My Holiday Review
16 Oct 2007 19:38
We flew out of Manchester for our 16th visit to Icmeler on the 30th September. The flight was with Onur - good flight except that it was very hot and a lady in front of us actually passed out. We were delayed about 45 mins, which wasn't too bad. Got a taxi from Dalaman airport - cost us £55 but couldn't be bothered to haggle in the heat. Will book ICR next time, that's for sure.
In our party were - 3 from Lancs, 7 from Yorks and 1 from Turkey. Us 3 from Lancs stayed at the Hotel Bellamare. I don't think I'm supposed to mention non ICR hotels, but believe me, I would not recommend this hotel to anyone. It's more of a warning - avoid like the plague. We just used it for sleeping and showering etc. It's owned by the most grumpy old man, and his equally grumpy daughter, that I've ever met. Got a right telling off one morning for using the wrongly sized teaspoon to get the coffee out of the jar with - was funny though, all I could do was laugh.
The first week was spent just chilling out around the pool of the Bellevue Hotel where our friends were staying. I say "chilling" loosly, as we never stopped laughing all week. In the evenings we ate at The Chef (twice), Dream 3 Bells, (met Gene and his lovely family there - thanks for the rose xxx) the other 3 bells, Majestic (on canal), a Turkish night at the Bellevue, where I met JuJu (from this forum), who's really lovely and was having a great time. Also went to the Stella Show - wonderful as always. I had the Ottoman Special there and it was excellent.
2nd week we were joined by Mark's (my partners) brother and his family and 4 more friends from Lancs. They had come out to help celebrate Mark's 40th birthday which we held in the Dream 3 Bells. Eesan (Tommy) really pushed the boat out for us and made it an occasion Mark will never forget. It ended with him being thrown, fully clothed, into the pool, covered in Champagne, eggs and cake. Was a right good laugh
We decided to spend the days of the 2nd week at the beach. At first we went on the main stretch, but got constantly hassled by the fruit seller, newspaper seller, massage man, ringo/banana boat/parasailling men and the beach boy whom we christened "bling bling". So we ended up moving to Deniz Kapisi's which has free sunbeds and no hassle - what a beautiful view, think the new Marina is going to be fab.
Had meals in the Love Boat, 3 bells (again for Sunday Lunch) and also another night at the Stella Show. Stella got Mark up on stage for us all to sing happy birthday to him. We also sat Mark's brother next to the stage (accidently on purpose), and guess what? he didn't clap whilst she was singing "sometimes when we touch". As you can imagine he kopped for it big style for the rest of the show - hilarious.
Found a great place for lunchtime Kebabs, called "Tasty Spot" - nicest Lamb kebabs we've ever had. It's just past wonderboys.
Had a day out on the Jeep Safari which was fantastic. We were in a convoy of 4 jeeps - 3 English (mainly Northerners - Lancs, Yorks, Scousers & Geordies) and 1 jeep of Dutch/Germans, who didn't want to get wet. As you can imagine, we rose to the occasion like true Brits and drenched them at every opportunity - don't think they were happy bunnies What a great day out - highly recommend it.
To summarise, we all had a fantastic 2 weeks in "God's Country" (as I always call it) and can't wait to return next year. The 5 people in our group who had never been to Icmeler before are well and truly converted and all said it was the best place they'd ever been to. Most of us voted "The Love Boat" as the meal of the holiday. We all got nicely tanned, well sozzled, well fed, had a great laugh and met some wonderful peole - what more can you ask for ?
One thing I must mention is the mini bus (not ICR) transfers - why do they always drive like bats out of hell, overtake on blind bends and generally scare the life out of you?. It really is like a white-knuckle ride all the way back to Dalaman - as if we are not upset enough at leaving our beloved Icmeler behind.
Roll on next year, and to anyone still going this year - ENJOY
In our party were - 3 from Lancs, 7 from Yorks and 1 from Turkey. Us 3 from Lancs stayed at the Hotel Bellamare. I don't think I'm supposed to mention non ICR hotels, but believe me, I would not recommend this hotel to anyone. It's more of a warning - avoid like the plague. We just used it for sleeping and showering etc. It's owned by the most grumpy old man, and his equally grumpy daughter, that I've ever met. Got a right telling off one morning for using the wrongly sized teaspoon to get the coffee out of the jar with - was funny though, all I could do was laugh.
