Yesilkent

Yesilkent is a hidden gem on the Aegean Coast of Turkey. Correction, it WAS a hidden gem. It was not often mentioned in tourist guides and the only way to find out about it was browsing through forums and blogs. It was a quiet resort with a couple of beaches and restaurants. All that changed however with the opening in May of the Venosa Beach Resort.
This hotel towers above everything else in the area and certainly has a domineering presence.   It operates on an all-inclusive basis and promises to give its guests the latest in modern luxury and convenience. There are 306 rooms and a wide range of facilities including a disco. The hotel has changed the face of Yesilkent forever
Previously Yesilkent was occupied by some expats who opted for the quiet life and some locals who had holiday homes in the area. I now predict a few bars, restaurants and shops opening in the area as they attempt to gain some business from the hotel.

Why do I love Yesilkent?
During the summer, I often drive to Blue restaurant in Yesilkent, enjoy a Turkish breakfast and then take a walk along the beach. At the end of this, I feel relaxed and rejuvenated. It is hard to explain in words however the area has that “feel good “factor to it. It has escaped the tacky tourist attractions that often blight the reputation of other resorts, yet it has a knack of making foreigners feel like they are at home. Expats buying houses there have been attracted by the tree lined paved roads and the friendly neighbors that shout hello to each other.
Call me grumpy but on this occasion I resent the change. The  Venosa hotel will probably alter the vibes and atmosphere of the area. It has certainly changed the face of Yesilkent forever. I like to think that I can embrace change when it comes my way but when it comes to Yesilkent, I feel my secret get-away-spot has disappeared forever and because of that I am sad.

Turkey Elections – Will It Affect Your Traveling Plans?

A comment about traveling during the Turkish elections was left on another one of my posts by a reader and I thought it would be good to answer the comment here as quite a few people have asked me the same question. The question was
Me and my husband are intending to visit Turkey for 10 days next month (11 to 20 June ’11) but we heard that the General Elections will be held on 15 Jun. We are worried about the safety during this period of time (eg. anti-government activity, riots, etc). Can you please advise us on the current situation? Will shops and business be closed during the general elections?
The general elections in Turkey are due to happen on the 12^th of June and whether it will affect your travel plans  purely depends on where you plan to go.
If you visit any of the traditional holiday resorts such as Bodrum, Cappadocia or Didim,  you will not see a lot of difference in daily life. Leading up to the day of the Turkish elections, vans with loud speakers will be going around the streets playing horrendous music and shouting at the top of their voice on loud speakers. The occupants of these vans are just the candidates and their supporters trying to drum up last minute support.
In the evening time at the local headquarters of each party, you may notice men gathering. It is just a meeting of supporters who like to get actively involved in politics but also enjoy a good gossip at the same time. Local branches of each party will also be going around the streets and speaking to locals but when they realize that you are not Turkish and are of no good to them, they will not approach you.

If you are in any of the big cities like Istanbul, Izmir or the capital of Ankara then you may come across gatherings of hundreds of people. These are very organized with controlled police presence and the topic will purely be dependent on which candidates are holding the rally.
Of course, if the candidate is not part of the current ruling party, then you will find criticism of the government but I would not take this as anti-government riots.  If there is going to be any anti-government rioting, then my guess is that it would be in cities more towards the East of Turkey rather than the popular holiday resorts frequented by foreigners.
Depending on your holiday location, it would be quite possible for your whole day to pass without you even knowing that there is an election being held. The shops, bars and restaurants will stay open and bus services  will carry on like normal. The only rule that has applied in past years is that no alcohol is allowed to be served however some restaurants get around this by serving tourists alcohol in tea cups!
My only word of warning is never discuss politics with a Turk.  If you do make sure you have a comfy seat and lots of refreshments as the discussions will go on until the early hours of the morning!

