Live report from Içmeler today

[noodles1609]

Been here a couple of days, not very much open at the mo but much activity taking place. Exchange rate is 2.70. Efes varying between 5tl (tintins) to 7tl (3bells). Food prices same as last year in the main. Not been this early before and hopefully it will be rectified once season gets underway, but have to say our beloved town is looking a bit scruffy, streets not being cleaned yet and the grassed areas looking a little neglected. Hoping its not down to the government change, and is just because they've not started the sprucing.

Weather is pleasantly warm, needing a couple of warm layers in the evening though. Missed a spectacular storm on Monday by all accounts, expecting another one tomorrow. Shoeman is open so have ordered sandals, few bag places open and the underground market is starting to wake up. Beach looks great without this sunbeds!

Seems quiet without crazy gringo around, I think he'll be much missed by his many friends. And let's not even talk about the statues in the square. Suffice to say, make sure you check them out in the day time and before sampling a few efes, cause if you happen across them in the dark, you make think you're in a zombie apocalypse!

[Silverfox BC]

Thanks for the report, we have been in early May on first flight to Turkey from UK but never this early. As you say hopefully the neglect is due to the prestart of the season and all will be back to normal in a couple of weeks. The exchange is looking more hopeful at 2.70.still quoting 2.64 around here.Looking forward to May an hopefully some hnot weather.

[Roy]

We were there this time last year & yes it was a bit unkempt, rubbish on streets, debris on the beach, garden areas in need to attention & so on but they soon got going & transformed everything in time for May. Was interesting to see it that way then the transformation. The other notable difference was how few restaurants & bars were open & those that were had some form of shuttering or covers or you were seated indoors, but heh ho at least we were there.

[noodles1609]

Well after a week I am happy to say that all is starting to look spruced, the gardens are looking good and the amount of work completed is quite astonishing. So, it was just Içmeler still having a bit of a lie in before the bustle of season arrives. The last few days have been lovely after Fridays 10 hours of rain, today is the first day where it's warm in the shade too, temp showing 32 degrees, which bodes well for a scorching hot summer.

More places opening up, more people about. It's home for us today, been a nice week, a little bit different to the norm - no hassle from anywhere has been marvellous! Exchange rate is holding firm at 2.70. Nice to meet you Roy, hope you have a great stay.

One little plea - if you are inclined to feed the cats, most of the town cats are fat and healthy, but the harbour ones are are little skinny, please pop down there with some biscuits, the two tortoiseshells are incredibly friendly (we've called them Popeye and Olive), Olive is a feisty little girl but full of purrs, Popeye is very sweet natured. There is also a white patchy cat that has an injured front paw and is quite timid.

Ah we'll, homeward bound, back in 38 days. I'll put some pics on and review when I get home - got lots of the infamous statues!

[sunseeker2011]

Nice little report there Noodles, glad you enjoyed it and also glad it's starting to look nice again.
Looking forward to the pics.

It's 97 days til we go but am so ready it or it, it will be a very welcome break after the long work hours I've been doing to pay for the holiday