Genes Holiday
19 Apr 2008 07:59
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
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
What a report!
19 Apr 2008 08:10
Welcome back Gene and Ann. Thanks for the info and update, glad the weather turned for you. There is still lots going on in the resort but will probably have changed again when you go back. You can start your coundown again already 
19 Apr 2008 08:18
Hi Gene
Great report as always
It was funny to see you all sitting around the log fire with coats on 
its not something we are used to seeing.
weather will be more what your used to in 5 weeks time.
Lynn
Great report as always
It was funny to see you all sitting around the log fire with coats on its not something we are used to seeing.
weather will be more what your used to in 5 weeks time.
Lynn
19 Apr 2008 08:27
Welcome back gene and ann great review keep them coming
19 Apr 2008 08:38
Thanks Gene for all the info, sounds like you had a great time as always.
19 Apr 2008 09:04
Welcome home. Nice report Gene, thank you.
Might see you around when you next go as we go out on May 30th for 2 weeks.
Mary
Might see you around when you next go as we go out on May 30th for 2 weeks.
Mary
19 Apr 2008 09:16
Gene just to say thankyou for the meet it was short and sweet BUT memourable 
Glad the weather picked up for you
Glad the weather picked up for you
19 Apr 2008 11:02
ahhh Gene Bean thats more like it would you go again out of season? I would love to see the place "being born" ready for the busy summer months
would you go again out of season? I would love to see the place "being born" ready for the busy summer months
19 Apr 2008 11:21
Great review you seem to have really had a good time even though the season hasn't started yet.Lucky you only another 5 weeks till the next trip.
Lynda
Lynda
19 Apr 2008 11:28
Thanks gene glad you and ann had a good time,
soon time to start packing again gene
sam
glad you and ann had a good time,
soon time to start packing again gene
sam
19 Apr 2008 11:33
I do think that there is a case for opening the season two or three weeks earlier,because the weather we had was fantstic from the 7th April.
But to do this would mean that all building work would have to be finished for the begining of April because it is a put off with the sound of banging,drills and grinders also the amount of debris and litter around the resort.
The beach also needs to be prepared
But a good sweep up and the planting of a few flowers would soon create an oasis of beauty from a desert of dereliction.
I would go again at this time as the attention you receive is even better than in high season but only if works had finished.
Gene
But to do this would mean that all building work would have to be finished for the begining of April because it is a put off with the sound of banging,drills and grinders also the amount of debris and litter around the resort.
The beach also needs to be prepared
But a good sweep up and the planting of a few flowers would soon create an oasis of beauty from a desert of dereliction.
I would go again at this time as the attention you receive is even better than in high season but only if works had finished.
Gene
19 Apr 2008 14:37
Welcome back Gene, everyone's been looking forward to your report!
Good to know our second home is starting to wake up from it's winter sleep.... you've certainly made me hope the next 4 weeks fly by, can't wait to get back home!!
Mazz
Good to know our second home is starting to wake up from it's winter sleep.... you've certainly made me hope the next 4 weeks fly by, can't wait to get back home!!
Mazz
19 Apr 2008 14:54
great review gene. did you go to buffalo bar and is sugar still running it and is it still cheap effes cheers
19 Apr 2008 15:38
kirky,
Sugar is trying to sell the Buffalo Bar but if there are no takers he says he will again open for the season and yes his beer will be the cheapest in Icmeler.
Gene
Sugar is trying to sell the Buffalo Bar but if there are no takers he says he will again open for the season and yes his beer will be the cheapest in Icmeler.
Gene
19 Apr 2008 15:50
Great as always Geney boy xx
19 Apr 2008 16:04
Great report once again gene, and makes me look even more forward to 3 weeks today when I'll be heading to the airport to make the trip back home for 2 great weeks.
Andrea
Andrea
19 Apr 2008 16:10
Aww thanks Gene
Great review, glad you had a good time and even more happier you are going again in 5 weeks you lucky devil!!
Alison
Great review, glad you had a good time and even more happier you are going again in 5 weeks you lucky devil!!
Alison
Genes Holiday
19 Apr 2008 16:18
Good to have you back Gene (and Ann) and glad to hear you had a good holiday.
Do you bother to unpack??? LOL
Looking forward to your pics as usual.
Do you bother to unpack??? LOL
Looking forward to your pics as usual.
19 Apr 2008 16:33
welcome back gene, is there any truth in the rumours your being fitted with a 'Genecam' for your next holiday so we can follow you everywhere?
19 Apr 2008 17:05
No need to have a Genecam Eric when I have Becs spies following my every move.
Gene
Gene