Sunday - April 10, 2005
Turkey: Marmaris
When I first saw on our itinerary that we would be stopping in Marmaris, Turkey, I thought, "Where???" I had to get out a map and look it up. I then got out a guide book and noticed that it warranted a couple of lines about being a popular resort town on the southern coast of Turkey in an area called the Turquoise Coast, quite close to Bodrum. All this left me rather underwhelmed at the prospect of a day in Marmaris. Boy, was I wrong!
The Captain had suggested that all passengers might want to get up in time to enjoy the sail in to the harbour of Mamaris because it was a very pretty location with an interesting approach. I'm glad we paid attention because it was well worth the early rise. To enter the harbour, the ship had to pass through a very narrow gap with mountains on each side. The light on the mountains and the turquoise water was quite spectacular. As we passed through the gap, the bay opened up considerably and we could see the town of Marmaris spread all along its shores. Our tug came out to meet us and hooked up a line, but we really entered the harbour under our own steam. The light was reflecting off the multi-colored houses and playing on the water, so the views of the town were spectacular from the bow. We could see the castle, the marina, the shops and restaurants along the shore, and the minarets of the mosque. It was a beautiful sight and a great way to start the day.
After walking miles and tiring ourselves out in Jordan and Egypt, we decided to have an easy day in Marmaris, and I'm very happy we did. Only a few years ago, Marmaris was an insignificant fishing village. Today it is an in place for the rich and famous, yet it remains unspoilt, so far. The atmosphere, at this time of year, was relatively quiet but very cheerful shops were terrific and we did a fair bit of damage to the bank account with ceramics and a carpet. I could have spent a more money than I did if I thought I'd have a hope of getting all the goods home - and a hope of staying married. But it was fun to window shop, nonetheless. The shopkeepers were very laid back compared to Egypt and were very low pressure, so we enjoyed just wandering and looking.
We stopped at one of the many restaurants along the harbour and enjoyed an authentic Turkish lunch. The restaurant was family owned and run, and we relaxed over a great meal and a surprisingly good bottle of wine. It was fun to just sit and watch all the comings and goings. We were told that at the height of summer, this place is really jumping with people, but at this time of year the tourist season is just beginning. Maybe that's why the shop keepers were willing to bargain.
We left Marmaris around 6:30 pm, just around sunset, and our exit was as spectacularly beautiful as our entry. From the other direction, I noticed that the biggest mountains looked like a huge dragon putting its head down to the water to take a drink and promptly named the site "Drinking Dragon Mountain." I have to wonder what the locals call it.
After spending the day poking around, Mike and I decided that this was really a lovely little place and that we would have to come back when we can spend more time. There is a lot to do in the area and Rhodes is only 50 minutes away by hydrofoil. We could spend a week or so here and then spend some time in Greek Islands, maybe rent a villa on one of the islands for a couple of weeks. How many times have I said that now? About 20? I think the rest of our lives is booked!