Resting

Today I am lazing around while the others ladies headed for the beach. I am enjoying the pool and the fabulous flowers with Matt's favourite gliding, stripey butterflies everywhere. They were dancing in pairs over the pool but too quick for me to photograph.

Curious

My Turkish neighbours are very curious about my friends. They can't understand how I have so many international friends. So we have been spending time explaining it to them.

Many years ago I took part in a Comenius project through the British Council. Five European schools took part - England, Finland, Italy, Germany and Lithuania. The project lasted 4 years and since then many of us have remained good friends and luckily our husbands have also become friends. Some of us have got to know each others children and some of the children have become friendly. So now some of us meet up for social events such as birthdays and holidays. The International Ladies Week is a bit of a joke but it has become a tradition and we have a lot of fun together. There were some men on this project and of course they would be welcome to join our week, maybe they could dress in women's clothes rofl. However we now seem to have an annual ski week in February and they are very welcome to join in with that.
We sometimes see our Finnish friends although travel for them is difficult. Sadly we don't see the Lithuanian friends as international travel is very costly for them. Dahlia if you see this - we miss you! For the Germans, Italians and English travel is so easy and with Easyjet and Ryanair it is fairly cheap for us to travel around for regular meet ups.

So in order to join our ladies group, there are conditions that must be met.
For this particular week you must be female.
You must be a teacher in a European school.
You must enjoy travelling.
You must be adventurous.
You must enjoy discussing international affairs.
You must be a little crazy.

This opportunity to make so many fabulous friends was special and I have to thank the British Council for supporting and funding the project in our schools. It was so interesting to visit their schools and exchange ideas. Also a huge thanks to Mike who was my Head Teacher. He started the project and allowed me to become part of it. Whizzing off for a few days during term time to visit Milan, Stuttgart, Finland and Kaunus was brilliant. We enjoyed the professional stuff but also the socialising and the gossip and scandals!
Now I am semi retired I don't have the opportunity to take part in such a project again but I can still enjoy the gatherings with these old friends.

The International Ladies Week in Datca

It's that time again and this year the delegates arrived from England, Germany and Italy. We have settled in well and have stocked the fridge with many delicacies. Tonight my lovely German friend is at work in the kitchen and the smell wafting up to me is delicious. Later we will be partaking of the local drinks by the harbour.
Today we lazed around on the beach at Kargi Koyu discussing world affairs and reviewing our books. They both want to read mine!  Lunch was delicious at Nirva beach club. We have already fixed the next meeting with husbands in Austria next February this is also an annual event called the International Couples Skiing Week. Anyone wishing to participate should make it known soon.
PS most of the cats have called by to see me.

My kind of friends - at work in the kitchen!

Bird watching is one of our activities.

Lunch at Nirva Beach Club

Exercise is very important during our meetings.

We also love great views but such a shame that Turkish people drop so much litter.