Fethiye 1: Days In and Around: Swimming

  Fethiye, Turkish Aegean Coast, Turkey
Sunday, June 7, 2009

I spent several days in and around Fethiye, being hosted in his apartment by a fellow whose acquaintance I made after he contacted me through a web-based travelers' social network. The gentleman was a former London antiquinarian. (I can't check that word in the web dictionary, but the man was a used book seller.) We both were of a similar age, and both very much taken with books. He, of course, was a hell of a lot more experienced and knowledgeable than I.

David hosted me in his apartment, which was smack in the hub of Fethiye, and had a dream view over the central harbor area. These were the fanciest digs I enjoyed in Turkey.










To the west from Dave's is a peninsula (Karagözler (Blackeyes) on the map). And at its mainland base--just to the left of the center of this picture--is a boat yard, where crafts of various sizes are built and maintenanced. Unique was this pirate-looking vessel, destined, I learned, to be a floating disco. Yes, Fethiye is an expat magnet (lots of Brits), and general party place.











To find my first swimming spot I walked around the perimeter of the peninsula, enjoying the scenery as I went.







Finally I spotted this little beach strip and ultimately was able to clamber down to it. Where I swam peacefully until near sunset.