Hi All, Just Back - feedback

[sophie]

Hi All
We got back 3 1/2 hours ago and to be honest with you all I feel very disappointed this time with Icmeler. This is the forth time we have been and oh my god I have never had so much hassel and pestering from the bars. OK other years we have had a little but this time it was really a pain in the neck. So much so that we really feel we don't want to go again for a few years at least till they get their act together. I do understand that they are all fighting for business but jesus christ you know, we couldn't even look at anyones menu's and it got to the stage where we were just saying no thankyou all the time you were walking. If they could not get you to eat they would then pester you to stop for a drink. Don't they really understand that if they did not hassel so much people would want to look at their menu's and maybe want to go in a eat and drink. Well i really do think its such a shame that such a smashing place has gone down so much. We also had many many conversations with others there that felt the very same. So please come on Icemeler on line can you please try and tell who ever in Icemeler the feelings of not only us but others. Sorry but its really done me for the next few years at least. I am sorry if this is so negative.

[redrhino12]

I can understand your feelings with reguards the "Hassle.
I also think that sometimes it becomes monotonouse, and there is no rest from the constant harrasment from the restraunters.

A laugh and a joke is ok ,also where do you live, are you eating with us tonight.

After a while the banter turns into a constant drone and we has holidaymakers find it very off putting.

After several years of visiting Turkey why are they not willing to learn lessons, and adapt to more of a european approach and accept that we like to eat at different places every night, and if we like a place we will make a return visit.
Hoping that someone in the Turkish Tourist Industry picks up on the concerns of its guests.

Gene

[Happy Ann]

I understand what you two and others say... but isnt the reason we go to other countries is to see their culture, how they live, and if that includes the trying to get you to use their restaurants/bars as part of the way they live? Then accept it. If you really want British or European approach then how about that is where you go on holiday. Sorry if you dont like my reply but that is how I feel. Most people expect the countries we visit to speak English, yet how many of us bother to learn the tongue of the country we are visiting, and how many of us encounter holiday makers over here in England who dont know English? Not many... and living in a holiday town we have plenty of visitors from over seas. So please accept this is their way, they have to make a living and doing it the way they know how to.

[redrhino12]

Hi Ann, There is no one who loves Turkey as much as myself, But Hassle is not a Turkish Custom such as bartering,its a thing just for the tourist resorts.
I thought I was being a little harsh when I wrote my piece,then got to thinking "Why are tourist numbers Down?"
If this complaint some people have with the approach of the front men, that obviously upsets some people to the point of saying they will never return,its just good bussiness sense to alter your act.

There is a law in the tourist resorts stating that a person must not stand on the pavement and Hassle customers,when it came in things did quieten down a tad,but because numbers of visitors are down it looks like its becoming a free for all again.

But Turkish Culture it is not.

Gene

[Happy Ann]

I live in a holiday town, luckily, and in this town in the season you can not get along the road for signs and baskets of beach balls, rain wear. etc and tables outside cafe`s, I accept that that is part of living or indeed visiting a resort or indeed any tourist area in this country. But when I visit other parts of the country that are not tourist spots I dont find this, and is this not the same in Turkey or indeed any other country. Of course they target tourists, not part of the general culture of the country but is something that happens in tourist areas. No different than over here, same principle. But not general culture. The fact we dont go out and "hassle" perspective customers verbally dosent mean we dont do the same in other ways. Again like I said.... it is the way of the country and we should not want to make everywhere we go "like home" or what would be the point in going away,.... oh except for the sunshine!! I think there is more to holidays than the sun, but perhaps that is becuase I am fortunate enough to live 5 minutes away from the beach..... And I love having the tourists here. just as much as I love it when they all go home and we have our town back for the winter.

[oggie1]

Hi All Im sorry to say we found the hassle very bad this year.We have been going to Icmeler for the last 9 years sometimes twice a year (We are retired so have loads of time) The problem is there are to many eating places for the amount of people in the resort.I have no doubt that some of them will go to the wall this year.I donnt like having to cross over the road all the time to avoid hassle from certain bars but we had to this time, not all the bars but certain ones.Still love Icmeler and this is the only downside as the airport seems to be getting better. Also think the problem may get worse as the season comes to a end.

