Started off the day with an interesting breakfast of olives, eggs and some unidentifiable pink meat slices. Despite Clare’s cautionary warning I still managed to accidentally order some very strong, gritty and bitter Turkish coffee. It all helped to remind us that we were somewhere very far from home! It did feel a little odd having the entire hotel staff ready to help open doors, pour coffee or answer any questions. The hotel was five stories high and we were long only guests, so I guess they all needed something to do!

Out on the road there was plenty to see as we travelled to the south west peninsula of the province of Murgla. Seeing things like a ‘gun market’ stall, passing mosques rather than churches were all fun to spot while concentrating on the road. It’s refreshingly different here. There are plug sockets in the bathrooms and salty cereals in the shops.

As at home, prices have certainly increased since our last visit, but the best upgrade here is that the road from Dalaman to Datça is now fully tarmaced. Two years ago when we first came here to climb, the road surface ended about 30km from the town and we had to bump and bounce slowly and dustily all the way here! On arrival, it was overcast but nice and warm. I was feeling very tired and a little achy, but Clare got straight in for a temperature check!

To stretch our legs and move our bodies after the three hour drive, we walked along the promenade by the sea front admiring the view and different types of plants and flowers.

It’s not often we return to the same place a few years on, but not only have we made a second visit within two years, we’re even staying in the same street! We have a little garden apartment this time.

We welcomed our arrival and the success and completion of the book launch with a cold beer and an early night!