Animals Of Turkey -Photo Essay

Over the winter just gone, I have been scrambling around the countryside taking pictures of everything and anything including the animals of Turkey.My friends are quite used to me and while the locals raise their eyebrows in amazement, they will  just claim they don’t know that crazy English women that can take up to 400 pictures a day just to get the one picture that makes her happy. Thank god for digital cameras because if we were still in the old days of Kodak film, this would be costing me a fortune.
Anyway, this photo essay is dedicated to all the animals that have had the misfortunate of having my zoom lens shoved in their face at the most unexpected moments.  I make a point of carrying a camera with me wherever I go, whether it is my normal point and shoot or my Fuji FinePix with a better zoom feature. Sometimes you can grab a photo when you least expect the opportunity to arise while other photos I have specifically gone looking for.
Thank you as well to all the photo blogs and forums that I have been following as I have picked up quite a few tips and I hope that readers can see that in the following photographs. If you are a keen photographer yourself, and know any useful hints and tips  about taking pictures of animals, then I would love to hear from you in the comment box.
1 – A pigeon I think!  Taken at a lakeside restaurant on the edge of Bafa lake

2 – Call me crazy but I think this cat enjoyed posing for the camera. Taken in Yalikavak

3 -This poor duck was trying to get an afternoon siesta. Took in the village of Herakleia.

4 -Keeping dogs as pets is quite unusual in Turkey. This lucky dog has the life of Riley

5 – This poor tortoise just wanted to be left alone.
6 – This rooster actually scared the hell out of me!

7 – Taken at Didyma Horse Safari

8 – Something actually went wrong in this picture. If not, there are super-size camels wandering around Turkey

adora

Separate each ADORA'da Season One Fine ...
Adora Resort Hotel, renovated in 2009, has been established on an area of ​​116,000 square 300 mt. has a long private sandy beach.
Adora Resort Hotel, Belek Tourism Center, Kadriye town 5, Serik 12, 39 and Antalya Airport, 29 kilometers away from Antalya City Center. In addition, the golf center of Belek, Turkey's most beautiful 5 about 1 km from the golf club. away.
2 separate hotel building you find in the two-storey blocks consisting of 260 hotel rooms and garden total of 500 rooms including 240 Club rooms, 10 family rooms and 7 suites, as well as provide you with comfort.
Adora Resort Hotel offers a distinct pleasure in all seasons, outdoor swimming pools, 4 kilometers long water slide aquapark and fine sandy beach of Belek Beach is your own private beach for sunbathing and relax as you wish during the summer vacation offers. However, during the summer months, as well as the main restaurant of, 4 A la carte restaurant, Cappadocia restaurant, Snack restaurant, an observation tent, beach bar, pool bar, lobby bar, Caretta bars and food and beverage service is given to all kinds of Turkish coffee, evening entertainment Amplifier for drama and diskomuz hizmetimizdedir.
Excellent environment for 12 months, Indoor Swimming Pool, Spa Centre, Sauna, Jacuzzi, steam bath and Turkish Bath, as well as with a variety of massages Rejuvenate your body will feel refreshed.
Adora Resort Hotel, next to all the meetings and convention holiday resort for organizations with 12 meeting rooms of different sizes with the serve.
Great sports organizations who signed the Adora Resort Hotel, 4 tennis courts, soccer field and 7 camps and tournaments with all kinds of offers.
For many years, our family is part of the team, experience, and to provide service with a smiling face waiting for you in our hotel. Adora Resort Hotel, 500 rooms offers all the comfort and convenience. Hotel is located in building 260 hotel rooms, mini bar, satellite - tv, central air conditioning (heating - cooling), electronic safe, direct dial telephone and a bath tub, toilet, hair dryer. Garden consists of 10 blocks located within the 240 club rooms on 2 floors you will find the same comfort. Club rooms are bathrooms with shower, WC and hair dryer are also available.

ADANA SEYHAN HOTEL

Hotel Seyhan Adana, not only for stays comfortable, all types of organizations invited to the meeting and serving.
Ranging from 10-700 person meeting and ballroom designed multi-purpose halls, which has the distinction of being the ideal venue and offers a five-star Hotel Seyhan Adana.
Hotel Seyhan Adana, 110 standard, 27 Junior Suites, 3 Suites total of 140 rooms. In addition, non-smoking, private rooms and private rooms are available for the disabled.
ROOM FACILITIES
All rooms have private bathroom (with bathtub and shower)
Cable television
Hair dryer
Free DVD film
Direct dial telephone
Electronic door lock system
Central air conditioning (hot-cold)
Cases
Minibar Smoke detectors and sprinklers
Music Stream
When you enter through the door, the only policy for us to feel that a healthy life and thought of everything in the name of convenience with an environment will be welcomed ....
Expert staff;
To be applied to Turkey for the first time in physical fitness profile (PFP) We take each point in the name of the body profile by the measurement of health ...
DRESSING ROOMS
SPORTS HALL
CLASS STUDIO
STEAM ROOMS
SAUNAS
SOLARIUM
MASSAGE ROOMS
REST ROOMS
INDOOR POOL
JACUZZI
RECREATION AREA
VITAMIN BAR
Culture-specific unique grill with 5-star standards Adana Seyhan Ocakbasi 7 days a week 18:00 - 24:00 hours serving the guests.
03:00 to 10:00 between the hours of the day for a good start with a rich breakfast buffet restaurant serving Pina, 12:00 to 14:30, lunch between the hours of your time by presenting examples of outstanding cuisine TURK into pleasure

