Well, I couldn’t end my Turkey stories without telling you about the shave.
Roy wanted a real Turkish shave and he hadn’t shaved for a few days so that he could properly enjoy one. We asked Captain Mehmet who the best barber was in Kalkan and he told us. So on our last night we went into town. We hadn’t really explored Kalkan because we’d been so busy. That’s not usual for us. We love towns but on this trip there was too much to do.
We found Elit Barber on a busy street with music blasting and lit up like a carnival. Like I told you before, Turkish towns are alive. We asked for the barber and were told he was not in the shop but would come right away. Mind you, it was 10PM but not a problem apparently.
Roy sat in the chair and the barber preceded to give him a shave. It’s hard to describe. It wasn’t only a shave but after he was done he took what looked like a metal Q-tip and wrapped it in some cotton and light it on fire! Then, with the tip on fire he cleaned up stray hairs. Roy didn’t get burned – not even close. And to top things off, the shave was followed by a world class, high intensity neck and back massage. It was the craziest and best shave Roy has ever gotten!
This is my last post on Turkey. There is much more I could talk about but I’ve lots more that hasn’t been said about what’s been happening since Turkey.
Some final thoughts which I haven’t touched on: the hotels-amazing; the Villa Mandarin in Faralya and Villa Mahal in Kalkan – I cannot recommend enough. If these hotels were in St. Tropez they would be over $1,000USD per night.
The people: kind, warm and so nice.
The food: outstanding – fresh vegetables and fruits, meats, beautiful meze plates, fish all done with pride.
The language: I’m good with language and can usually pick it up – but I left Turkey knowing only 2 words: nar means pomegranate and dur means stop! Also, Efes – the great beer of Turkey.
So, here are a few parting shots:
I love your pics. They capture the diversity and history of this bit of Turkey. I loved going to Patara beach – just driving through ancient ruins just lying around everywhere. And I also found the language really hard to pick up. I put that down to it being so different to English – plus a bit too much wine maybe…
I hope you do post some more about Turkey. It’s been great to read it.
I wanted to ask you about dress in Turkey. I have been reading that men need to wear dinner jackets at the hotels and resorts and women must wear slacks or skirts and that most people in Turkey are very dressed up all the time. Did you find this to be the case? I want to make sure I pack properly! Cheers!
Hi, where are you going exactly? Turkey especially along the coast is very casual. I didn’t see any men wearing jackets ever and we stayed 2 great boutique hotels. It’s hot during the day and you want to be cool and comfortable. At night it cools nicely. We were in our bathing suits all day and I like to wear either a sun dress at night, skirt, bermuda type shorts or capri type pants and a nice tshirt or camisole type top (bring a sweater). My husband wore jeans, shorts and tshirts and he likes to wear linen shirts at night but very casual. Don’t overpack!! (easy for me to say)
If you’re going to be in Istanbul that’s a little different because it is a huge city and if you’re going to visit the Blue Mosque you’ll need to wear pants. If you’re eating in 5 star restaurants perhaps dressing a little is recommended, otherwise casual all the way!
You’ll love it.
I’m glad you’re reading my blog! We’re off to Mexico in two weeks. I know that what I have to say about Boston doesn’t probably interest you but please stay tuned. I’ll have some great stories from Mexico City Zihuatanejo