Turkish Delights

As my daughter started Montessori School last year and BIG school in September it means we now must go away during 'official' school holidays so off we went to Kusadasi in Turkey for Easter Week.

I do admit I was a little nervous about my return trip to Turkey as it has been 15 years since I was there last but it certainly has come up in the world. We stayed at the 4 Star Sea Pearl Hotel only 10 minutes on the Dolmus from the infamous Centrum and Bar Street area and only a 10 minute walk from Ladies Beach. The hotel was fantastic. Its totally family orientated with entertainment EVERY night, friendly staff and an excellent restaurant. My daughter had a ball and for the first time I really understood why some families must have a Kids Club. The Sea Urchins club operated every day from 10am until 12pm and from 2.30pm until 4.30pm with the supervisors on hand at night also whilst the entertainment was on keeping a watchful eye and encouraging the children (and adults) to get involved.

The first couple of days we just enjoyed the sunshine and the pool and on Tuesday headed off to the Greek Island of Samos for the day. Approx 2 hours by ferry over to the very quaint and quiet island with lots of lovely restaurants and shops along its old cobbled streets. Probably best to do as a couple rather than for a family as it was a long day with a little one.

Wednesday we took turns to use the Health Spa - fantastic value and a real treat midweek. Turkish Hamman Bath is a MUST do, especially early in the week to get rid of all that dead skin for a great tan. Thursday was torrential rain and thunder and the hotel provided a big screen and movies for both children and the adults which was a nice touch.Then on Friday after our last few hours by the pool we went on a short excursion to the House of Our Virgin Lady near Ephesus, which was very nice and stopped on the return to buy a few Turkish souvenirs.

I found the Turkish people as friendly and inventive as always - the latest selling tactic is telling every passer by that "Kathryn Thomas from No Frontiers did this excursion". Quite funny really!!!! All in all we enjoyed our week in the Sea Pearl and think I will be back again.

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