[juneflo]

Having read the posts on this subject I do strongly support Happy Ann on this one. We could debate until we're blue in the face about culture vs tourism but we do travel to learn about other places, people and cultures. It's what's behind it all that we need to understand. The hassle as it's been called is part of Turkish culture because of tourism - culture changes as the political, economic and social life changes. Wearing a top with a hood on is a big political debate in the UK now - why? because it's become part of a youth culture and attributed to violence - doesn't mean to say everyone wearing a hood is violent though does it?

Culture is the living breathing development of the world - unfortunately, where some of us experience tourism as an escape from our humdrum lives - some experience it as a job and a living. If we're lucky enough to be able to afford holidays then yes we should expect to have a "hassle-free" time - and if people choose not to go to places (and Turkey isn't the only one) where this occurs then who are we to tell them how to spend their holiday. On the other hand, if we could just stand back a little and imagine what it's like not to have what some of us take for granted - job opportunities, free health care, benefits then maybe we'd see the hassle as more than having to cross the road.

I do have a pocket of Turkish phrases - a few Kurdish too - and sometimes no thank you in Turkish works better than in english. My view on this is if people feel hassled - say so, if we just walk off or spend the holiday avoiding places we'd like to try how will things change? In most cases, it's not the people working behind it - it's the fact that they're on commission so it's the employers - and do you know how many foreign people own businesses in Icmeler? I don't but I do know it's growing!

I've really enjoyed reading this debate unfold and I hope that people aren't put off Turkey or Icmeler. I also hope I haven't offended anyone with my views - just another experience and I hope it's made some people a little more informed wherever they go on holiday.

[Colette]

I think it's wise to say as well that different people see different things in different ways. Thats what makes this a good forum.

The way Sophie described her feelings are the exact same way I felt about Marmaris the first year and second year I went, I indeed did the same took a break and went elsewhere.

As much as I love Icmeler, I never set it in stone to return next year till I am sure I want to go back.

Sophie you are thinging well there by taking a break for a year or two, as this means you haven't written it off altogether. All credit to you there.

[sophie]

Hi all, thanks for joining in and putting your views forward, it was very interesting reading them. But I do feel I need to reply. Firstly thanks Gene I know you understood what I was trying to say. I do love Icmeler thats why we have been back four times, but like you said we do like to eat in a few different places its nice to sample all and maybe go back again but the constant harrasment from most made it really hard. Sorry but we went in places where they did not harrass. Know surely that should say something. As for Ann, sorry Ann but what planet are you on, culture, I don't think so, I love the Turkish culture and people but the rubbish you wrote was something else. This hassell has nothing to do with culture its just constant harrassment and when you work full time and save hard for a holiday you don't want to be harrassed or hasselled constantly during your hard earned holiday. Hi oggie thanks again for your agreement. We still love the place but not the restaurant workers, they are killing it. I am sorry folks but I am obviously not the only one cause as I said we talked to people there and they said exactly the same. Juneflo yes we could debate about this till the cows come home and I am sure alot of others will go on and on about the same subject, but the truth of it is, they are driving people away and its such a shame. This is the first time in July normally go in June and the shock that it was so quiet even compaired to June well says it all. Again sorry but this has nothing to do with culture, tourism yes, they need us to suvive but if they carry on like this they will drive people away, like me who is going to give it a break for a while. Don't get me wrong Juneflo I will go back because i love the place.
Collete thanks for your reply, very well written, I will go back in a few years its just a crying shame I have to do this and it is because of the harrassment I am. Thanks again to you all.

Amanda XXXX

[Happy Ann]

the planet I am on is one that tries to see things from the point of view of the people that live int he places that I choose to visit, and who am I or anyone else to criticise the way in which they have to make a living. !!
Shame others dont take the same view... if its "home" you want... then stay there...

