We entered the resort of our Icmeler about 6-30 in the Evening after coming through some major roadworks on the main road into town but on our return these works were nearly completed.
We arrived at the apartment,Ann unpacks while I nip over the road to the little supermaket at the side of Chill bar and puchase milk bread and change some money,250YTL to the £.
Both Ann and I didnt expect a lot because we were out of season but did get quite a shock when confronted by all this building work and mountains of rubble outside nearly every bar,the scene representing more like something from a war zone.
On our first night it was raining heavily,but we ventured out.
Well among all the darkness and dereliction, like a flower blooming in the desert,we could see the bright lights of the "Friends Bar"
We sat near this huge log fire,had a few beers,were entertained by the music, waiters dancing, juggling and a great breakdance group.
The hospitality was second to none.
Has we sat here drinking and laughing it seemed that we had never been away.
That time had stood still.
There had been no winter.
"We were Home"
The first 3 days were heavy rain and very cold at night,but because of
Anns forthought in bringing an hot water bottle we managed with the aid of the heating system and a few blankets to keep warm at night and slept like "bugs in a rug".
The Kagools were also a godsend as we flitted from bar to bar in the driving rain keeping us dry.
The next 11 days though were superb with very high temperatures as the days got hotter as the time passed by.
Lots of changes as you all know but still a lot of work to be done to the bars and the new promenade.
As the days went by more bars openend Icmeler was begining to blossom again.
We met lots of old friends who are all looking foreword to the new season with an heightened expectancy that this year is going to be something special.
One old friend Salhi who a lot of members know from his Iguana days is working as the frontman of the Mirage Bar.
We also met Chelsea Boy outside the Dream as we partook of our lunchtime Efes.
Had a superb breakfast at ZaZas I was the first they practised on.
Andre thrashed ZaZa on the Nintendo WII golf game but lost against him at boxing, I think the extra weight was an advantage.
Most bars and restaurents still arent doing main meals due to the chefs not yet being in the resort but will do snack meals exceptions being,
Masala
LoveBoat
Friends
3(4)Bells
Las Vegas
Florida
So you see plenty of restaurents to choose from.
Sunday lunch at the Florida including chocolate pancake 20YTL. £8
I never managed a pint of my beloved draught Efes as no bars sold it due to its poor shelf life (a couple of days) there being not enough customers.
So I had to drink Tuborg draugh beer and have been opologising to my taste buds ever since.
Prices in resort.
Tuborg 3.50 YTL
Efes Lge Bottle 3.50 YTL
Coke in bars(Small) 3YTL Coke in Tansas 1ltr 1.9YTL
Milk ltr 2.5 in local shop 1.89 in Tansas
Water 5ltrs 2.5 YTL
Coffee 2.50-3.00
Chicken Dishes 16 YTL
Steak Dishes 20 YTL
Hamburger + Chips 6YTL
Sliced Toastin Bread 2.5YTL
Large Cobs 0.5YTL
These prices are all similair to last year so no rises at the moment and the Lira to the pound is stronger than it was.
This year was a one off due to major works on the Harrys site and also the improvements? to the promenade,so next year wont be as bad or then again will it?
We had a fantastic holiday with beautifull weather.
Must mention our meeting with Womble and Bibby, nice to meet you both
just wish we could have shared your company just a little longer but you had to catch the taxi to the airport,but there will always be a nextime.
We met Sharon and Craig who must have some heat on in that office.
It was red hot outside and these two were sat in thermals,the office was freezing and both were having trouble typing in gloves.
We got our tickets for the next holiday they arrived yesterday,but still have 5 weeks to wait.
Now were did I put those pictures?
Gene