Chasing the Sunshine: An extended trip

Surf Camp - Matt's favourite place here!

Last year as we sat by the harbour watching the world go by, Matt uttered "What would be the optimum amount of time to spend here?" I almost choked on my iced soda water as until then he would only come for two weeks at a time. Last year he agreed to a three week week stay which was very nice. The most I have stayed has been four weeks and that is usually enough. However we discussed it and came to the conclusion that if we were both here, six or eight weeks might be nice. So as soon as I could (before he changed his mind and as soon as they were released) I booked the cheapo Easyjet flights. Matt asked for some unpaid leave as he didn't want to use all of his annual leave in one go and the request was granted. We decided on 43 days as our annual travel insurance only covers us for 45 days at a time and we will be returning for a couple of weeks in September.
So, here we are for our extended trip. It is a really great feeling to know we have so much time here. There is no rush to do anything.

We picked up a very nice, brand new rented white Corsa at Dalaman and arrived here a week ago. In preparation for this stay we brought out a bike and a third windsurfer at Easter and for much of the last week Matt has been zooming around on the water. The wind dropped for a couple of days while we had our bonkers but lovely visitors Rob and Melanie, so that was great as then Matt was happy enough to accompany us out and about.
Then we took them for a night in Marmaris, staying at the Orsmaris Boutique Hotel. I just picked it from the hotels.com site and it was fab. On the outskirts of the town, right on the beach with good rooms, pools and gardens. We tootled over the mountain to Turunc (OMG that is another tale) to see my friend Joan and dined in her favourite restaurant. Then today we put Melanie and Rob on the bus to Kalkan and it was sad to wave them farewell. They were the perfect guests, easy going, happy to muck in, turning up loaded with goodies such as gin, Brittany butter, Jelly Babies and pork pies. So the following photos are snippets from our first week here. We now have about a week alone before Hil arrives for more adventures.