Turkey - Mediterranean coast

We thought we'd kick off our time in Turkey with a nice and easy region - the Mediterranean coast (also known as the Turquoise Coast and it didn't take us long to figure out why). But, with fine sandy beaches, picturesque ruins, gorgeous blue ocean and sleepy fishing villages with delicious food and friendly people, we thought we'd better give ourselves at least one challenge and signed up for.... wait for it.... a YOUTH HOSTEL!!!! With fear and trepidation we entered the place, expecting it to be attacked by a swarm of bed bugs and loud drunken Aussies as we walked through the front door, and were pleasantly to find a funky, fun place with clean loos and really helpful staff. In fact, we ended up going on a boat trip with some of the locals who ran the place and had an awesome time (Rory became like a kid in a candy shop with the high diving board and water slide on the ship).





Our other highlight (which we also found with the help of local knowledge - we're beginning to see the up-side to the youth hostel thing) was a non-touristy dinner phenomenon known as the fish market. The deal is that little restaurants are scattered all around the fish market, so you buy your fresh fish and take it straight to one of the restaurants, who will cook it just how you like it and put salad and bread on the side, all for £2! Now that's taking BYO to a whole new level.