All the trees have tinnitus
Kalkan day 2

We decided the night before not to stay up to watch the Mexico v England game, as it wasn't going to kick-off until 03:00 in Türkiye. This was a great decision as the rain in Mexico delayed kick-off until 04:00 our time. When I awoke at 07:15 I put on the stream of the match on BBC iPlayer, the length of the stream meant that I knew that the game did not go to extra time so there was a win at full-time, but that was the only give away. Watching the stream meant that I was also able to skip to the beginning of the game, skip the advert breaks (aka Hydration Breaks) and half-time. It was an excellent game and well worth watching with no spoilers.

Once the game had finished we went and had breakfast at our hotel. We were brought a platter for fruit, nuts, meats, cheeses, olives and a basket of breads. Then we were asked what types of eggs we would like, I had a mixed omelette which was very nice but could have done with some seasoning.

Mimossa Cafe

When we had finished our breakfast we decided to go for a walk, before it go too hot for the day. Before we arrived I had found a coffee place, with good reviews, called Mimossa Cafe.

It was at the top of the hill above Kalkan, Google maps said it was a 42 minute walk. I knew that due to the temperature, hills and the fact we were on holiday it was going to take way longer than that. Taking it nice and gentle and pausing for shade at every tree it took us about 1 hour 30 minutes to get there. On the way the view of Kalkan Bay just got. more and more stunning the higher we climbed.

As we walked up the hill, every tree and bush was full of Cicadas, but we could not see them. But we could definitely hear them, it was like all the trees have tinnitus.

Towards the top we came across a Bağlama workshop and shop, a Bağlama, commonly called a saz, is a traditional stringed folk instrument similar to a lute.

When we finally got to the top and the Mimossa Cafe it was an absolute delight. They had exactly what I need an affogato. The coffee was brilliant and the views from the terrace were stunning.

On the way back down the hill we went back on alternate way. Part of the way down we encountered an inflatable chicken waving and trying to entice drivers into the chicken shop. It had enticed us as we had gone too far down the hill and had to then walk back up it for a 100m.

We came the alternative way so that we could see the infamous Dog Bridge of Kalkan, Alas when we got there the Dog Bridge was Dogless, this could have been because it was midday and the temperature was too hot for normal dog and only Mad Dogs and Englishmen would go out in the midday sun.

Paws-itively excellent, 10/10 would recommend

Friends

Today was the day that, most of, our friends were arriving in Kalkan, so through out the day the messenger group was pinging with messages of people getting drinks in hotel bars. We were waiting in the hotel bar when the first to arrive came, they were staying in our hotel.

We decided that we'd eat in the restaurant on the roof of our hotel. The food, company and views were excellent.

Susan had to go and have a meeting, 😢.

BackyardNo10

My friend had found a bar that sold Craft Beers, called BackyardNo10. So we headed there. On the way we saw an Hedgehog chasing 2 cats.

It was a little difficult to find as it was down an alley and not exactly where it says on google maps. But this was a great thing as it was off the main drag and quite secluded and quiet.

The drinks and the staff were brilliant and while we were there another friend arrived in Kalkan and came to join us.

About midnight we left and headed back to our hotels, the others went back to their hotel bar awaiting the arrival of the final group. I went back to my hotel to find Susan after her meeting and have a night cap.

While we were in the bar, a rather drunken lady came and asked for more drinks, they probably shouldn't have. Once they'd got them they took them back to their room and on the stairs slipped, smashed the glasses and cut her hand open. The staff offered to help and dress the cuts but to no avail.