MARDAN PALAS - ANTALYA

Mediterranean "in the stunning landscape of the Turkish hospitality, offering the passion and dedication, the Mediterranean," the most luxurious hotel in Mardan Palace in Antalya, the most luxurious experience in the past with the brand offers a charming elegance.
This is followed by the hotel's advertising and promos constantly, waiting impatiently to end Day. Finally, we will enter the facility features and service dates announced. Will be inaugurated on June 1, 2009. Meet this great masterpiece, even the words are inadequate to explain.
Location Information
Mardan Palace Kundu Mevkii Lara Antalya city center at the Beach is located 15 km from the airport 20 Km.
Room features
Premium rooms and 16 deluxe rooms, 62 Superior Room 271 Dolmabahce, 38 Grand Hammam Room (with private Turkish baths) 41 Junior Suites, 38 Junior Suites, 4 Presidential Suites, 3 Grand Studio Suites 2 Royal Suites, 44 Garden Suites, All Rooms advanced interactive multi-media system, flat s screen screen TV and wireless internet access (with all public areas), like equipped with the latest technology products.
SPA & FITNESS SERVICES
Spa & Fitness Center, designed by world-renowned KLAFS was established on an area of ​​7,500 sqm. The center features the latest trends in the sector, to be established for the first time in Turkey, private sauna and steam rooms are available. Guests from the soul, body and body therapies for health services be made available in the center are listed below:
Steam, Aromatherapy, Turkish Steam Bath, Salt Steam Bath
Saunas and Baths which have different characteristics
Several different features and special showers
Thalasso Therapy and Thalasso Pool
Hydrotherapy (Water Therapy)
Indoor pool and children's pool
Indoor swimming pool recreation area and pool bar
Relief units are designed with varying characteristics
Extensive, impressive types of massage
Beauty and body care center
Maintenance in the field of preparation of the massage rooms and a mud bath
Medical treatment and care center
Snow Paradise, sauna treatments, especially the private rooms designed for guests
Private family bath
Vitamin Bar, Health Bar
Indoor pool area with a direct view of judges and the latest technology tools equipped Health Club
Within the private health and champagne bar, a sauna, rest and relaxation area, steam room and Jacuzzi suites in the VIP treatment and care
FOOD & BEVERAGE FACILITIES
Carefully selected and different international qualifications Bar and Restaurant serves the following themes; Food Units Main Restaurant (Breakfast Room)''Indoor and outdoor seating area with a seating capacity of 604''Bosphorus International Kitchen Sunday Brunch Arbat Russian Restaurant'''' Stylish seating capacity of 106, with decent service and a rich classic flavors of traditional indoor and outdoor seating area Mutfağı'na Russian vodka and caviar service,''the French Cote D'Azur Restaurant seating capacity of 44''classic French Cuisine Outdoor seating area with quality service 'eating' the art of''Sports''Turkish Restaurant seating capacity of 88 indoor and outdoor seating area classical Turkish and Ottoman Palace Cuisine Vegetarian Restaurant with spectacular view at the Haydarpasa''Vegetarian''Indoor and outdoor seating area with a seating capacity of 88 Mardan Palace Antalya SPA center with the most delicious vegetable dishes specific service or common meal program
Denizürünleri Restaurant''Aquamarine''a seating capacity of 264 with an impressive and amazing special theme with a view of 5 different aquarium, Mardan Palace of seafood special 'brand' Kitchen Mediterranean Restaurant La Cucina''284''service indoor and outdoor seating capacity all day long Classic Italian Cuisine Open show kitchen and living area during the service''of Tai Baan Thai Restaurant seating capacity of 48''Classic Thai Cuisine delicacies prepared by local cooks traditional decoration Oishii Japanese Restaurant''94''Indoor and outdoor seating area with a seating capacity of Traditional Japanese Cuisine Traditional decoration desk Tepanyaki Brasserie La Brasserie''''Indoor and outdoor seating area with a seating capacity of 106 French and American cuisine, light meals all day long service selected Lobby Lounge seating capacity of 374 indoor and outdoor seating area Breakfast served all day long and rich menu prepared for the traditional tea-time
