Izmir to Manchester

Much needed lie in after yesterdays antics. We rose well after the breakfast buffet had finished so had the restaurant to ourselves for brunch. Enjoyed a lounge and dip on the Hilton’s rooftop pool, then spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around the nearby bazzars and streets of Izmir. A busy city still exhibiting that laid back eastern vibe. We rested our legs and enjoyed our last Turkish coffee in the central bazzaar taking in some traditional music munching on Turkish delight. We were particularly impressed with a stall where we picked up a new strap snd buckles to repair my beloved satchel from Nepal. You really can find anything and everything here, and barter for a good price! We then found a lovely restaurant overlooking the sea on Konak pier where we enjoyed some tea (sea bass and schnitzel) and a ginger Tom cat took a liking to us.

Taxi from the hotel at 7.30pm to meet auntie Sheila at the airport ready for our flight home. Taxi came screeching up the street to collect us in reverse, another example of crazy Turkish road antics! I think the hot air balloon was safer ha!
The sky was illuminated pink and orange as we sped down the main coast road. A very brief goodbye to Alan and Lynette in Izmir, observing some strict baggage checking at the gate (we came off unscathed phew). A long journey, collected at Manchester airport by Allen, then climbed into bed at Auntie She’s around 3am UK time.

What a brilliant trip - the perfect balance of relaxation, fun and games, and exploring sights and sounds both ancient and modern. I feel like this won’t be our last trip to Turkey.Read more