Icmeler Online Holiday Forum & Reviews - Turkey

Here we go for 2013!
Started the holidays with lunch and a few cheeky beers (OK 5) at the local Wetherspoons emporium. Then off to the airport for a 6:15 flight.
Loaded and in the air on time but must say, after the Jet2 comfort last year, I had forgotten how little room there is with the old style Thomas Cook seats.
For anyone interested 2x1ltr spirits on the plane for £20 compared to £22 at Newcastle. Sorry didn't take notice of cigarette price.
Landed on time and visa, passport control, baggage were a breeze as normal. There were 2 people at the exit but were looking very bored and not bothering anyone. Then it was midnight!
Only problem was that the transfer driver had no idea where anywhere was in Icmeler and I had to direct him to our hotel. Felt sorry for those left on the bus who were on their first visit to Icmeler!
So had a couple of hours sleep then off for a wander.
I do agree that there seems to be a bit more rubbish around, though you have to be looking for it!
Bad news on the exchange rate is 2.704 in change shop, though I got 2.72 in the supermarket between Migros and The 3 (4) Bells, where I am now.
That's it for today, more tomorrow!

Sorry, just remembered, the new statues in the square have been painted a lovely, shiny, bronze colour! (see pics)

Tim

Today's pics http://www.icmeleronline.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=17187

Cheers for the update Tim, thanks for taking the time to do this. I am due to fly out tomorrow. Did you do the shuttle trasfer with ICR. I am booked to do this transfer with ICR

Monday 13th May
Let's just say that the weather today is not ideal. Woke this morning to dark skies, some very impressive thunder & lightening, the whole works.
Last night was spent at the Dream 3 Bells and as usual, the food and the welcome was brilliant. Walking around, everywhere is fairly quiet at the moment, though I'm sure (and hope) that is temporary.
Can't see us going very far tonight due to the weather so I'm making the most of it now in my usual afternoon spot in the 3 (4) Bells. Can't be going anywhere at the moment in the rain anyway.

Not many pics today as I don't want to focus on the rain too much.

http://www.icmeleronline.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=17187#p157459

Tim

Tuesday 14th May
Dinner at the 3 (4) Bells last night and the epic Bi Bim Bap (see pics) I really must try to make this at home! Oh and Mrs Toon had a very nice casserole too.
The weather is much better today, though there are a few scary clouds around.
Went to get Mrs Toon a belt this morning to stop her trousers falling down and, as you know, it's always a better deal if you buy 2. So got a nice one for myself as well. I used the shop in the new canal stalls as he is a good laugh and enjoys a good barter.
Finally managed to find the takeaway chicken shop (only took 12 years) so I think we will eat in tomorrow to save some pennies.
Mrs Toon has already decided we are eating at Buffalo tonight so it looks like I'm having a big plate of meat!
The exchange rate seems to be creeping up.

Pics

http://www.icmeleronline.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=17187&p=157480#p157480

Hi Tim

Thanks for the up dates. We fly out this Friday so looking forward to being there. Can you please tell me where the chicken shop is (we are staying at the Sahin Palace Apartments) as the odd night we like to eat in. Thanks in advance.

Erika

switchbird wrote:Hi Tim

Thanks for the up dates. We fly out this Friday so looking forward to being there. Can you please tell me where the chicken shop is (we are staying at the Sahin Palace Apartments) as the odd night we like to eat in. Thanks in advance.

Erika

It's very close. Near the school, opposite Sylvia's.

Tim

smc4761 wrote:Cheers for the update Tim, thanks for taking the time to do this. I am due to fly out tomorrow. Did you do the shuttle trasfer with ICR. I am booked to do this transfer with ICR

No it was TC I'm sure your ICR transfer will be perfect!

Tim

Hi Tim
Thanks for that. Enjoy the rest of your holiday and look forward to your blog until we fly out.

