriving in Bozburun in the pouring rain to check into Turkey with Saleh the agent, we were told that the offices are closed for renovation and we must go another 20NM (about 4 hours) to Datca to check in. This is Datca from our anchorage in the bay.

Back to Bozburun to sort out Turkish residency to enable us to stay longer than the 90 days on our visitors visa. Saleh now tells us that the regulations all changed in April this year and so what we had been told by people in Crete who had done it before, didn't apply anymore. What now?

From Bozburun to Sogut not far away to sample the grilled octopus at the Octopus restaurant recommended by Chris and Desi - very good! A brisk sail in with winds up to force 5-6.

We are used to seeing cats and dogs around the tavernas but were quite surprised to see a rabbit wander in when we were in "Captain Nemo"s" in Serce bay. We went over to the restaurant for a light snack as we were using his mooring buoy and didn't take enough lira for a full meal. No problem he says, pay in euros. No the euros are back on the boat too. Don't make a problem he says , enjoy your meal and pay me tomorrow! When we returned the next morning he gave us free chay and sat and chatted - yes the Turkish people are very friendly.

Leaving Serce bay with Catain Nemo's in the background.

Next stop was Ciftlik - anchored out in the bay just for overnight.

Arrived in Marmaris where we shall meet Kevin and Teresa on Monday night. Had a walk round town, braved the bazaar where everyone wants you to go look in their shop. We eventually found one that actually had a sign outside that said "no hassle" so went in. Lovely man who was friendly but not too pushy so we bought some herbs and spices. We later took Kevin and Teresa there where they bought turkish delight, nuts etc so we were given chay and sat chatting. 

This statue was one of several beautiful pieces of art around the town. The inscription says "To live like a tree in solitude and free and like a forest in solidarity"

Turkish tea "chay"