Photo Diary: Altinkum, Turkey

I've been on girly holidays and raving holidays and holiday with my partner but for some reason this felt like my first holiday as an ADULT. How odd. It might be down to the mature and diplomatic way we handled each day or the relatively off the beaten track place we stayed, I'm not sure but it was nice!

I went away with two girlfriends Kirsty, who I've been friends with since college and Louise who I met at university. We stayed in a large 4 bedroom apartment with huge balconies for sunbathing on. The area we stayed in had very few English speaking people in so we felt like we were getting an authentic Turkish experience, gesturing for bread in the local bakery with the lovely older gentleman counting out two liras from our sweaty palms.

We eventually ventured into the town, catching the local dolmus (bus) by standing on the dusty roadside and waving our arms when the bus beeped at you. Most mornings we ate fresh fruit and yoghurt and tea (I never travel without teabags!) before going sightseeing or shopping...but mostly we sunbathed on our balcony, occasionally going down to the pool to cool off.

In the evenings when we went into town there were way too many British tourists and the whole seafront catered to Brits in a way that was understandable but a bit, well, sad. We kept asking for places that served authentic Turkish food and the waiters thought we were mad! We did find one in the end but I've forgotten the name, and a gorgeous restaurant at Didim marina that served amazing seafood and a gorgeous halloumi salad.

We checked out Apollo's Temple for some culture which was really awe inspiring. We bought some fresh pomegranate juice on our walk down from the bus stop to the ruins.

We spent a little bit more money to take a private sunset boat trip with Flying fish Altinkum rather than join one of the huge touristy boats. Best decision!
We felt like we were in a music video as we cruised around, swam in the sea, developed a crush on the silver fox Turkish captain, jumped up and down to Ellie Goulding and Calvin Harris as the sun set and docked thoroughly exhausted. I'd definitely recommend them if you want to escape the crowds.

We also managed to see an incredible Turkish market, selling fruits, vegetables, spices, nuts; things of every shape and colour, it was truly a feast for the eyes.

We did all the usual touristy bits and cheesy bars too of course, and our fave restaturant on the strip was Vista Bar, where my parents had been earlier in the year. They really looked after us there (free shots and dessert. Result!) Ask for Robbie Williams if you end up there; you'll know why when you see him!

I had a lovely stay in Turkey and it kicked September off in a great way because September is always and important month of changes for me. I came back refreshed, rejuventated and fighting for the last quarter of the year!