Mardan Palace in Antalya Drink Units Onyx Bar exotic scenery and special 'brand' themselves şımarttığı sweet and a pleasant place for guests with variety of cakes. American Bar Girl in the Tower in the top division and offering stunning views with an impressive venue with exceptional nature. Outdoor and indoor seating area with a two-story bar, especially with traditional cocktails, caviar and champagne is served. Classic Jazz Bar Jazz Bar drinks are served mainly to its guests with live music, giving a memorable experience. Scorpion Scorpion Lounge on the last leg of the scaffold in space, mainly in the light and refreshing drinks that are served. Mardan Palace with its unique Mediterranean waves with a special cocktails, branded experience, lived a dream. Jungle Club is specially designed and decorated the club opened a new epoch in the entertainment industry. DJ guests savor a special election with the world's most famous drinks. However, with the creator of a special cocktail of Marian Palace establish new brands. Vitamin Bar offering spa services in the area at the bar, guests, and the different aromas of fresh fruit juices obtained discover new tastes. In particular, after the maintenance of a tight relaxation is possible, but bringing back the energy lost. Shark's Cafe is designed as a large pool and separate swimming, diving and swimming away from the fatigue of training is given a special day in space, guests are served light refreshments bar. In particular, traditional teas and iced coffee flavors and highlights.
Venue of the guests are mainly gathered in venues that offer bar service all day long bars, snacks and light food and drinks menus are composed of.
Pool and Beach Bar - Large Pool
Indoor Pool Bar - SPA
Bowling Bar - Game room
Wine Cellar
Mardan Palace building, which was established in the darkest corner of the cellar, the world is prepared to offer guests the unique flavors. The Cellar, the world famous flavor of each brand and has a large collection of flavors to the rare earth is rarely encountered.
BANQUET OPTIONS
With a capacity of 1200 people, the columns can be separated into 3 parts and ballroom daraltılmamış
With a capacity of 800 people, a ballroom can be separated into columns and 2 daraltılmamış
17 units, equipped with advanced technology products, with 50 meeting rooms designed for 150 people of different options
Cinema hall
GRAND BAZAAR AREA
In this area, guests are offered each other famous world brands. Amplifier-THEATRE wonders of space technology, especially the live performances of internationally renowned artists and groups designed to meet the famous.
CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS
In general, 0-4, 4-12 and 13-17 years for each age group between the children and young people and experts on a specially prepared by the programs listed below:
Between 10:00-24:00 hours, including breaks and meal service is given as
Meal break times will be another program
Specially designed for young age groups, games and sleeping rooms
Mini Club for the smaller age groups within the private care
Advanced age per hour for the different entertainment programs for children and young groups
MAGNIFICENT WATER ADVENTURES
Seven different waterfalls pouring into the pool from a height, an impressive entrance to welcome guests to Mardan Palace in Antalya offers. Which is one of the largest repositories of the world (16,000 sqm) around the pool, made of gold on the historical periods to guests of the Sultan Gondol'u yaşatacaktır enjoyable moments. This incredible section of the pool near the beach in the lagoon area, the water show with music in spectacular laser show is presented by integrating. Private aquarium, and theme restaurants around the central part of the pool was full. The visual richness of the aquarium can be monitored by both the restaurant and the pool. The guests themselves, if they feel like floating in the ocean with sharks and other creatures will spend a fun time. 350,000 gallons of specially designed and crafted in the form of rocky 'hood only private swimming pool and pool area there are 2,500 different species of fish. This is the pool, guests will have the chance to swim with the supervision of experts of different fish. 900m ² wide, 1.4m deep and 2.8m-deep cavities with 3 pieces of the plunge pool as well as professional training of experts, led to the offer.
There are four different types of aquarium fish of 5000
SPORTS ACTIVITIES
Tennis courts (2 pieces)
Beach volley
Table tennis
Badminton
Bowling
Snooker
Squash (1 each)
Jack Nicklaus signature designed golf and the Golf Course will go into service in the near future, 72 PAR will feature its own lane in the world ranking in the top-ranked brand in Mardan Palace in Antalya will be common.
The project is complete, our guests with a specially crafted golf programs will be offered various alternatives.
The hotel pool area with 24,000 square meters, currently the world's largest 2 Clear the pool. 24 kilos and 500 kilos of gold used in the architecture of the Crystal stone