[VICTORIA]

hi i have been back for 4 weeks now and when i was in icmeler the hassle from the restaurants was really bad. even my aunt who has a house said she has never seen it this bad before. you do need to cross the road to avoid certain bars and restaurants because you get the same talk all time. just have a drink, first one free, then its what do you want to eat. i know these guys are working for peanuts and they want our money. they live off the tips we give them. i know that they are not getting paid because the bosses are not making enough money. they just want us in and hope we stay there for the night. its sad but these poor guys are being used. its been a bad year what with bird flu and the football. icmeler has gone very quiet. they dont want to live like this. i understand we dont all want to go to the same restaurant everynight, just explain it to them they will understand. they only come to icmeler to work and try and make some money. thats why they will try and get you into the restaurant. well im going back in 4 weeks so hopefully it will be busier and i wont get hassled

[Colette]

Thanks Victoria good input there

To all members, this is the ONLY time I will say this. If this does not stay a friendly debate I will LOCK it immediately and the argument will be over.

We are all grown ups lets stay friendly, we all have different views and different opinions on here lets remember that please.

This is not aimed at any one in particular either.

[Lynn m]

Hi Folks

Sophie
I totally understand where you are coming from regarding the hassle this year in Icmeler. I have been going there for 10 year now and found this year to be the worst.

Happy Anne I think you missed the point Sophie was making.

Icmeler is a “holiday resort” where a lot of people on this forum go back to year after year because it was a friendly place and relatively hassle free, we always got the happy banter but if we wanted constant harassment we could go to Marmaris, If you really want to see Turkish Culture you don’t go to a holiday resort.

Lynn

[juneflo]

I think it's great to have a forum like this where the debate can take place. Sophie was right to raise the issue and I'm glad to see the range of views. At the end of the day we will always have our own experiences and views. I do love Turkey and indeed Icmeler but haven't been there as many times as other people on the forum - though I've been to other parts of Turkey. If anyone feels hassled - they have a right to say so - and in fairness I don't have 4or 5 years comparison of Icmeler (my comments were more about Turkey's tourist areas - I've more idea about Fethiye! I'm also one of those boring academics and teach politics, economics and sociology - hey don't fall asleep on me now - hope that's given an insight into my comments on the forum. I hope that further comments continue in the manner collette expects - it's an interesting subject. Thanks for reading mine!

[sophie]

OK Collette I get your drift. Thank you Victoria and Lynn m for your comments, yet another two that maybe think the same, that its such a lovely place its a shame. I will say no more on the matter. I shall keep reading, there are some interesting questions and answers on this site and the photo's are great.

[Fendi Bag Lady]

I cant believe this discussion board! No one can have an opinion! I don't think i'll visit it again. I love Icmeler so much and its putting me off! U (oh sorry you) cant even f**t! Whether its an age thing I dont know.....

[JT]

Keep it nice people.

I am enjoying this discussion so lets not go so far that Colette will lock it

[Dancing Lucy]

I have been to Icmeler 10 times now and also found the hassle to be much worse this year, I took to escaping through the back door of our hotel and cutting through the pool area of the next door hotel to avoid certain bars. We ate in different places each night but you cant eat in them all, some of them got quite rude when you said no thank you and said something in turkish which I presume was an insult . I came back with quite a bit of money as I didnt buy any clothes or bags etc because when I stopped to just have a look I was pounced on staight away to go in shop and I just walked away. I had 3 daughters and 3 grandchildren at home who I would have been buying for but the pressure to buy things I didnt want was too much I came home with nothing. Lets hope things pick up for this great resort and the pressure is lessened on the staff to get you in.

[Colette]

Good comments there neenie

I thought last year Icmeler got a new mayor and he put a stop to things like the canal lights, the hassling etc

Where did he go??

[alan t]

hi everyone i have been going to icemeler for 12 years now i have read all the comments on this forum some i agree with some i dont but this would not put me off giong as everybody could find it different .as collette says last new the hassle was stopped by the mayor the resturants were closed for three days if days if caught hassling they should bring it back if it is bad as they say it is i go in six weeks time i will see for myself i cant wait to get back to my second home