At least it's an uninterrupted night's sleep, which is just as well as it'll be a long time till the next one, thanks to the night flight.
After breakfast we headed out to buy some more last-minute purchases. A couple of days ago we discovered a little shady spot, outside the town hall, next to the local taxi rank so all the taxi drivers hang out there too, staying out of the direct sunlight. We stopped here to drink our water and enjoy the shade. We also spotted the arrival of a wedding party going into the town hall. Lunch at another one of the marina restaurants, where they all compete for business. Things were a bit different today as we took a mid-afternoon break back at the hotel and I snatch some more sleep before doing last-minute packing.
In the early evening we went out for dinner then had our last Turkish coffee of the holiday :( before venturing down Bar Street for one last time, dodging the hard sell. Darkness has fallen by this time so we take in my final view of the coastline and I even dip my toes in the Aegean. It's a distinctive night-time sight, with the castle, the coastline and the catamaran (nightclub) all lit up.
There's also time for one last walk - or should that be running the gauntlet - past the various beachfront restaurants. We then headed back to the hotel and awaited our airport transfer. That, my friends, is another story, which I won't bore you with.... Suffice to say that there was a major c**k-up which almost resulted in us missing our flight home. Happily though, we made it, with literally minutes to spare.
Having been to Turkey for two consecutive summer holidays, you'll have guessed that we're rather keen on the place. And why not? It's got something for everyone: traditional package-holiday appeal for the sun-worshippers; history and culture for those wanting something more from a summer holiday; great food, lively nightlife for people of all ages, where you are always welcomed and included. The hard-sell may always take a bit of getting used to, but the people are always friendly and take a genuine interest in everyone who passes along their way. The best thing about Turkey is that you never forget where you are. Whether it's the sound of the call to prayer, or the ubiquitous Turkish flag flying everywhere, or the Turkish music blasting from a little bar down a side street. You are in Turkey, a different country, a unique culture, and it's just fantastic to be there.
And Bodrum? Go there, you won't regret it. But don't spend your week by the hotel pool! Get out there and discover the place - it's a real town, not a custom-built resort. It's cosmopolitan, lively, and fun. What more could you want?
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