Steph and I have just returned from another glorious holiday in Sogut, although this time around we took in the sights of Istanbul too. Sogut was beautiful as ever, and following photos are testament to a blissful holiday.
Wednesday, 12 August 2009
Steph and Tim in Sogut
Steph and I have just returned from another glorious holiday in Sogut, although this time around we took in the sights of Istanbul too. Sogut was beautiful as ever, and following photos are testament to a blissful holiday.
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
2009 update Questions and Answers
We've had many people interested this year but haven't taken any bookings until the high season when we are out there. That's partly because when we went out at Easter we had to undertake more repairs than usual owing to the wet winter and possible damage from earth tremors. Also because however hard we try to describe the village and the setting, guests have so many questions.
So, some FAQs for this year
Q What are the rates for 2009?
A Our booking rates remain the same as last year, elsewhere on the blog. 350 UK pounds pw with various discounts.
Q Is there air conditioning?
A No, but there are ceiling fans in every cottage. When we can power every cottage with solar energy we will consider A/C. Conventional electricity is not as reliable as we are accustomed to, and we try to be as sustainable as we can and keep our power use to a minimum.
Q What about a washing machine and dishwasher?
A Bedding and towels are changed and laundered for you. Water is an issue in this climate and location and we do everything to conserve it.
Q What about TV?
A No - but we have watched world cup football, rugby and the olympics on the restaurant TV, and free wi fi and broadband at the restaurant at the waterfront means we can sit on a boat and download the iplayer and films! As well as email and skype.
Q Mobile phone signal?
A Yes.
Q Are there any shops?
A We recommend stocking up with fresh food basics in Marmaris en route from the airport. In the village there is a shop a few yards down the hill for bread, beer, rice, cheese, tomatoes, sweets, shampoo, frozen chicken, charcoal etc. A limited old fashioned village shop. There is another on the way to the beach. Do not expect Tesco Metro.
Q What about the market?
A On Monday there is a market in the village centre, where there is also a butcher. Its a long hot haul to the centre on foot but for 1YTL you can get the 08.30 bus up, which always passes the cottages. If you buy at Duran's stall - look for his bright red lorry and the village throng at the counter - he will deliver it all to 'Elaine's' at the end of the day. Buy peaches or a chicken kebab for a picnic on the walk back.
Q What about the buses?
A The 06.30 and 08.30 always pass the cottages. They run round the whole village picking everyone up before setting off to Marmaris. The other buses at 09.30 and 11.30 has to be telephoned for.
They go straight to the minibus station in Marmaris and return at 12.00,15.00, 17.00 and 19.30.
If you want to go anywhere other than Marmaris you need to hire a car.
Q Why haven't you got a swimming pool?
A There just isn't enough water, and it's too risky to leave even an empty pool unattended for months on end when no one is at the cottages. The sea is not far away with many places to swim from and a small beach at the restaurant with umbrellas and loungers can be used by everyone.
Q How do I get to the beach.
A We like to be at the cottages to meet you and show you where everything is. If we are not there, you can either take the long way, by road, or turn off the road by the shop and follow any of the paths or tracks between stone walls down through the fields. You can see the sea all the way.
Q Can I change money in the village
A Best to get it in an ATM in Marmaris, but the restaurant has been known to oblige.
Q Are there big biting insects?
A The mosquitos do bite. The best solution is an electric plug in overnight in the bedroom, but repellant on feet and ankles and arms outside at night, or the bands to wear on wrists and ankles are a good idea.
Scorpions - little ones occasionally
Cockroaches - sometimes
Hornets are always present near water or meat and fish scraps. they are not interested in stinging people but they look fearsome.
Never leave food scraps out or a work surface uncleared or everything .will be covered in miniscule ants.
We've had many people interested this year but haven't taken any bookings until the high season when we are out there. That's partly because when we went out at Easter we had to undertake more repairs than usual owing to the wet winter and possible damage from earth tremors. Also because however hard we try to describe the village and the setting, guests have so many questions.
So, some FAQs for this year
Q What are the rates for 2009?