The first week was spent just chilling out around the pool of the Bellevue Hotel where our friends were staying. I say "chilling" loosly, as we never stopped laughing all week. In the evenings we ate at The Chef (twice), Dream 3 Bells, (met Gene and his lovely family there - thanks for the rose xxx) the other 3 bells, Majestic (on canal), a Turkish night at the Bellevue, where I met JuJu (from this forum), who's really lovely and was having a great time. Also went to the Stella Show - wonderful as always. I had the Ottoman Special there and it was excellent.
2nd week we were joined by Mark's (my partners) brother and his family and 4 more friends from Lancs. They had come out to help celebrate Mark's 40th birthday which we held in the Dream 3 Bells. Eesan (Tommy) really pushed the boat out for us and made it an occasion Mark will never forget. It ended with him being thrown, fully clothed, into the pool, covered in Champagne, eggs and cake. Was a right good laugh
We decided to spend the days of the 2nd week at the beach. At first we went on the main stretch, but got constantly hassled by the fruit seller, newspaper seller, massage man, ringo/banana boat/parasailling men and the beach boy whom we christened "bling bling". So we ended up moving to Deniz Kapisi's which has free sunbeds and no hassle - what a beautiful view, think the new Marina is going to be fab.
Had meals in the Love Boat, 3 bells (again for Sunday Lunch) and also another night at the Stella Show. Stella got Mark up on stage for us all to sing happy birthday to him. We also sat Mark's brother next to the stage (accidently on purpose), and guess what? he didn't clap whilst she was singing "sometimes when we touch". As you can imagine he kopped for it big style for the rest of the show - hilarious.
Found a great place for lunchtime Kebabs, called "Tasty Spot" - nicest Lamb kebabs we've ever had. It's just past wonderboys.
Had a day out on the Jeep Safari which was fantastic. We were in a convoy of 4 jeeps - 3 English (mainly Northerners - Lancs, Yorks, Scousers & Geordies) and 1 jeep of Dutch/Germans, who didn't want to get wet. As you can imagine, we rose to the occasion like true Brits and drenched them at every opportunity - don't think they were happy bunnies
What a great day out - highly recommend it.
To summarise, we all had a fantastic 2 weeks in "God's Country" (as I always call it) and can't wait to return next year. The 5 people in our group who had never been to Icmeler before are well and truly converted and all said it was the best place they'd ever been to. Most of us voted "The Love Boat" as the meal of the holiday. We all got nicely tanned, well sozzled, well fed, had a great laugh and met some wonderful peole - what more can you ask for ?
One thing I must mention is the mini bus (not ICR) transfers - why do they always drive like bats out of hell, overtake on blind bends and generally scare the life out of you?. It really is like a white-knuckle ride all the way back to Dalaman - as if we are not upset enough at leaving our beloved Icmeler behind.
Roll on next year, and to anyone still going this year - ENJOY
16 Oct 2007 19:54
Sounds like a fantastic time was had by all, lovely review!
My Holiday Review
16 Oct 2007 20:52
What a great review - sounds like you had a wonderful holiday.
It seems aweful to wish you life away, but I really can't wait for next year's holiday. Only downside is I will be a year older!
It seems aweful to wish you life away, but I really can't wait for next year's holiday. Only downside is I will be a year older!
16 Oct 2007 21:13
Interesting review Karen and I am pleased you all had a wonderfull time.
We also found the Stella Show hilariouse and well worth a visit.
Hope to meet you all again next year in the meantime we will all have to live off our piccies and memories.
Gene
We also found the Stella Show hilariouse and well worth a visit.
Hope to meet you all again next year in the meantime we will all have to live off our piccies and memories.
Gene
17 Oct 2007 09:12
nice review sounds like you had a fab time
17 Oct 2007 10:03
Smashing review Kaz!Glad everything went well for the birthday party as well!We had a great time,too short tho.I thought you were lovely as well!!!!Certainly seemed like your mates were having a great time.Maybe we'll see you again next year. 
17 Oct 2007 10:39
Great Review-sounds like you all had a ball, and where better to celebrate a birthday.
Haha why is it when doing the jeep safari-you always get one jeep that doesnt want to get wet and doesnt get involved.Surely they must know what its all about before signing up. But to me-they are just easy targets haha!!
Haha why is it when doing the jeep safari-you always get one jeep that doesnt want to get wet and doesnt get involved.Surely they must know what its all about before signing up. But to me-they are just easy targets haha!!