In the first part of August, we were back from 15 wonderful days in the small town of Side on the south coast of Turkey. It is located between Antalya and Alanya, and it is part of the bigger city Manavgat. We spent the same amount of days there also last year. Rune was also there alone back in 2008.
Having been there before and having done some sightseeing then, this year we had no other intention but to enjoy the hot and sunny weather and relax.
Why Turkey?
So, why then Turkey? The main reason is the climate. It is sunny and no rain. And it is hot. Sharon would be satisfied with temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius or maybe up to around 35 degrees. Rune, on the other hand, is most satisfied when the temperature exceeds 35 and preferably lies around 40 degrees Celsius and even above. And that we get in Turkey. Sharon spends most of the time in the shadow and she also prefers some breeze. Rune spends most of the time in the sun and does not mind absence of breeze. He even goes for walks during mid day when the temperature is at its highest.
The highest temperature during this year's stay was 48 degrees Celsius. At least, that was what we registered. And of course, at that time Rune was going for a 30-45 minutes walk!! Only after observing and being with Rune in Turkey, Sharon has really come to an understanding how much Rune loves that climate. You may be among those who have heard Rune express his love for sunny and hot weather, but only if you were actually there together with him you would really understand...!
What we also have discovered in Turkey is their great food. Turkish buffet at our hotel was good. So was the food we had at some restaurants in Side. But the greatest food experience was when having lunch at a small and local restaurant in Manavgat.
Why Side?
Side was kind of a coincident when Rune first went on vacation there back in 2008. A rainy start of his vacation in Norway and a forecast of more rain made him go to a travel agency. He wanted to go to a warm place and he did not want to pay extra just because he was travelling alone. Some of you may not be aware of it, but when travelling the per person price is usually lower when you do not travel alone. Therefore, this was one of his requirements. After a few minutes, he came out of the travel agency with a two weeks ticket to Side in Turkey.
When going on vacation to relax in a warm climate, it is nice to stay in a smaller city. Checking in to a hotel 10 km outside the small town of Side therefore was ideal. Beautiful beach, pleasant hotel and a nice and cosy old town at the habour became a good surprise. The security level is also quite high. There are several nice restaurants, for example Ocakbasi. Here, you do not just get very good food but also a very hospitable treatment.
So, Side is a good choice for us - and it might very well also be a good choice for you.
Why the same hotel?
You may understand why we go back to Turkey and why we go back to Side. But why the same hotel? Well, if you go on vacation mainly to enjoy the climate and relax, it is nice to arrive in a place where you know the place and where you feel comfortable.
Sunwing Resort Side West is a place where we can relax. We stay in an apartment with a bedroom, a bathroom, a living room and kitchen. And a balcony. We can fix food ourselves or we can eat out. The food at the hotel food shop is expensive, but there is a cheaper food store in Manavgat where we can get food for our stay.
Every hotel has its own beach restaurant. The beach restaurant and the people working there is also a reason why we stay at the same hotel. They are service minded, hospitable and friendly.
Sahin and Rune
Yasemin and Sharon
And we were treated like VIPs....! On four different occasions, we got a free fruit plate, arranged by the cook Arif. Just take a look at this master piece:
We thank you Turkey, Side and the guys at Sunwing for a great summer vacation!
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