Mitilíni, Lesbos - Ayvalik, Turkey (Into Asia)

Pyxis
Karen & Richard
Tue 7 Jun 2011 22:58

Tuesday 7th June – Mitilíni, LesbosAyvalik, Turkey (Into Asia)

39:18.794N 26:41.167E

 

Today the forecast was for the northerly winds to quieten (much quicker than anticipated, now in the next day or two) and so we decided to make a move and position ourselves ready to take advantage of it.  Richard went off to the Port Police to clear us out of Greece and pay our harbour dues whilst I prepared Pyxis for departure.  Richard was gone so long that I said to our neighbours that I thought he must have been arrested – but all was fine, he had simply had to visit several offices to clear us out of Greece i.e. Customs and Immigration as well as Port Police.

 

We set off mid morning and took the short run across to Ayvalik, a port of entry on the Turkish mainland, changing our Greek courtesy flag for the Turkish one, together with the Q flag, half way across.  Ayvalik is set inside a number of islands which create a ‘lake’ area; it is well sheltered and has a number of anchorages which look rather nice. 

 

We had read that, on arriving in Turkey, it was now mandatory to have an agent to clear you in and do the paperwork.  The entry process involves visiting the Harbour Master, Customs, Immigration and Health officials with the appropriate paperwork.  As this work could be done by the marina at Ayvalik, we chose to go to there for the night.

 

We were very impressed with the marina and its service.  Firstly, the marinaro came out and met us in a rib and escorted us in and I was allowed to reject the first space offered to me as I thought it a bit tight for getting in; we were then offered a great berth on the end of a pontoon with a nice sunset view.

 

When Richard went to check-in he was asked to give them a while as they were busy at the time so, after checking that they could help clear us in, we had lunch and went back around 3.30pm, checking out the facilities on the way – they looked good.  When we went back the receptionist asked if we could wait until the morning to complete clearing-in as the Harbour Master’s office would be shutting at 5pm which meant they might not be able to get everything finished today. 

 

The manager, who spoke excellent English, came to explain that they were short staffed today and to check whether the morning would be OK.  We were able to explain that there was a short weather window coming up for going north and that, if at all possible, we would like to be in a position to get off early in the morning for the trip north if the evening weather forecast allowed.  He was very understanding and they worked miracles and got the whole lot done in 2 hours, including taking us to the Immigration authorities in the car to get our passports stamped (which for us had the benefit of a tour of the town as the chap from the marina drove all over town to the other offices to get our papers stamped on the way).  Having travelled to the different offices with the marina chap we are pleased we had help – it would have taken us a long time.  The marina is very expensive but I guess this is an example of getting what you pay for.

 

In the evening we went for a walk into town and purchased a Turkish SIM card for data so that we have internet access.  This was not easy as we are struggling with the language but we were really fortunate that there was an ‘older’ gentleman in the shop buying a data package too and he spoke perfect English; he was able to translate our request to the young lady and he managed to get us started on registering before he went on his way.  We are finding people here very friendly and helpful.

 

By the time all this was completed it was quite late and we were very tired but satisfied that we had done what we needed to for entry into Turkey – and Richard had repetitive strain injury from signing lots and lots of forms!

 

So tonight we are settled in Asia; a new continent to explore.

 

Ayvalik, Turkey

© Pyxis 2011