Erika

Thanks for the update today. It was nice for you to get a belt as well as as Mrs. Toon - like your style, typical geordie!! Keep the blogs coming, will keep me going until we arrive in June

[quote="toonarmybarmy"]Tuesday 14th May
Dinner at the 3 (4) Bells last night and the epic Bi Bim Bap (see pics) I really must try to make this at home!

Hi Tim, Have you tried the Go Chu Yang Bok I"m At 3/4 Bells also very nice if you like spicy food.

Loving the blog, Tim. I'm struggling with what to write about in my blog this year, so food pics is a good solution!! Especially if its the Bi Bam Bap!! I tried it after reading about it on your blog last year. Fantastic. Hope you and Mrs Toon are having a fine old time of it there. We fly out in July, can't wait. Please keep em coming in the meantime. Cheers,
Paul.

Hi.What exactly is in Bi Bam Bap? Seen it mentioned a lot,may be tempted to try it as we aim to spend some time in Three Bells this year and always like to try something different. Cheers.

sancher wrote:Hi.What exactly is in Bi Bam Bap? Seen it mentioned a lot,may be tempted to try it as we aim to spend some time in Three Bells this year and always like to try something different. Cheers.

Sliced fillet beef cooked with seasoned vegetables, served with rice and fried egg with chilli and soy sauce. Then the egg is cut up and everything mixed together! Heaven!

Here's The Korean part of the menu

http://www.icmeleronline.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=17203

Tim

Wed 15th
Was a bit late getting back from my afternoon excursion yesterday and was met by Mrs Toon's wagging finger. But hey we all like to live dangerously sometimes.
Went to Buffalo for dinner. Mixed kebab for me and casserole for Mrs Toon, 3 beers a big glass of pop and a big mug of tea, £25, can't be bad!
We don't do karaoke so went to Dream 3 Bells for a couple of drinks and to see Ercan who had been to Istanbul for his cousin's wedding. This led to much kissing, hugging etc as expected.
Roasted chicken purchased (10tl) for dinner at Toon's Place with spicy rice tonight.

Oh I almost forgot, finally got the sunglasses out today. Still a few clouds around, but they are behaving and staying at the other side of the mountains. 32° on the temperature gauges and getting breezy at the moment (4pm).

Pics

http://www.icmeleronline.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=17187&p=157540#p157540

Tim

Thanks for reply and link to Korean menu,Tim.Think we're going to be spoilt for choice! Really enjoying blog and fantastic pics.Roll on next week!

Terry and Sandra.

Hi are you over icemeler now what the are the drinks prices ?
Local lager a pint ?
Cocktails?
Vodka

Kendra882 wrote:Hi are you over icemeler now what the are the drinks prices ?
Local lager a pint ?
Cocktails?
Vodka

Depends where you go but:

Beer is 6 - 7tl
Cocktails 15 - 20tl (buy one get one free)
Vodka 12 - 15tl (BOGOF)

However, Sugar (Buffalo Karaoke Bar) does them:

Beer 4tl draught 5tl bottle
Cocktails 10 - 12TL (BOGOF)
Vodka / Gin 10tl (BOBOF)
Brandy / Raki 12tl (BOGOF)

Tim

Thursday 16th

Well apart from setting of the smoke alarm, dinner at Toon's Place was very good and chicken perfect. The vodka was very cheap too

Woke this morning to clear blue skies but it soon became overcast, though still warm.

Had to buy some mosquito repellent for Mrs Toon today (first time ever) and hopefully they will go away as the weather improves.

Had a nice long chat with my "son" (Ercan) in the Dream 3 Bells this afternoon talking about years gone by. The Bells is still good but I do miss Tommy. Hopefully he will get sick of England and come back to Icmeler some day!

Going to do the barbecue night at the apartments tonight so could end up a bit drunk as I don't have to walk far.

Sorry no pics today but I will make an effort tomorrow.

Tim

Going to head for the pool later

Thanks Toon, can't wait for some more pics

Thank you for that I'm staying at club sun village is that far from buffalo bar ? What's the food prices like ?