A Our booking rates remain the same as last year, elsewhere on the blog. 350 UK pounds pw with various discounts.
Q Is there air conditioning?
A No, but there are ceiling fans in every cottage. When we can power every cottage with solar energy we will consider A/C. Conventional electricity is not as reliable as we are accustomed to, and we try to be as sustainable as we can and keep our power use to a minimum.
Q What about a washing machine and dishwasher?
A Bedding and towels are changed and laundered for you. Water is an issue in this climate and location and we do everything to conserve it.
Q What about TV?
A No - but we have watched world cup football, rugby and the olympics on the restaurant TV, and free wi fi and broadband at the restaurant at the waterfront means we can sit on a boat and download the iplayer and films! As well as email and skype.
Q Mobile phone signal?
A Yes.
Q Are there any shops?
A We recommend stocking up with fresh food basics in Marmaris en route from the airport. In the village there is a shop a few yards down the hill for bread, beer, rice, cheese, tomatoes, sweets, shampoo, frozen chicken, charcoal etc. A limited old fashioned village shop. There is another on the way to the beach. Do not expect Tesco Metro.
Q What about the market?
A On Monday there is a market in the village centre, where there is also a butcher. Its a long hot haul to the centre on foot but for 1YTL you can get the 08.30 bus up, which always passes the cottages. If you buy at Duran's stall - look for his bright red lorry and the village throng at the counter - he will deliver it all to 'Elaine's' at the end of the day. Buy peaches or a chicken kebab for a picnic on the walk back.
Q What about the buses?
A The 06.30 and 08.30 always pass the cottages. They run round the whole village picking everyone up before setting off to Marmaris. The other buses at 09.30 and 11.30 has to be telephoned for.
They go straight to the minibus station in Marmaris and return at 12.00,15.00, 17.00 and 19.30.
If you want to go anywhere other than Marmaris you need to hire a car.
Q Why haven't you got a swimming pool?
A There just isn't enough water, and it's too risky to leave even an empty pool unattended for months on end when no one is at the cottages. The sea is not far away with many places to swim from and a small beach at the restaurant with umbrellas and loungers can be used by everyone.
Q How do I get to the beach.
A We like to be at the cottages to meet you and show you where everything is. If we are not there, you can either take the long way, by road, or turn off the road by the shop and follow any of the paths or tracks between stone walls down through the fields. You can see the sea all the way.
Q Can I change money in the village
A Best to get it in an ATM in Marmaris, but the restaurant has been known to oblige.
Q Are there big biting insects?
A The mosquitos do bite. The best solution is an electric plug in overnight in the bedroom, but repellant on feet and ankles and arms outside at night, or the bands to wear on wrists and ankles are a good idea.
Scorpions - little ones occasionally
Cockroaches - sometimes
Hornets are always present near water or meat and fish scraps. they are not interested in stinging people but they look fearsome.
Never leave food scraps out or a work surface uncleared or everything .will be covered in miniscule ants.
Friday, 5 September 2008
The Sun
This is the sun before mid day. I thought it worth reminding people in Britain what it looks like. Temperatures rose to 48C in Marmaris this year. In Sogut th ebreeze an dthe sea moderated this to perfection.
The spring at 06.45
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Just a few yards from the house the spring water that has supplied us for years in preference to the mains water has become no more than a trickle. With the mountains behind and the sea in front it is worth the early start to watch the sun come over the mountain, and miss the queue for water. Donkeys loaded with water bottles, ladies with three or four 5litre bottles tied in to a 'doluk' on their back form a constant line to the spring throughthe day. Many people are more affluent now, and drive to the springs at the bottom of the village, still gushiing strongly throughout the summer droughts, and fill their cars with bottles for themselves and their neighbours.
Wednesday, 25 June 2008
Shady place to sit by the sea
On scrolling through the photos for the main piece I found this photo of a new place to sit by the beach. In summer it's too hot to sit unshaded on the strip of shore, the rocks, or the square-hewn Hellenic blocks tumbled by ancient earthquakes.
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